Auditions in Bloomingdale to cast 'Nutcracker' fantasy

BLOOMINGDALE – Auditions are nearing in Bloomingdale for “The Nutcracker,” directed by Linda Cunningham as a collaborative production by the Chicago Ballet Conservatory and Elgin Symphony Orchestra. Professional dancers will be among the featured artists.

The open auditions will be Aug. 4 at the conservatory based at Mohler Dance Academy, 160 S. Bloomingdale Road. The ballet will be performed Dec. 7 and 8 at The Hemmens in Elgin, with live accompaniment of the Tchaikovsky score by the ESO.

Last year, the troupe had to add a third performance, which will be repeated this December, Cunningham said.

“Every year, I like to yank it up a notch,” she said of a fresh twist on “The Nutcracker.”

The theme will be “enchanting,” and she said she is working with a Chicago magic consultant to incorporate magic tricks in the ballet.

The show’s performers will be age 6 through adult, and auditions are open to people of all ages and abilities.

“I absolutely am looking for actors, dancers, gymnasts,” she said. “I’m looking for drill team dancers … for precision movement and jazz dancers. I want to encourage those who think they shouldn’t, wouldn’t or couldn’t, because you never know what I’m looking for. … Come with an open heart and mind and let’s have some fun and let’s play.”

The professional artists will include Elina Miettinen and Sean Stewart, both of American Ballet Theatre; the returning Raoni Xavier of Bolshoi Brazil; and stage and screen actor Roger Hendricks Simon, back in the role of Drosselmeyer, who gives Clara the magic nutcracker. Also dancing will be Violetta Komyshan from New York.

“She has 1.5 million followers on her social media,” Cunningham said. “I have some other surprise guest artists coming in.”

For audition and registration details, visit cbcnutcracker.com or call 630-893-1444.