The River Region Ballet will hold open auditions for its performance of “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, August 24 at the Lafon Performing Arts Center in Luling.

Dancers of all skill levels are welcome to audition. All performers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The audition fee is $15 and dancers should wear appropriate clothing and shoes. You can register for auditions online at riverregionballetinc.org.

In addition to dance roles, River Region Ballet’s Nutcracker also includes theatrical and acrobatic roles.

Heidi Adams, a choreographer of The Nutcracker, said those roles included mime and somersaults.

“We wanted to give more opportunities to non-dancers who also want to participate in the show,” Adams said.

Adams has served as a director for nearly 10 years. She has been involved with the show since 1995, when she first appeared in The Nutcracker.

“I fell in love with performing on stage,” said Adams. “It has become a Christmas tradition and the whole family looks forward to it every year.”

Adams said she worked hard to reimagine several scenes in the production for this year’s performance.

“I’m excited to work with the cast and bring my vision and dream back to the stage,” said Adams. “But most importantly, I’m excited to work with the talented youth and adults and bring magic back to the stage.”

This year marks the 30th season of The Nutcracker at River Region Ballet. River Region Ballet was one of the few groups to perform a Nutcracker in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the group created a video version of the show, and after Hurricane Ida, the group worked with local dance studios to ensure there was still a Nutcracker production, Adams said.

Adams said that for many people, The Nutcracker is much more than just a ballet.

“It’s a place where they are safe and free to be something else for a short time,” she said.

River Region Ballet, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting appreciation for classical dance. It has several sponsors including United Way of St. Charles, St. Charles Women’s Club, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, and Greater New Orleans Foundation.