Dancers perform in a Tyler Junior College Academy of Dance performance of "Nutcracker." Photo courtesy of Dr. Mark Mazzaré

The Tyler Junior College Academy of Dance will hold auditions Saturday to fill roles in its annual production of the Tchaikovsky ballet “The Nutcracker.” 

“Audition day is always exciting, because it gives us a chance to see the wealth of dancing and acting talent that exists right here in East Texas,” TJC Academy of Dance Director Carolyn Hanna said in a statement released by the college.

More than 100 roles for performers age 6 to adult will be filled, the announcement said. Some roles for adults do not require dance experience. Dancers do not have to be affiliated with Academy of Dance to audition. 

Auditions will take place in the dance studio, Room 125, in the Ornelas Health and Physical Education Center at TJC. 

Audition times are:

• 10-11 a.m.: ages 6-8
• 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: ages 9-11
• 12:30-2:30 p.m.: ages 12 and up
• 3-3:30 p.m.: dancers invited to audition for the role of Clara
• 4-4:30 p.m.: adults and actors interested in the opening party scene

Those auditioning should arrive 30 minutes before their designated time to complete paperwork and warm up, the announcement said.

The roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier traditionally are performed by guest dancers from a major dance company. 

This will mark the 31st year that TJC Academy of Dance has staged “The Nutcracker,” a popular holiday-themed ballet about the adventures of a young woman whose nutcracker gift she receives for Christmas comes to life. Performances often sell out.

The ballet usually is presented in Wise Auditorium at TJC. However, because Wise Auditorium is being renovated, the ballet will take place at Caldwell Auditorium, 300 S. College Ave., Tyler, the announcement said. 

Performances times are set for 7 p.m. Dec. 6, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 2 and 6 p.m Dec. 8.

Information about tickets will be announced later.