Davis Children's Nutcracker

 2025 Cast list by GROUP: Nutcracker 2025 Casting by Group

2025 Cast list by NAME: Nutcracker 2025 Casting by Last Name

2025 The Davis Children's Nutcracker 

6 to 12 years, Veterans Memorial Center 

All children ages 6-12 years old are invited to apply for the 2025 Davis Children's version of the Nutcracker

Live performances are back for the 48th production of the Davis Children's Nutcracker! Join Clara and the Nutcracker Prince on their journey to the Land of Sweets. On their way, they encounter a cast of characters and enjoy amazing performances. Help us bring this story to life and join us for this special Davis tradition.

Details:

Applicants must be 6 years old by November 12, 2025. The cast will be limited to 250 children with certain number of parts allocated to each group. Parents/guardians of children admitted to the cast will receive an information packet with details regarding auditions and a rehearsal calendar. The casting will be done through a lottery registration process. Names are randomly selected by lottery; the application period is 9/3-9/19. Participants select their top three preferred performance groups according to their age. Parents/guardians of children selected to the cast will receive an information packet via email with details regarding a rehearsal calendar, auditions for lead roles and costume requirements. If your child is between the ages of 10-12 years, they will have an opportunity to audition for a lead role. Rehearsals take place at the Veterans Memorial Center.

If there are open spaces after the application period closes, children who were not selected in the first lottery will be placed in a secondary lottery. Roles will be assigned after registration is complete. All cast members must be available for rehearsals Monday-Thursday from November 12- December 9, and for performances Wednesday-Sunday, December 10-14.

Performance Dates:

• Wednesday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 13 at 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 14 at 2:00 p.m.

Performances will take place at the Veterans Memorial Theatre.

Please use the character information sheet to review age groups, cast parts, rehearsal days and times . 2025 Nutcracker Character Group, Days and Times Information Sheet

Please use the costume information sheet to review the costumes pieces for each character group.  2025 Nutcracker Character Costume Information Sheet

Application Process Opens: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Closes: Friday, September 19, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

Once the application process is open, register for the lottery online at www.cityofdavis.org and click on the Recreation Online button. Search for "Nutcracker." Review and select the preferred three performance groups in the appropriate age group. This is an application-based program; random selection occurs once the application period is closed. 

Registration Information:

Once notified, parents/guardians will have until Friday, October 31, at 11:00 p.m. to complete the registration for their Nutcracker participant. The cost to register is $150.

Volunteer Opportunities:

The Davis Children’s Nutcracker would be impossible to produce without the support of staff and volunteers. Those interested in volunteering must complete a City of Davis Volunteer Interest Form at www.cityofdavis.org/volunteer by October 10. Individuals interested in working as Nutcracker Recreation Leaders may apply online through www.governmentjobs.com/careers/davis. Job applications will be accepted until filled.

Online Ticket Sales:

Online public ticket sales will begin on Monday, November 24 at 8:00 a.m. at www.Cur8.com. Ticket sales are limited to a maximum of six tickets per sale, no exceptions. Tickets cost $25.00 per person-per performance, plus online ticket processing fees.

The Davis Children's Nutcracker - Community Traditional Version

A community tradition since 1977, the Davis Children's Nutcracker is a theatre production involving many Davis children and is produced by the City of Davis Parks and Community Services Department.

Based on the story "The Nutcracker and the King of Mice" written by E.T.A. Hoffman. The ballet's first production was on December 17, 1892, at the Maryinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia.
More info on the story and history of the Davis Children's Version of The Nutcracker.

Want to learn more about the history of The Davis Children's Nutcracker?

View pictures, programs, and much more from 40 years of Nutcracker history on the Nutcracker History page.