Davis Children's Nutcracker 

2026 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 49th 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 9, 2026. 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 August 19 through September 11. 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 9- December 5, and for performances Wednesday-Sunday, December 9-13.

Performance Dates:

• Wednesday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 12 at 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 13 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.

Please use the costume information sheet to review the costumes pieces for each character group.  

Application Process Opens: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Closes: Friday, September 11, 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 of selection into the 2026 Nutcracker Cast, parents/guardians will have until Friday, October 23, at 4:00 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 9. 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.

50^th Anniversary of the Davis Children's Nutcracker:

The Davis Children’s Nutcracker will be celebrating it’s 50^th year of production next year! Join us as we celebrate five decades of holiday tradition and talented performers. If you wish to be added to our email list to receive information regarding updates to the 50^th production please email nuctracker@cityofdavis.org with '50^th’ in the subject line. 

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.