Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy
Minnesota’s beloved Nutcracker returns to the State Theatre this December 12–20, 2026.
Inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann's original tale, Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy begins at a holiday party and unfolds through the eyes of young Marie as her enigmatic Godfather Drosselmayer weaves a magical dream adventure through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, performed live by the 44-piece Nutcracker Orchestra, this exquisite production showcases a dazzling cast of local dancers in a spectacular celebration of Twin Cities talent.
Be Part of the Magic.
Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy is particularly beloved for its whimsical and sophisticated roles for young dancers. We’re thrilled to once again open auditions for the 2026 production to all local dance students - new and returning - regardless of school affiliation! Participating dancers have the rare opportunity to train with the Nutcracker artistic team, rehearse alongside professional artists, and perform on the historic State Theatre stage.
This experience is designed to complement and enhance students’ ongoing training at their “home” studios. In 2025, more than 100 dancers from 20+ local schools joined the production, bringing this cherished holiday tradition to life for an audience of thousands.
Click here to learn more about the 2026 Nutcracker commitment. Keep reading below for details on workshops and auditions!
Nutcracker Workshops
Nutcracker Workshop | Mon, Aug 17 - Fri, Aug 21*
Ages 12-18: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages 6-11: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
*Friday of workshop will include Nutcracker audition
Learn Nutcracker choreography from our Artistic Team and special guest instructors who have performed many of the show’s iconic roles - from the Littlest Mouse to the Sugarplum Fairy! Participants will have an opportunity to audition for the 2026 production on the final day of the workshop.
Tuition: $300
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NEW: Pointe Technique for Nutcracker Roles Workshop | Mon, Aug 10 - Thu, Aug 13
Ages 12-18: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m
Elevate your pointe work with this technique-focused workshop! Dancers will learn Nutcracker choreography selected to help develop the strength, precision, and confidence to excel in classical repertoire on pointe.
The workshop is offered for beginning/intermediate and advanced levels with placement determined by an evaluation on the first day. Dancers should have at least one year of pointe training.
*We will not hold an audition at the conclusion of this workshop. Dancers must attend the Nutcracker Workshop week (Aug 17-21) or a separate Sunday audition (Aug 16 or 23) to be considered for the 2026 production.
Tuition: $200
Audition Information
Join the 2026 cast of Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy!
All local student dancers age 6+ with a strong background in classical and contemporary dance are invited to audition for performing and understudy roles, regardless of school affiliation.
Sun, Aug 16 or Sun, Aug 23
Ages 12-18: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ages 6-11: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Auditions will consist of a ballet technique class and choreography. Dancers only need to attend one audition date. Students registered for our Aug 17-21 Nutcracker workshops will have an opportunity to audition at the end of the week and will not need to audition again.