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NUTCRACKER COMMUNITY CAST Dance alongside Ballet 314’s professional dancers in “The Nutcracker & The World’s Fair”. Auditions are open to youth and adult dancers with any dance experience. There’s a role for everyone! Experience this incredible opportunity to perform this re-imagined holiday classic. Masterclass Auditions Open Auditions Cast Information NEW 2 audition opportunities! This season, there are 2 opportunities to join our community cast! The Nutcracker & the World’s Fair : December 11 -13, 2026 at Edison Theatre Midsummer: June 4-5, 2027 at Touhill Performing Arts Center You can choose to audition for one or both performance opportunities! In both opportunities dancers ages 5-adult will perform alongside our Professional Company and Corps de Ballet 314. Rehearsals are held for both performances on Sundays leading up to the performance dates. Number of rehearsals and host studio vary by casting. MIDSUMMER: We will hold 1 open audition in January ‘27 for Midsummer community cast. Nutcracker Cast members also participating in Midsummer will be asked to attend this placement audition in January ‘27 at no additional cost. Midsummer auditionees will be asked to confirm their participation in by February 5th. Masterclass Auditions Ballet 314’s directors Rachel Bodi & Robert Poe will lead a ballet masterclass, and students can use the class as an audition to join Ballet 314's Nutcracker and Midsummer's community cast. Auditioning is completely optional. (Fees are non-refundable) August 7, 2026 Pointe of Surrender in Florissant Youth 5-8: 3:30-4:15 pm Youth 9-11: 4:20-5:20 pm Youth 12+ : 5:30-6:45 pm August 22, 2026 St. Louis Academy of Dance in Olivette Youth 5-8: 9:30-10:15 am Youth 9-11: 10:20-11:20 am Youth 12+ : 11:30-12:45 pm Registration Open Now! Open Auditions Ballet 314’s directors Rachel Bodi & Robert Poe will lead a ballet placement audition to join our Nutcracker & Midsummer community cast. (Fees are non-refundable) August 29, 2026 Central Studio in Central West End Youth 5-8yrs: 12:30-1:00 pm Youth 9-11yrs: 1:15-2:00 pm Youth 12-18: 2:15-3:00 pm Adults 18+: 3:15-4:00 pm August 30, 2026 Devine Performing Arts in Wildwood Youth 5-8yrs: 12:30-1:00 pm Youth 9-11yrs: 1:15-2:00 pm Youth 12-18: 2:15-3:00 pm Adults 18+: 3:15-4:00 pm Registration Open Now! FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CONTACT US What makes this Nutcracker different? "The Nutcracker & the World’s Fair" is an original Ballet 314 production! You will join Clara and her sisters on an adventure through the unique sights, sounds, and sweets of the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. What is the cost to audition? Open audition fees are $20-$25 Masterclass/Audition fees are $20-$30 You can pay this fee online or bring cash/check made payable to Ballet 314. When is the performance and where? Nutcracker | December 11-13, 2026 | Edison Theatre Midsummer | June 4-5, 2027 | Touhill Performing Arts Center What is Midsummer? Midsummer is our new storyballet and it's a re-imagining of Shakespeare's most popular comedy "A Midsummer's Night's Dream". Our version will take place in a whimsical Missouri-centered fairy land. What if I am only interested in The Nutcracker? You will only be considered for both productions, if you marked "Yes" on your audition paperwork. If you change your mind at any point, please send us an email. When will I get my Midsummer role? We will hold 1 open audition in January ‘27 for Midsummer community cast. Nutcracker Cast members also participating in Midsummer will be asked to attend this placement audition in January ‘27 at no additional cost. Midsummer auditionees will be asked to confirm their participation in by February 5th. What should I wear? For auditions and rehearsals, dancers should wear their hair secured away from their face and appropriate ballet/dance attire, such as a leotard/fitted shirt, tights/athletic pants, and ballet shoes. Dancers ages 12 and older may also bring their pointe shoes for auditions. When do the students rehearse? All rehearsals will take place on Sunday afternoons. September 13th (Central) & September 20th (DPA) will be our first rehearsal day for most roles! They will take place in two locations: Central Studio in the Central West End with Mr. Robert and Ms. Marcela or at Devine Performing Arts in Wildwood with Mrs. Rachel and Ms. Ashley Parents/Dancers can pick their preferred location during registration. Please be aware that different roles rehearse in different locations. Midsummer rehearsals will take place on Sundays. You can expect a similar rehearsal schedule but further information will be shared after Nutcracker. What is the cost to participate in this Nutcracker? Youth and adult cast have a $225 participation fee. Families with two or more participants will receive a discount of 15% off the final total. There will be a discounted bundle price offered if the participant decides to perform in both Nutcracker & Midsummer. What is included in this fee? $225 participation fee for Youth and Adult Cast Members Includes: 10 Weeks of Coaching: Receive personalized coaching from our expert directors and rehearsal assistants, designed to elevate your performance skills. Costumes* : All performers' costumes will be provided and tailored to fit by our wardrobe team. *Does not include performance undergarments and required shoes.* Exclusive Class with the Company: Participants 18+ are invited to take ballet class alongside Ballet 314's professional dancers during dress rehearsals and performances. Participants under the age of 18+ will take class from a Ballet 314 company member. Youth Performance Mentorship Workshop: Young performers will benefit from an intimate workshop experience with Ballet 314's own professional company members regarding backstage etiquette, stage makeup and hair, etc. Cast T-Shirt: Cast members can look forward to getting their t-shirts signed by fellow performers and members of the professional company! Individual Professional Photograph in Costume: All participants will have a professional photo taken in costume to encapsulate their Nutcracker experience. Performance Streaming Link*: Unlimited access to video streams of both casts following the Nutcracker performance. Relieve the magic anytime you wish with this exclusive benefit! *Video links will be sold at $35/cast following the production. Do you have scholarships? Yes, every year we have need-based scholarships! Once you register for an audition, we will send you the application I auditioned and want to participate, what do I do next? If you decide to join us as a cast member, please sign the performer agreement by September 6th and pay the rehearsal/costuming fee by September 13th. COMMUNITY CAST INFORMATION SIGN LIABILITY WAIVER VIEW REHEARSAL SCHEDULE APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP CLICK TO PAY CAST FEES VIEW COSTUME GUIDE

Ballet 314 is a nonprofit professional dance company in St. Louis, MO. Directed by Rachel Bodi and Robert Poe. CELEBRATING LOCAL TALENT WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY IN EVERY BALLET 314 PERFORMANCE YOU WILL EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF LITERACY. Learn More Subscriptions On Sale Now! Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search videos Search video... Now Playing Beyond the Barre Trailer 01:02 Play Video Now Playing Beyond the Barre: Ep 1. Trailer 00:24 Play Video Now Playing Beyond the Barre: Ep 2. Trailer 00:24 Play Video Now Playing Beyond the Barre: Ep 3. Trailer 00:24 Play Video Educational Programming Learn More Upcoming Performances Subscribe Nutcracker / Midsummer Auditions Learn More Follow Ballet 314 on Instagram

DATE December 11-13, 2026 LOCATION Edison Theatre Everyone’s favorite holiday classic, reimagined to take place right here, at the St. Louis 1904 World’s Fair! 26/27 Season Subscription OVERVIEW Clara and her sisters eagerly prepare for bed on Christmas Eve. After discovering a special walnut trinket, the family is reminded of the magical Toymaker they met at The World’s Fair. Share in their journey as Clara, Louisa, and Marie dance through a dream filled with familiar sights, sweets, and sounds. What more surprises await on Christmas morning? Ballet 314 brings St. Louis’ favorite historical event and everyone’s most treasured holiday classic together in this unique re-telling of “The Nutcracker & the 1904 World’s Fair.” Based on the original story by E.T.A. Hoffman, re-imagined as “The Nutcracker & The World’s Fair” by Rachel Bodi & Robert Poe. PERFORMANCE DETAILS Sensory Friendly Morning Performance Evening & Matinee Performances with ASL Interpretations Run Time: Approx. 90 minutes with one 15-minute intermission TICKETS $45 for Adults | $30 for Senior/Student/Artist/WashU Staff | Groups of 20+ $25/each Sensory Friendly Performance $20 for Individual Tickets | Groups start at $7 ⚠️ Buyer Beware! Tickets purchased through the Washington University Box Office or online via AudienceView (also known as OvationTix) are the only approved tickets for this event. Purchases made through a third-party vendor such as StubHub, Ticketmaster, or MetroTix will NOT be valid for entry to the Theater. Purchase Season Tickets Single Tickets On Sale In Fall '26 CLARA'S PICNIC A family favorite experience! After the show*, join the Sugarplum Doll and her friends for a special meet and greet and picnic refreshments fit for a day at the World's Fair. Every Clara's Picnic also includes a Nutcracker boutique coupon. Cost: $15 add on *Offered following Saturday and Sunday 1:00pm Performances. SENSORY FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES Designed for guests of all abilities, featuring live full length audio description by Mind's Eye, dimmed lights, moderate sound, and an interactive intermission.

Thomas Proctor 3rd season with Ballet 314 Thomas Proctor is a professional Dancer and Choreographer in the St. Louis area. After dancing with the Ashleyliane Dance Company for 10 years as a Dancer and later as a Choreographer and Rehearsal Director, Thomas has recently begun branching out to work with other local artists. He has taught at several universities since recieving his M.F.A. in Dance at Washington University, and currently works at Grand Center Arts Academy teaching grades 6-12. Additionally Thomas is the Founder of the St. Louis Broadsword Academy, teaching historical Scottish fencing and Celtic martial arts. This past summer, Thomas earned his Associate Instructor Certification to teach 6 disciplines of Stage Combat through Dueling Arts International. Return

Alice Anders Production Manager Alice Anders began her technical theatre career while obtaining her Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in Dance from Southeast Missouri State University. There she studied lighting design for theatre and dance while working as a theatre electrician under faculty designer Christopher Haug. Upon graduation she relocated to St. Louis to dance as a trainee for Saint Louis Dance Theatre, while also teaching dance, and freelancing in lighting design and stage management. Alice is thrilled to return for her fourth season working with Resilience and second year as their Technical Director. In the greater STL dance community, Alice also serves as the Production Manager for Ballet 314, is an instructor and choreographer for the Belleville School of Ballet, and Lighting Solutions Specialist for Echo Electric. Return

Marcela Gómez Lugo 5th season with Ballet 314 Marcela Gómez Lugo, born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a dancer, choreographer, educator, and arts administrator based in St. Louis, Missouri. She began her pre-professional ballet training at age fourteen at Andanza School of Dance, studying under the Cuban Methodology. She furthered her training through summer intensives with American Ballet Theatre, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Bossov Ballet Theatre, Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico, Ballet Teatro de Puerto Rico, and Ballets de San Juan. Marcela is a 2019 graduate of Mercyhurst University, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with minors in Dance Pedagogy and Psychology. She began her professional career as a trainee with The Big Muddy Dance Company in 2019 and is currently a Resident Artist and Executive Assistant with Ballet 314. In addition to performing, Marcela is a frequent guest choreographer for Ballet 314, creating original works that span community-centered children’s ballets-such as Chocolat-to contemporary ballet repertoire. Her choreographic voice reflects a commitment to dynamic storytelling. Marcela also teaches at Central Studio and Belleville School of Ballet. Her passion for performance, education, and writing has led her to design dance curricula and serve as an educational consultant for studios. Through her work onstage, in the studio, and behind the scenes, Marcela strives to be an accessible and welcoming guide to the world of ballet. Return

DANCER WELLNESS INITIATIVE Join us in fostering a healthier dance community! Ballet 314 is teaming up with Athletico, Clayton Chiropractic and Restore to provide specialized athlete-specific physical therapy, chiropractic care, mental health and nutritional coaching for our company dancers. Your donation helps prioritize the mental and physical well-being of our talented professional dancers. Learn More Learn More Learn More

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING Dance The Story: The Nutcracker Fiona Flamingo Wild Symphony Educational Concert with SLSO 2026Feb-B314-Assemble-CarlyVanderheyden-DSC05838.jpg EveryBODY Dance Dance The Story: Sleeping Beauty Chocolat llama llama and friends Children Ballet's & Educational Demos Ballet 314 produces up to 45 educational programs per season and as of 2023 has reached 9,000 students virtually and in person. View Events Fiona Flamingo Storytime SLPL Fiona Flamingo Storytime SLPL Sleeping Beauty Storytime SLPL Fiona Flamingo Storytime SLPL 1/4 Ages: Pre-K “Storytime” Events We present a story with creative movement elements; these events are an introduction into how dance can tell a story, DTS: The Nutcracker Sheldon Concert Hall DTS: Sleeping Beauty Sheldon Concert Hall 1/5 Ages: K-3 “Dance the Story” Educational Performances We provide an interactive experience that integrates storytelling through dance and music; these performances are an introduction to full-length ballets. Chocolat Rossman School Chocolat Kirkwood Performing Arts Center Llama Llama & Friends Foundry Arts Center Chocolat Rossman School 1/5 Ages: K-3 & families Full Length Children’s Ballet Performances Usually a child's first experience to seeing a full length-ballet. Includes audience integration with a post-show dance demonstration. Nutcracker Camp SLPL Chocolat Camp SLPL 1/3 Ages: K-2 Camp Events We present a story through reading, tactile crafts, and creative movement choreography in a 5-day summer camp setting. Dance Party with SLSO Touhill Performing Arts Center A Zoo Called Earth Touhill Performing Arts Center 1/5 All Ages Community Partnerships We partner with other local arts organizations to participate in their educational programs or create original educational family concerts such as Dance Party with SLSO. For bookings contact us at support@ballet314.org Program Collaborators

Maura Caldwell-Thompson Corps de Ballet 314 Director / Board Member A‬‭ St.‬‭ Louis‬‭ native,‬‭ Maura‬‭ Caldwell-Thompson‬‭ has‬‭ been‬‭ a‬‭ dedicated‬‭ dance‬‭ educator‬‭ and choreographer‬‭ for‬‭ over‬‭ two‬‭ decades.‬‭ She‬‭ is‬‭ currently‬‭ an‬‭ adjunct‬‭ professor‬‭ in‬‭ the‬‭ Department‬‭ of‬ Dance‬‭ at‬‭ Webster‬‭ University‬‭ where‬‭ she‬‭ earned‬‭ her‬‭ bachelors‬‭ and‬‭ masters‬‭ degrees.‬‭ Her‬ training‬‭ also‬‭ includes‬‭ local‬‭ studios‬‭ here‬‭ in‬‭ St.‬‭ Louis,‬‭ summer‬‭ intensives‬‭ with‬‭ Balanchine‬ instructor‬‭ Barbara‬‭ Elias,‬‭ and‬‭ professional‬‭ dance‬‭ experience‬‭ with‬‭ MADCO.‬ ‭ At‬‭ Ballet‬‭ 314,‬‭ she‬‭ has‬‭ taken‬‭ on‬‭ significant‬‭ leadership‬‭ roles,‬‭ including‬‭ serving‬‭ as‬‭ the‬‭ director‬‭ of‬ the‬‭ Corps‬‭ de‬‭ Ballet‬‭ 314,‬‭ the‬‭ executive‬‭ board‬‭ secretary,‬‭ and‬‭ the‬‭ community‬‭ cast‬‭ coordinator‬‭ for‬ The‬‭ Nutcracker‬‭ for‬‭ the‬‭ past‬‭ five‬‭ years.‬‭ With‬‭ a‬‭ Master’s‬‭ in‬‭ Clinical‬‭ Counseling‬‭ and‬‭ certifications‬ in‬‭ yoga‬‭ and‬‭ Pilates,‬‭ Maura‬‭ believes‬‭ in‬‭ the‬‭ mind-body‬‭ connection.‬‭ This‬‭ passion‬‭ for‬‭ dancer‬ wellness‬‭ led‬‭ her‬‭ to‬‭ co-found‬‭ Restore‬‭ Nutrition‬‭ and‬‭ Therapy,‬‭ a‬‭ practice‬‭ focused‬‭ on‬‭ helping‬‭ artists‬ and‬‭ athletes‬‭ achieve‬‭ a‬‭ balanced‬‭ relationship‬‭ with‬‭ food‬‭ and‬‭ body.‬ Return

Learn More About Our Upcoming 2025/2026 Season Performances. SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW ON SALE October 17, 2026 | Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center Lee Theatre Fall Fête Featuring an expanded version of Rachel Bodi’s classical work “Astra Planeta,” set to The Planets by Gustav Holt. And brand new works by Resident Choreographers, Robert Poe and Marcela Gómez Lugo. VIP ticket holders will have exclusive access to preshow cocktail hour, open bar, appetizers, raffles and a post-show afterparty with the company. Single Tickets On Sale In 2026 December 11-13, 2026 | Edison Theatre The Nutcracker & The World's Fair Experience everyone’s favorite holiday classic, reimagined to take place right here, at the St. Louis 1904 World’s Fair! Community performers from across the Gateway City join Ballet 314’s professional company in this narrated story ballet, set to the familiar Tchaikovsky score. Single Tickets On Sale In 2026 June 4-5, 2027 Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall Midsummer A world-premiere reimagining of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, featuring Ballet 314 professional dancers and local community cast. Single Tickets On Sale In 2026 SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe for Exclusive Savings, Premium Seating and VIP Experiences. Renew your subscription or become a new Season Subscriber and revive your dance experience with Ballet 314's performances. SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW ON SALE WHY SUBSCRIBE? Discounted Tickets Plus, enjoy 0 ticketing fees, f ree exchanges and 10% off additional tickets! Priority Seating Guaranteed best seats at every performance. Includes 1-1 patron services. Exclusive Invites Fall Fête Cocktail Hour & After-Party Nutcracker Reception or Clara's Picnic 314 Day Open Rehearsal Midsummer Reception or Fairy Tea Party and more! TYPES OF SUBSCRIPTIONS Full Season Subscription Reserve your seats for every Ballet 314 Mainstage Performance! Includes: Fall Fête (Live Performance, Pre-Show Cocktail Hour, VIP Table Seating with Appetizers/Open Bar and After-Party) The Nutcracker & The World's Fair (Live Performance & Post-Show Reception) Midsummer (Live Performance & Post-Show Reception) Story Ballet Subscription Perfect for families! Includes: The Nutcracker & The World's Fair (Live Matinee Performance) Clara's Picnic Event (Post-Show Experience complete with character meet greets and delightful sweets and treats) Midsummer (Live Matinee Performance) Fairy Tea Party (Post-Show Experience complete with character meet greets and delightful sweets and treats)

Samuel Lawson 3rd season with Ballet 314 Sammy began his dance training in the Spring of 2020, graduating from Southeast Missouri State University in 2023 with a BSE in Secondary Education and minors in Dance and Music. During his time at SEMO, Sammy performed works by Alyssa Alger, Philip Edgecombe, Hilary Peterson, and Fernando Bujoñes while training in ballet, modern, aerial, and partnering. He started his professional career as a guest company member with Ballet 314 (2022-2024) performing as the Sugar Plum Cavalier, and in original works by Marcela Gómez Lugo and director Robert Poe. Additionally, Sammy was accepted as a trainee by the St. Louis Dance Theater for the 2023/2024 season where he performed under the direction of Brandon Fink, performing works by Maggie Dueker, Kirven Douthit-Boyd, Emmi Small, Robert Poe, Leonides Arpon, Yuka Oba-Muschiana, and original works by Brandon Fink. Sammy was offered a contract by the Whirlwind Dance Company where he performed rep by Joshua Manculich, Hannah Brixton, Johnson Litzler & Cody Szarko, Jules Rizzo, and Yinqi Wei & Maggie Liang. He's excited to return to the stage with Ballet 314! Return

Nicolette Kolesnikova 3rd season with Ballet 314 Nicolette Kolesnikova was born in St. Petersburg, Russia and was raised in New Orleans, LA. She began studying dance at the age of two and then attended the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) training in Ballet, Modern, Jazz and Tap. In addition to NOCCA, she trained with Gregory and Margorie Hardwick Shramel at Shramel Conservatory of Dance and her mother’s studio where she was a competitive, award winning dancer. She attended Joffrey New York (2012), Atlanta Ballet (2013, 2014) and Milwaukee Ballet (2015) summer intensives on scholarships while in high school. In her junior year in high school she was a member of Gulf Coast Theatre on Tap before she concentrated solely on ballet. After high school graduation, she accepted a position in The Tallahassee Ballet, where she danced in the Nutcracker, Kingdom of Shades from La Bayadere, and Chaos by Christopher Huggins. In 2016 she joined NWA Ballet Theatre in Bentonville, Arkansas where she spent two seasons dancing multiple roles in the Nutcracker and Carnival of the Animal. She joined The Springfield Ballet Company in 2022 as a company artist under the direction of Adam Sage where she performed The Little Mermaid and The Nutcracker. Return