(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Jersey City’s largest, most zany, holiday show seeks youth performers! Since 2009, Nimbus Dance has drawn together a cast of over 100 professional Nimbus company dancers, youth of all backgrounds, and local celebrities to present Jersey City Nutcracker. This adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s timeless classic takes place in Jersey City and draws together families and the community around themes of magic, adventure, friendship, and growing up. Choreographed and directed by Samuel Pott, with fantastical, animated scenic projections by Jersey City-based video artists, Laia Cabrera and Isabelle Duverger, and a delightful libretto co-written by playwright Alysia Souder and Mr. Pott, the magic of Nutcracker comes alive in Jersey City!

Nimbus seeks youth performers for the youth lead roles of Maria and Christopher for Jersey City Nutcracker performances in December 2021. These demanding lead roles offer an unprecedented opportunity for growth and exposure for emerging youth performers. Additionally, Nimbus seeks youth ages 4 - 18 for the roles of Cookies, Liberty Angels, Rats / Bullies, and B-Boys & Girls.

Auditions for youth lead roles will be held at the Nimbus Arts Center (at 329 Warren St., Jersey City) on September 11 from 5:30pm - 6:30pm. Dancers ages 12 - 18 of all backgrounds are encouraged to audition. Youth leads perform in multiple evening and matinee performances throughout December and will rehearse on Wednesday evenings & Saturday afternoons starting the week of September 13, with Full Cast Weekend Rehearsals in November and December TBA.

Youth Performers ages 4-18 can sign up for non-lead youth roles in Jersey City Nutcracker. Performance fee: $350 - Scholarships are available and no youth will be turned away for lack of funds. More information on rehearsal times, role descriptions, and registration can be found online here.

Nimbus Dance, founded by Artistic Director Samuel Pott in 2005, bridges the gap between world-class performances and community engagement by presenting work that speaks to, challenges, and elevates the core beliefs of its diverse audience. In September 2020, Nimbus Dance and the School of Nimbus moved into the 14,000 sq ft. state-of-the-art Nimbus Arts Center in the Powerhouse Arts District. Jersey City’s largest arts organization and the largest contemporary dance organization in the State of New Jersey, Nimbus Dance performs nationally and throughout the region, impacting 16,000 people annually. Community engagement initiatives serve over 7,000 children annually.

Role Descriptions

Cookies (Age 4-5, Level I) - Always the cutest part of the JC Nutcracker, the Cookies dance in the Second Act. Cookies are the children of Mama Cannoli and come out from underneath her enormous skirt to perform a high-spirited and energetic dance of their own. Cookies also join the entire cast onstage during the finale.

Liberty Angels (Age 6-8, Level II) - Usher our story’s protagonists into a more beautiful Jersey City under the watchful eye of the Statue of Liberty. This section offers more complex choreography and musical dancing to the Nutcracker’s beautiful Tchaikovsky score.

Rats & Bullies/B-Boys & B-Girls (Ages 7-18, Level III-V) - Engage in the ultimate battle between good and evil! Perform contemporary and hip-hop choreography as the Nutcracker and the Rat King battle it out.