Performing the role of young Clara or the Nutcracker Prince is within reach for young, local ballet dancers.

The Valley’s only professional ballet company, Ballet Arizona, will welcome aspiring youth performers to audition for the annual production of “The Nutcracker.” Auditions take place Sunday, Sept. 8.

Auditions are open to children between the ages of 9 and 18, as well as students in The School of Ballet Arizona’s Level Two classes. On Sept. 8, auditions will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ballet Arizona’s studio and are broken down by age and gender.

Those auditioning may be asked to stay for the entire audition period, staggered in callback groups.

The organization requests that participants come dressed in classical ballet attire for the audition. Candidates will try out for roles including young Clara and the Nutcracker Prince, angels, soldiers, party kids and bonbons. Auditions are free for The School of Ballet Arizona and Arizona School for the Arts students. There is a $15 fee for non-students.

“We are so excited to invite Arizona’s talented youth to audition and perform alongside our company dancers; many of whom danced in ‘The Nutcracker’ as young performers themselves,” Daniela Cardim, the Ballet Arizona artistic director, shared in a press release.

In addition to dancing beside professional Ballet Arizona dancers, youth performers will perform to live orchestral music by The Phoenix Symphony.

Ballet Arizona’s studios are located at 2835 E. Washington St., in Phoenix.

Visit balletaz.org/auditions/nutcracker-youth-auditions/ for audition times and details.

Tickets for “The Nutcracker” are on sale now at https://balletaz.org/.

(Photo provided by Ballet Arizona)