Académie Auditions
Auditions for the 2026-2027 Academic Year have reopened through July 24!
Incoming 3rd- and 4th-grade students are invited to schedule a private audition appointment for the 2026-2027 academic year through July 24. Please contact Joy Elpedes at joy@nfballet.org or call 850-664-7787 to request an audition appointment.
Parents and students interested in auditioning are encouraged, but not required, to attend the NFB Academie Demonstration at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center on May 18 at 11:30 am, or to request a tour of the NFB Academie from now through May 27.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
- Incoming 3rd-grade students do not need previous dance training. Basic flexibility, rhythm, and coordination are evaluated. Enthusiasm and a genuine interest in dance are major factors in the tryout process. Incoming 4th-grade students must have 1 year of formal ballet training.
- Continuation in the program will be based on the student’s progress in classical ballet. Focus, physical ability, attendance, and/or behavior will be evaluated through ballet progress, assessments, and report cards.
- All female students should wear a solid-colored leotard or one-piece swimsuit, no tights for 3rd grade, pink tights for 4th grade, and hair in a bun. All male students should wear fitted bottoms or shorts with a fitted T-shirt. All students should have their hair neat and off their faces.
LEARN MORE:
For a complete list of FAQs, a virtual tour link and other helpful details, please click the View Académie Resources button below.
Trainee, Company & Pre-Professional Auditions
2026-2027 Season Auditions Are Now Closed!
COMPANY/PPP & TRAINEE AUDITION DATES & REGISTRATION:
Auditions for the 2026-2027 Trainee, Company and Pre-Professional Programs are now closed. Please check back in April 2027 for audition dates and information on the 2027-2028 season.
- NFB’s Trainee Program auditions are designed for students entering 6th grade and up with at least three years of training.
- Company auditions are open to students entering 8th grade and up with at least six years of formal training. Additionally, female dancers must have two years on pointe to audition for the NFB Company.
- Pre-Professional Program auditions are for advanced students with at least six years of classical ballet training. Female dancers should have at least three years of experience on pointe.
Auditions are by appointment only and held at the NFB Studios in downtown Fort Walton Beach. Online registration, including payment of the $25 audition fee and submission of a 4x6 headshot, is required. Click the Resources button for additional information. Updated files for the 26/27 Season will be posted soon.
Professional dancers wishing to audition for demi-soloist, soloist, and principal guest artist positions should contact NFB Artistic Director Todd Eric Allen to schedule an audition. Dancers may also send a headshot, a bio, a few dance pictures, and four short video clips of both classical and contemporary/modern works.
Nutcracker Auditions
Auditions for The Nutcracker 2025 Are Closed
Nutcracker Auditions Process:
Auditions for NFB’s 2025 production of The Nutcracker are now closed.
Auditions typically take place in September before the November production of The Nutcracker each year. Registration is required to audition, and information on the 2026 process will be posted soon. No walk-in registrations will be taken on audition day. Dancers audition for the following roles: Party Children, Mice, Angels, Bakers, Dutch Children, Cookies and Arabian Girls. All Auditioning Dancers MUST be current students in NFB Académie or Community School and 4th Grade to 13 years of age.