Whidbey Island Dance Theatre is on the lookout for mice, rats, soldiers, bumblebees and forest creatures.

All the characters that color the cast of the "Nutcracker" are needed as Whidbey Island Dance Theatre has announced auditions for the 16th annual production of the famous ballet.

Island audiences enjoy a richer holiday season every year as they relive Clara's famous dream with the Whidbey Island Dance Theatre's company dancers, students and guest artists creating the magic of Marius Petipa's famous and beloved "Nutcracker" ballet.

But Christmas Eve at the grand Stahlbaum house where Clara and her brother Fritz welcome all their friends and family can't happen without the regular cast of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Auditions will be from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7 at Island Dance in Clinton.

Approximately 100 roles will be cast with community members of all ages, sizes and levels of training.

Rehearsals for the ballet are on weekends beginning in September and continue through the performances, Dec. 5 to 14.

Auditions for dancers ages 6 and 7 are noon to 12:45 p.m.; ages 8 to 10 are 12:45 to 1:30 p.m.; ages 11 to 15 are 1:30 to 2 p.m.; ages 15 to adult are 2 to 3 p.m.; and tumblers ages 8 and older are 2 to 2:45 p.m.

"Nutcracker" hopefuls are asked to arrive 30 minutes early to register.

Island Dance is located in Ken's Korner. Call Island Dance at 341-2221 for more information.

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