Artistic Director, The Nutcracker

Application submissions accepted through March 31, 2026

30th Anniversary Season – 2026 Production
Seasonal Contract Position
The Columbus Ballet, Inc.
Columbus, Georgia

The Columbus Ballet, Inc. seeks a dynamic and visionary Nutcracker Artistic Director to lead the artistic direction and choreography of our 30th Anniversary production of The Nutcracker. Now entering its 30th season, this production represents a treasured holiday tradition for our community. We seek an Artistic Director who will honor the classical integrity and traditional storytelling of The Nutcracker while elevating the production to create a memorable and celebratory anniversary experience.

Key Dates

  • Auditions: August 22–23, 2026

  • Cast List Released: August 31, 2026

  • Rehearsals Begin: September 26, 2026

  • Tech Week: December 8–10, 2026

  • School Outreach Performance: December 11, 2026 at 10:30 AM

  • Full Dress Rehearsal: December 11, 2026 at 7:30 PM

  • Public Performances: December 12, 2026 at 7:30 PM and December 13, 2026 at 2:30 PM

Rehearsals will continue through Tech Week and performances as outlined above.

Position Overview

The Nutcracker Artistic Director is responsible for the artistic vision, choreography, casting, rehearsal leadership, and performance execution of the full production. The Director will choreograph the full production of The Nutcracker or collaborate with selected choreographers for specific pieces, while ensuring cohesive artistic continuity throughout.

The Director will work closely with a designated Assistant to support auditions, casting, rehearsals, and overall production execution. A complete rehearsal schedule must be finalized and published no later than the August 22 audition date and adhered to throughout the rehearsal and performance season. This is a seasonal independent contractor position spanning planning, rehearsal, and performance periods through December 2026.

Key Responsibilities

Artistic Vision & Choreography:

  • Establish and articulate a clear artistic vision that honors the traditional structure and spirit of The Nutcracker while commemorating the 30th Anniversary season.

  • Choreograph the full production or collaborate with other choreographers for select pieces, maintaining artistic cohesion and classical integrity.

  • Ensure consistency of style, storytelling, and production quality throughout rehearsals and performances.

Auditions & Casting:

  • Lead the audition process on August 22–23, 2026.

  • Set and publish the full rehearsal schedule by August 22, 2026.

  • Make final casting decisions within the established timeline. Release final cast list no later than August 31, 2026.

  • Partner with the Assistant to support audition management, casting organization, and communication.

Rehearsal Direction:

  • Rehearsals begin September 26, 2026.

  • Develop and execute a structured rehearsal plan aligned with the published schedule.

  • Lead rehearsals and ensure dancers are artistically and technically prepared.

  • Work in partnership with the Assistant to support rehearsal flow and dancer preparation.

  • Be present and lead all Tech Week rehearsals (December 8–10) and performance-related rehearsals.

Production & Performance Leadership:

  • Oversee artistic execution during Tech Week and performance weekend and ensure readiness for:

School Outreach Performance (December 11 at 10:30 AM)
Full Dress Rehearsal (December 11 at 7:30 PM)
Public Performances (December 12 at 7:30 PM and December 13 at 2:30 PM)

  • Uphold high performance standards reflective of a milestone anniversary season. Professional Conduct

  • Maintain professional and respectful interactions with performers, artistic staff, contracted personnel, parents, and community partners.

  • Be reasonably available for artistic consultation via phone and email throughout the contract period. Qualifications

  • Significant professional experience in ballet performance, choreography, and production direction.

  • Demonstrated experience staging full-length classical ballets (Nutcracker experience strongly preferred).

  • Strong leadership presence and ability to direct dancers across age levels.

  • Proven ability to manage structured rehearsal timelines and deliver a production on schedule.

  • Availability to commit fully to all audition, rehearsal, Tech Week, and performance dates listed above.

Application Requirements Interested candidates must submit:

Candidates must submit the following to admin@thecolumbusballet.org:

  • A cover letter expressing interest in the role

  • A detailed statement outlining:

  • Artistic vision for the 30th Anniversary production

  • Choreographic goals and creative priorities

  • Production or staging needs

  • Resume or CV

  • Video evidence demonstrating directing and/or full-length ballet staging experience Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Compensation

Compensation will be structured as a seasonal contract with an agreed-upon professional fee between $12,000 and $16,000. Details will be discussed with selected candidates. The Artistic Director will serve as an independent contractor.