Joffrey Ballet Holding Auditions For Its "Nutcracker" Production

(CBS) -- It's only Labor Day but, Chicago's Joffrey Ballet is preparing for an annual Christmas tradition reports WBBM's Regine Schlseinger.
　
Once again, the Joffrey will hold open auditions to cast some 200 children to perform in its annual production of the Nutcracker. Artistic director Ashley Wheater says the children who are chosen come from all different backgrounds and learn valuable life lessons.

This year's Nutcracker will be bittersweet. It's the last year the Joffrey will stage Robert Joffrey's version. For next year, the company has commissioned renowned choreographer Christopher Wheeldon to produce a new version. Auditions for this year's production will be held on September 20.

For more information on the auditions, visit Joffrey.org.

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• Regine Schlesinger