<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0TA5BI_1FMmMDfk00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0TA5BI_1FMmMDfk00" width="1600" height="900" ><figcaption>“The Nutcracker” auditions held at Temple Theater (South Carolina Ballet)</figcaption></figure><p>MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - The Meridian Nutcracker is marking its 25th season this year, with auditions for local children set for Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, at 4 p.m. at the Temple Theater.</p><p>More than 100 local children will have the opportunity to perform alongside the professional artists of Dance Alive National Ballet.</p><p>For 25 years, The Nutcracker has provided young dancers from Meridian and surrounding communities the opportunity to share the stage with a professional touring ballet company. The annual production has become a community tradition and part of the region’s holiday celebrations.</p><p>The anniversary production is made possible through five area dance studios that volunteer their time to teach choreography and prepare the participating children for the stage. Participating studios include:</p><ul><li>Amy’s School of Dance</li><li>Carol Merrill Academy of Dance</li><li>Encore Dance Company</li><li>Suzie McCraw School of Dance</li><li>Ms. Tina’s School of Dance of Philadelphia, Mississippi</li></ul><p>The Meridian Nutcracker was founded in 2001 through the vision of Ken Rainey and Tony Sansone. This year’s 25th anniversary performance will be dedicated to the memory of Ken Rainey and in honor of Tony Sansone for their contributions to the cultural life of the community.</p><p>“The Nutcracker has touched the lives of hundreds of children and families over the past 25 years,” organizers said. “We are proud to continue this tradition and provide local dancers with the opportunity to perform alongside professional artists while creating lasting holiday memories for our community.”</p><h2>Performance and ticket details</h2><p>The 25th anniversary performance of The Nutcracker will be presented Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2026, at the Temple Theater in downtown Meridian.</p><p>Tickets go on sale to the general public Nov. 2, 2026.</p><p>Businesses, organizations and individuals are encouraged to support the production through sponsorship opportunities. Sponsorship support helps make the production possible, provides performance opportunities for local children and helps continue the production for future generations, organizers said.</p><h2>Audition details</h2><p>Children interested in auditioning should arrive before the 4 p.m. start time on Sept. 23. Dancers ages 6-18 with experience are encouraged to participate.</p></div></body>

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MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - The Meridian Nutcracker is marking its 25th season this year, with auditions for local children set for Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, at 4 p.m. at the Temple Theater. More than 100 local children will have the opportunity to perform alongside the professional artists of Dance Alive...

Meridian Nutcracker marks 25th season, sets auditions for Sept. 23

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MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - The Meridian Nutcracker is marking its 25th season this year, with auditions for local children set for Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026,

Meridian Nutcracker marks 25th season, sets auditions for Sept. 23

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