East Tennessee Youth Ballet will hold open auditions for the 2014-2015 season Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The audition is open to dance students with a desire to take their training to another level and will be held at the East Tennessee Ballet Academy studios, 312 E. Elk Ave. The audition is $15 and will consist of a ballet technique class, variations and choreography.

East Tennessee Youth Ballet, a 501c3 non-profit cooperation, will present the annual holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 11 and 12 in Mountain City and Dec. 13 and 14 at the Gregory Center, Milligan College. Youth Ballet productions will also include the enchanting ballet “Cinderella” in the spring of 2015 as well as performing in area schools. Students accepted into the junior company must be at least nine years old and are required to attend a minimum of two academy technique classes per week and pointe or pre-pointe if applicable. Senior company members must take a minimum of three technique and pointe classes weekly. All members attend Saturday company classes and rehearsals when scheduled. When preparing for an upcoming production, some rehearsals will follow class time.

East Tennessee Youth Ballet members are required to sign a contract, follow the company handbook and are responsible for $250 annually or $125 semi-annually. Company members receive private and semi-private instruction, master classes and the opportunity to work with guest choreographers.