For the first time, the Los Angeles Ballet had open auditions for the children’s roles in its annual “Nutcracker” ballet at the world-famous Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

Fifty children, most of them classically-trained, vied for coveted roles.

“The Nutcracker” will be performed every weekend this December and will travel to the following theaters in Los Angeles County: The Alex Theatre in Glendale, the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, Royce Hall at UCLA and Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, including special performances on Christmas Eve.