Lighthouse Dance Presents
Nativity 2026
A beloved Christmas tradition told through dance
Audition for Lighthouse Dance’s original, full-length production and help bring the biblical story of Jesus’ birth to life through ballet, contemporary, and hip-hop.
Auditions
Lead Cast: Saturday, Sept 19th
&
Ensemble: Saturday, Oct 17th
Lighthouse Dance • Loveland, Colorado
Performances
Sunday, December 6, 2026 • 3:00 & 7:00 p.m.
The Rialto Theater • Loveland, Colorado
A Lighthouse Tradition
What Is Nativity?
Nativity is Lighthouse Dance’s original winter production—an artistic portrayal of the birth of Jesus told through movement, music, costumes, and beautiful staging. Although dancers portray people and moments from the Nativity story, this is not an acting-focused play or a traditional Christmas pageant. It is a dance production, and the story unfolds through ballet, contemporary, and hip-hop.
What began as a special way for Lighthouse dancers to share the hope of Jesus has grown into a cherished Northern Colorado tradition. Performances have sold out for years, and dancers and audience members return year after year to experience the story together.
Join the Production
How Participation Works
Nativity is an optional winter performance opportunity for enrolled Lighthouse dancers who would like additional time onstage during the fall semester.
Step One
Sign up for Auditions
Dancers may audition for an individual lead role or for one of our group ensembles, depending on their age and level. Sign up on your studio pro account
Step Two
Attend Rehearsals
Dancers who are cast attend additional seasonal classes and rehearsals to learn their choreography alongside their regular Lighthouse classes.
Step Three
Take the Stage
The cast comes together at the Rialto Theater to share this beautiful Christmas story with two audiences on December 6.
Find Your Place in the Story
Two Ways to Audition
Both auditions are open to currently enrolled Lighthouse Dance students. Audition registration is $20 per dancer.
Saturday, September 19
Lead Cast Auditions
For dancers interested in featured storytelling roles, solos, or duets. Lead roles are available for dancers ages 7 and older, with requirements varying by character.
12:00–1:00 p.m. Mary, Joseph & Elizabeth
1:00–1:45 p.m. Gabriel & Seraphs en pointe
1:45–2:15 p.m. Gabriel solo
2:15–3:15 p.m. Siblings & Mother
Saturday, October 17
Ensemble Auditions
For dancers who would like to experience Nativity as part of a group number. Opportunities include Animals, Mini Angels, Stars, Citizens, Shepherds, and the Angel Chorus.
11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Ages 5–7
12:00–12:45 p.m. Ballet Levels 1 & 2
12:45–1:30 p.m. Ballet Level 3 & 4
What happens at an audition?
Dancers arrive 15 minutes early to check in and warm up. They will learn a short choreographed combination and dance in small groups. Auditions are closed to parents and the public so dancers can focus and enjoy the experience.
Character & Ensemble Guide
Audition Opportunities
Requirements vary by role, giving dancers across several ages, levels, and styles an opportunity to participate.
Lead Cast
Mary – Ballet Level 4+
Joseph – Ballet or Hip Hop Level 3+
Gabriel– Int/Adv Pointe Role
Elizabeth- Ballet Level 4+
Seraphs – Int. Pointe Role
Mother- Int. Adult Ballet
Siblings- Ballet Level 2+
Younger Ensembles
Animals- Ages 6+
Mini Angels- Ballet Level 1
Stars- Ballet Level 1 & 2
Citizens & Lead Citizen- Ballet Level 2 & 3
Advanced Ensembles
Shepherds – Ballet Level 3 & 4
Angel Chorus- Ballet Level 4 & 5
Save the Dates
Main Production Calendar
Individual cast classes and rehearsal dates vary by role. Please review the complete Production Information Packet before auditioning.
September 19
Lead cast auditions at Lighthouse Dance
October 17
Ensemble auditions at Lighthouse Dance
November 21
Lead Cast, Company Opener, O Holy Night & Finale rehearsal, 3:00–6:30 p.m.
December 5
Tech rehearsal at Lighthouse Dance
December 6
12:00 p.m. dress rehearsal; 3:00 & 7:00 p.m. performances at the Rialto Theater
Participation Information
Audition & Production Fees
The $20 audition fee is paid when registering. Production participation fees include rehearsals, costume rental, and costume cleaning.
$20
Audition fee
per dancer
$80
Participation fee
ages 5–7
$100
Participation fee
ensembles ages 8+
$125
Participation fee
lead roles
For New & Returning Families
Common Questions
Is Nativity a play or an acting production?
No. Dancers portray characters from the biblical story, but the production is told primarily through dance, music, and choreography.
Does Lighthouse have a regular winter recital?
Lighthouse does not hold a traditional winter recital. Nativity is the optional winter performance opportunity for students who audition and are cast.
Does my dancer need to be in a Lighthouse company?
No. The main cast includes Lighthouse Company dancers, but lead roles and smaller ensembles are open by audition to eligible, currently enrolled Lighthouse students.
Is every dancer who auditions cast?
Casting is based on each role’s needs, dancer readiness, available costumes, and stage capacity. Ensemble sizes are limited so every group can have a strong experience onstage.
Where can I find detailed role and rehearsal information?
The complete 2026 Production Information Packet includes age and level requirements, choreography styles, rehearsal schedules, fees, forms, and participation expectations.
Become Part of the Tradition
Find Your Place in the Story
Whether your dancer has performed in Nativity for years or is discovering it for the first time, we would love to welcome them into this special Lighthouse tradition.