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One of the Wiregrass area’s favorite holiday traditions is getting ready for another season.
Patti Rutland Jazz will hold auditions for Santa’s Workshop 2026 on Saturday, September 19, and dancers from across the area are invited to be part of this year’s production.
Santa’s Workshop has become a special Christmas tradition for PRJ families, bringing dancers of all ages together for a holiday production filled with music, dancing, colorful characters, humor, and plenty of Christmas spirit.
This year, PRJ is especially excited to welcome new families.
Children do not have to be current Patti Rutland Jazz students to audition, and beginners are welcome. No prepared routine is required. All audition material will be taught during the audition, and dancers may wear comfortable clothing they can move in. Sneakers are perfectly fine.
Audition times are divided by age:
Ages 3 to 5: 9:00 to 9:45 a.m.
Ages 6 to 9: 9:45 to 10:30 a.m.
Ages 10 to 12: 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Ages 13 to 18: 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Auditions will be held at both Patti Rutland Jazz locations:
Headland Studio
21 Park Street
Headland, Alabama
Brundidge Studio
118 N. Main Street
Brundidge, Alabama
PRJ is also especially looking for boys ages 9 to 12 to participate in a special all-boy number this year. No previous dance experience is necessary. Boys will audition during the regular audition time for their age group.
And Santa’s Workshop is not just for kids.
After becoming a crowd favorite last year, the Santa’s Workshop penguins are returning for 2026. Adults ages 18 and older are invited to participate, and no audition is required for the penguins. Adults simply need to register. For parents who have children performing in the show, it can also be a fun opportunity to share the Santa’s Workshop experience together.
Saturday rehearsals are scheduled for September 26, October 10, October 24, November 7, and November 21. Specific rehearsal times will be provided after casting.
For the team at Patti Rutland Jazz, Santa’s Workshop is about more than putting on a Christmas show.
“We really are a family at PRJ, and Santa’s Workshop is one of the times you can feel that the most,” said Studio Manager Camille Whaley. “Our returning families look forward to it every year, but we also love seeing new faces walk through the door and become part of it. The more children involved, the more exciting and fun the production becomes.”
Advance registration is preferred, although dancers may also register on audition day.
Families can find additional information and register at pattirutlandjazz.com/santas-workshop-2026.
Santa’s Workshop auditions will take place Saturday, September 19. Families throughout the Wiregrass are invited to come be part of the Christmas fun.
