Ballet Theatre Ashtabula will stage “The Nutcracker” for 13 performances starting Friday at Ashtabula Arts Center.

The annual production is ever changing due to the make up of the cast being different each year.

According to Clover Robinson, director of dance for Ballet Theatre Ashtabula, “Dancers move into different roles as their skills and artistry develop, and each one is going to bring something different to that role even in the pieces of choreography that don’t change. Because the number of students at a particular skill level is constantly fluctuating as people move up, join the program, or move on, there’s rarely the same number of dancers performing the same roles from year to year.”

Choreography also changes due to the shortage of male dancers. Robinson encouraged boys and young men to come see a performance or observe a class and consider taking lessons.

“People don’t always think about the level of athleticism ballet demands, because when it’s being done well, it looks effortless. It’s not,” Robinson said.

“The Nutcracker” will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 21 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at Ashtabula Arts Center, 2928 W. 13th St. Tickets are $19 for adults, $17 for students, senior citizens and military, and $15 for children ages 2 to 12 if purchased in advance either online at ashtabulaartscenter.org or by calling 440-964-3396. Tickets are $21, $19 and $17 at the door the day of the performance.

Pay What You Can tickets are available for opening weekend matinees only. Half-price tickets are available for the Dec. 18 performance with the donation of nonperishable food items for the Faith Food Pantry. Donations must be dropped off and half-price tickets purchased at the arts center’s front desk.