2025 The Classic Nutcracker: Guest Performers

An introduction to our guest performers for this seasons production of The Classic Nutcracker.

Craig Ellingson

Drosselmeyer

Craig A. Ellingson is the Director of Theatre Arts at Minnesota State University Moorhead where he teaches in the area of acting, directing, musical theatre, movement and dance. During his recent sabbatical he finished a year-long study with The Dell’Arte School of Physical Theatre. As a founding member of Wheelhouse Theatrical Productions (fka Music Theatre Fargo-Moorhead), he has had the privilege of creating a variety of roles including Bobby in Company, Emcee in Cabaret, Jekyll in Jekyll and Hyde, and Charlie Brown in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown to name a few. He has also performed at the Kennedy Center with Signature Theatre’s production of Overtures. In addition to his musical theatre performance experience, Craig has danced and directed professionally in the Midwest. Craig holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre Performance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a M.F.A. in Theatre Directing from Minnesota State University Mankato.

MaKayla Finlinson

Coffee (Arabia)

MaKayla is excited to be back in North Dakota to participate in The Classic Nutcracker with FM Ballet. Recently she has worked with Hale Center Theater on Around the World in 80 Days and Disney's The Little Mermaid as an aerialist. She has been a featured performer for companies such as Odyssey Dance Theater, Quixotic, Aeris Events, and Cirque Orenda. When not performing herself she continues to train up and coming aerialists in Salt Lake City, Utah. She would like to give a special shout out to her family and to Gasper's School of Dance who gave her the courage to take her first step on stage. 

Caleb Reich

Mama Ginger

This is Caleb's 8th time with FMBallet's The Classic Nutcracker since he first got involved in 2014. A former company member, Caleb now lives and works in St. Paul MN, and he is delighted to return to the stage with  FMBallet. This production is Caleb's favorite part of the holiday season and he hopes you enjoy all of the artistry and hard work that goes into this amazing show.