Pittsburgh Ballet: Sensory Friendly Nutcracker

Hosted by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater (PBT).

Celebrate the most delightful time of year with the sweetest of holiday traditions, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker. Join Marie, her Nutcracker prince and hundreds of colorful characters for an unforgettable adventure through the Land of Enchantment. Revel in the stunning scenes, spectacular costumes, sparkling snowflakes and instantly recognizable Tchaikovsky score with your family and friends.

Sensory-friendly performances are relaxed performances that are open to all. “Relaxed” means a come-as-you-are atmosphere that is perfect for families with small children or those needing any kind of additional support.

It is a judgment-free zone where theater staff and patrons accept (and expect) extra sound or movement in the audience and where staff celebrate the myriad ways audience members can experience a live stage performance.

Sensory-friendly performances include slight production accommodations that are intended to help make a live performance more enjoyable for audience members with sensory sensitivities, autism, anxiety, movement challenges, disability, and more.

Accommodations include:

• lower sound levels
• elimination of some special effects
• house lighting at about 20%.
• quiet areas
• activities in the lobby before and during the show
• additional staff on hand to help create a safe and welcoming theater experience.

PBT recognizes that a theater performance can present a variety of barriers for many in the audience. They are striving to change that. These sensory-friendly performances are a step toward making the excitement and beauty of a ballet performance barrier-free, accessible and welcoming to everyone in the Pittsburgh community.