Join us for our sensory-inclusive Nutcracker School Suite

FRIDAY, December 12
Hoyt Sherman Place
10:30 am
$3/Student

This 70-minute staged performance will occur on Friday, December 12 at 10:30 a.m. with sensory-inclusive activities in the Hoyt Sherman Place lobby beginning at 10:00 a.m. This sensory-inclusive performance is geared towards those on the autism spectrum, individuals with other physical sensitivities and their families.

Doors will open at 9:45 a.m., allowing audience members to enjoy activities in the lobby from 10:00-10:30, including a meet-and-greet of Ballet Des Moines company dancers in Nutcracker costume. 

Financial Assistance
If cost is a barrier, please contact Beau Kenyon (beau@balletdesmoines.org) to explore scholarship opportunities from Ballet Des Moines.

Interactive Sensory Activities, located in the lobby of Hoyt Sherman Place:

  • Nutcracker costumes touch tour

  • Introduction to Nutcracker ballet positions and movement

  • Nutcracker themed fidget activities

  • Nutcracker themed coloring pages

Sensory Staged Performance of the Nutcracker Suite

  • We welcome all audiences and encourage everyone to engage with the performance in a way that feels comfortable and supportive to you

  • 70-minute narrated performance

  • Lights and sound will be only partially lowered

  • Curtain will remain open throughout the performance

  • Doors separating the auditorium and the lobby will remain partially open

Sensory-Friendly Supports

  • Semi-private quiet areas will be set up with during the performances for audience members who need to take a break during the performance

  • Semi-private quiet areas will include sensory activities, such as coloring pages

  • Additional volunteers will present to support audience members

  • Prior to the performance, everyone will receive a “What to Expect” printable

register for the SENSORY-INCLUSIVE
nutcracker school show

Each year, thousands of school students experience the magic of The Nutcracker at Hoyt Sherman Place. Please register your school or students using the form below. With questions, contact Beau Kenyon at beau@balletdesmoines.org.