Posted November 22, 2021
DAYTON, OH (November 19, 2021) – On Friday, December 17 at 2:00 pm in the Mead Theatre of the Schuster Center, Dayton Ballet will present a sensory-friendly performance of the holiday favorite The Nutcracker.
Dayton Ballet is pleased to offer sensory-friendly performances designed especially for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivities, or other special needs. These sensory-friendly performances feature a supportive, judgment-free environment with relaxed theater rules.
This year’s sensory-friendly presentation included both acts of The Nutcracker. Join little Clara in Act I as she enjoys a family party with guests and plenty of entertainment, then after everyone has left, as she drifts into a deep sleep where she dreams that her beloved Nutcracker has come to life. In Act II, follow her in her dreamland adventures as she takes a magical trip to the Land of Sweets with the Sugarplum Fairy and her dashing Cavalier.
Adaptations for this sensory-friendly performance include the following:
- Dimmed house lights at 30% brightness during the entire performance
- Lower sound levels
- Elimination of startling special effects and lighting
- Relaxed theater rules—freedom to get up, move around, and come and go as you desire
- Designated quiet areas
- Ushers available throughout the Schuster Center to assist patrons
- Trained and informed dancers, staff, ushers, and other volunteers to ensure a memorable experience for you and your family
Safety Protocols
The DPAA is excited to welcome audiences back to the 2021–2022 Season. The health and safety of patrons, performers, staff, and volunteers is our top priority. Beginning November 22, 2021, in partnership with DPAA’s venue partner Dayton Live, the following new health and safety protocols will be in place at all performances and events until further notice:
- Vaccination and Testing – Proof of vaccination or COVID-19 testing will no longer be required to attend performances at Dayton Live venues, including the Schuster Center and the Victoria Theatre.
- Masks – Masks will be required for all patrons over the age of 6 during the entire visit while attending a DPAA performance or event. Mask must cover both nose and mouth.
Tickets for the sensory-friendly performance of The Nutcracker are $25 and are available at the box office by calling (937) 228-3630 or online at https://daytonperformingarts.org/stream/sensory-friendly-the-nutcracker/. For more information on other performances by Dayton Philharmonic, Dayton Opera and Dayton Ballet, visit www.daytonperformingarts.org.
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About the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance
The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) was formed in July 2012 as the result of a groundbreaking and innovative merger between the Dayton Ballet, the Dayton Opera, and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Together, they are the largest performing arts organization in the greater Dayton community, with a mission to be the community’s indispensable source for traditional, diverse and innovative experiences in ballet, opera, and orchestral music. The vision of the DPAA is to transform lives through the power of music and dance. The DPAA offers a wide variety of performance and education programs, setting a new standard for artistic excellence. DPAA performances reach an audience of more than 90,000 people annually, and their rich arts education programming serves over 60,000 schoolchildren in 150 schools in the Miami Valley. These performances and education initiatives are made possible in part through major support provided by the Ohio Arts Council, Culture Works, the City of Dayton, Montgomery County and the National Endowment for the Arts.