Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker — Kansas City Ballet

Sensory-friendly adaptations: reduced sound levels (no loud or surprising noises), house lights half-lit, relaxed house rules (move around, devices allowed, talking allowed), designated quiet spaces, trained staff, ushers and volunteers. Tickets are sold by phone only through the KC Ballet ticket office, 816.931.8993, Mon–Fri 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

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About this adventure

Kansas City Ballet sets aside one evening of its Nutcracker run as a sensory-friendly performance for neurodivergent children, families and adults. It is the full production, Devon Carney's choreography with Tchaikovsky's score played live by the Kansas City Symphony, the story of Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, Dr. Drosselmeier and the Sugar Plum Fairy, adjusted so that a first trip to the ballet feels less intimidating. Sound levels are reduced, including loud and surprising noises; house lights stay half-lit; house rules are relaxed so audience members can get up and move around, use electronic devices and talk during the show; designated quiet spaces are open all evening; and trained staff, ushers and volunteers are on hand. The ballet offers downloadable pre-visit stories and an illustrated synopsis to share with children beforehand, and a professional souvenir photo in the Brandmeyer Great Hall is free for sensory-performance attendees (taken in the hour before and right after the show). The performance runs about 2 hours 15 minutes including a 20-minute intermission, and the Kauffman Center opens at 5 p.m. The program is presented with partners Children's Mercy Hospital and Down Syndrome Innovations.