West Hartford-based Ballet Theatre Company, which will be holding performances of ‘The Nutcracker’ at The Bushnell in Hartford, will hold a special sensory-friendly performance on Dec. 3, 2023.

Submitted

Ballet Theatre Company (BTC) is excited to include a Sensory-Friendly performance of The Nutcracker made possible through its Community Enrichment Program (CEP).

The mission of BTC’s CEP is to help make performing arts inclusive and accessible to our community. Through its different programs and initiatives, children experience dance education, workshops and professional performances. To learn more about BTC’s CEP programs visit, dancebtc.org/CEP-overview.

BTC’s Sensory-Friendly performance of The Nutcracker will take place on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. in the Maxwell M. and Ruth R. Belding Theater at The Bushnell. During the performance, lights will remain on at a low level in the theater and sound levels will be monitored throughout the show. In addition, BTC offers quiet areas, social stories, fidgets, and additional resources through its partnership with The Bushnell and The Miracle League of CT.

Ballet Theatre Company’s 2022 Sensory-Friendly performance of The Nutcracker at The Bushnell. Courtesy photo

“Sensory Friendly productions of shows that neurotypical people get to enjoy are so important to those who are neurodiverse,” shares Mike Michaud, executive director of The Miracle League of CT who consults BTC for its Sensory-Friendly offerings.

“They give an opportunity to families who have children with all kinds of sensory challenges to enjoy the arts in a safe environment and judgment-free zone. So many of our families would love to go to the theater or ballet but are apprehensive about going to a typical performance because their children may be more active or speak up loudly, and they are in fear that it may disturb other patrons. At a sensory-friendly show, the families understand because most of their children have the same kinds of challenges. A sensory-friendly show is about removing the barriers that might prevent a family from enjoying the arts. We are proud to partner with BTC to make it happen in our community.”

Ballet Theatre Company’s 2022 Sensory-Friendly performance of The Nutcracker at The Bushnell. Courtesy photo

With support from The Petit Family Foundation and The Betty Knox Foundation, BTC is able to offer lower prices in the following seating sections:

• Rear Mezzanine sections C, D, and E: $20 plus fees
• Rear Orchestra sections C, D, and E: $30 plus fees

To purchase tickets visit https://bushnell.org/shows-concerts/ballet-theatre-company-the-nutcracker, and use the code SENSE24. If any families are unable to afford the prices, please contact BTC and the organization will be happy to work with families to experience this holiday tradition!

For more information about The Sensory-Friendly Ballet, including additional resources and performance information, we encourage you to flip through our information booklet. For any additional questions, please contact BTC’s Community Enrichment Program Administrator, Abigale Bilodeau at [email protected].

Ballet Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. Support for Season 25 is provided by: Connecticut Humanities, CT Office of the Arts, The Maximilian E. & Marion O. Hoffman Foundation, The Edward C. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation, The William & Alice Mortensen Foundation, Ahearn Family Foundation, The Ellen Jeanne Goldfarb Memorial Charitable Trust, The Davenport Hatch Foundation, Henry Hall Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A. Trustee, The Buchalter and Breslow Family, The John and Kelly Hartman Foundation, The Petit Family Foundation, The Ensworth Charitable Trust, We-Ha.com, Laurel Graphic Design, Cricket Press, Connecticut Public, Massage Envy West Hartford, Homestead Funding, Theatrical Stage Employees Local 84, and Beam & Barre.

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