A Philadelphia Nutcracker
Running time: 1 hour 35 minutes with a 10 minute intermission
Sensory Friendly running time: 50 min. No intermission
Free Parking
Enter parking lot from Morris Road
A Philadelphia Nutcracker
Saturday, December 14th
1:00 PM & 5:00 PM
Sunday, December 15th
1:00 PM* & 4:00 PM
*Sensory Friendly Performance
Montco Cultural Center
Philadelphia Dance Theatre first presented its production of The Nutcracker in 1999, and are delighted to continue this holiday tradition each winter. In 2011, PDT premiered a re-fashioned version of our traditional “Nutcracker,” entitled A Philadelphia Nutcracker set right here in Germantown, Northwest Philadelphia.
With choreography by Joy Delaney-Capponi, A Philadelphia Nutcracker is set in Victoria era Northwest Philadelphia. The production features backdrops of authentic period streetscapes, storefronts and homes from Germantown, Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill by local artist Christopher Fox. The traditional party scene in Act I is now set in the Thomas Mansion on Wissahickon Avenue, a Gothic style home built in 1869, and The Land of the Snow Queen is set at “Tommy’s Hill,” the Northwest’s favorite sledding spot in Fairmount Park. Act II sets highlight several Germantown Avenue merchants where Clara and her Prince explore the shops and sample sweets from local bakers and candy makers.
A Philadelphia Nutcracker is a holiday classic that will stir your heart and imagination. Come on a magical journey from a postcard perfect Christmas Eve, through the snowy evergreen forest to an enchanted Kingdom of Sweets reminiscent of times gone by.
Bringing a young audience member to the performance?
Join us for Bedtime and Ballet!
A complementary class will be presented on Zoom to immerse young dancers to the ballet on Sunday, December 8th "Bedtime and Ballet." A 45 minute class that young dancers can participate from home to immerse them in the world of ballet and introduce them to the story of "The Nutcracker."
Make sure to read our blog post: Why Take Your Child to The Nutcracker
Sensory Friendly Performance
This abbreviated performance will provide a relaxed, shush-free, and shame-free environment for audience members of all ages and abilities to experience this magical holiday tradition in a safe and comfortable atmosphere.
Sensory Friendly Performances are designed to create a welcoming performing arts experience for people with autism, sensory input disorders, sensory sensitivities, or other physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, and their families, friends, and caretakers. This presentation is hosted in collaboration with Montgomery County Community College Disability Services Department and presented by Lively Arts.
Philadelphia Dance Theatre and Lively Arts have made special accommodations to the performance and theater-going experience to make neurodiverse audiences feel welcome to enjoy A Philadelphia Nutcracker in a lighthearted, accepting environment.
WHAT MAKES THIS PERFORMANCE SENSORY FRIENDLY?
Audience members are invited to come to the performance and be themselves! Expectations for audience etiquette at this performance will be relaxed; talking or vocalizing is welcome, and patrons can move freely in their seats and the aisles during the performance, within appropriate safety parameters.
House lights will remain on at a low level throughout the entirety of the performance.
Some loud sounds and startling moments are modified for this performance.
Fidget objects, and other sensory tools or devices are allowed inside the theater during the performance. Audience members can also feel free to bring their own comfort items with them into the theater.
Entering and exiting the theater is allowed throughout the performance. Designated quiet spaces will be available for audience members who may need to take a break from the performance.
Audience members will have access to social stories and resource materials to help prepare for the Nutcracker experience before the performance.
Wheelchair-accessible seating options
Information for Dancers and Families
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Complete your Dancer Agreement here to register for Nutcracker 2024
Dancer Agreements must be submitted by the time of your audition
All families must read through the Company Handbook before completing their Dancer Agreement
You do NOT need to register through Dance StudioPro
One your dancer Agreement has been received we will add the Nutcracker Participation charge to your Dance StudioPro
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All dancers levels Pre Ballet 3* through Ballet 6 are able to participate in PDT's production of "A Philadelphia Nutcracker."
*Pre Ballet 3 dancers must be at least 6 years old to participate and have the recommendation of PDT faculty.
Every dancer who auditions is guaranteed a role.
In order to be eligible, dancers must be attending the minimum number of hours of ballet class as appropriate to their level per week. If you are not currently meeting these hours, you must add additional class(es) to your schedule.
PDT reserves the right to make casting changes if a dancer fails to maintain their weekly class hours or misses more than two rehearsals.
Required hours of ballet class per week:
Pre Ballet 3: 45 min. per week
Ballet 1: 1.0 hr. per week
Ballet 1x/2: 2.0 hrs. per week
Ballet 2x: 3.0 hrs. per week
Ballet 3: 4.5 hrs. per week
Ballet 3x: 5.0 hrs. per week
Ballet 4: 6.0 hrs. per week
Ballet 4x: 7.5 hrs. per week
Ballet 5: 9.0 hrs. per week
Ballet 5x - 10 hrs. per week
Ballet 6 - 12 hrs. per week
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Participation in each PDT production has an associated membership fee. Company fees are as follows:
Pre Ballet 3 $200.00
Levels 1 - 3x $250.00
Levels 4 - 6 $300.00
Fees include a link to performance recording, t-shirt, and all rehearsals, and rental of costume
Families with multiple participating dancers will pay the full fee of the highest level dancer, and the following siblings will each be discounted $100.00 from their level fee.
The Performance fee will be added to your Studio Director account once your signed dancer agreement is submitted.
This fee covers only a small percentage of the costs incurred for these productions. We rely on fundraising and contributions to offset the balance of production costs.
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Please review the following key dates and ensure you do not have any conflicts before committing to participating in The Nutcracker.
All dancers should be prepared to have rehearsal every Saturday from the end of September. Older dancers will have additional rehearsal weekdays. All rehearsals will be posted to the Rehearsal Calendar . Families are responsible for checking the rehearsal calendar frequently.
Sept. 14th - Nutcracker Auditions Levels 4/4x/5/5x/6
Sept. 21st - Nutcracker Auditions, level Ballet 1/1x, 2/2x, 3/3x
Dec. 7th - In-studio Dress Rehearsal
December 19-13th - Tech + Dress Rehearsals at theater
Dec. 13th - Nutcracker Performance
Dec. 14th - Nutcracker Performances
Dec. 15th - Nutcracker Performance
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All rehearsals will be posted on the PDT Rehearsal Calendar available on our website and on the PDT Mobile App
Families are responsible for checking the rehearsal calendar frequently.
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As specified in your PDT company contract, each parent/guardian must commit to a minimum of four hours or two volunteer shifts per production. There are a multitude of tasks that need your time, talent, and attention throughout the weeks leading up to our performance weekend.
Any questions regarding volunteering should be directed to Sarah McClure, our volunteer organizer at pdt.volunteers@gmail.com
