The Nutcracker and The Mini-Nut
Audiences experience an abbreviated, one-hour version of The Nutcracker designed as an introduction to ballet for young children. The production runs continuously with no intermission. A dedicated sensory-friendly performance includes adjusted sound and lighting alongside character introductions.
What to Expect
An abbreviated one-hour Nutcracker ballet tailored for young audiences.
Event Details
Duration
One hour.
Ages
All ages (The Mini-Nut is geared towards younger audiences; Sensory Friendly Performance available)
Neighborhood
Downtown Silver Spring
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Maryland Youth Ballet
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Gentle and festive
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Reserved seating. 11am, 1pm, and 3pm shows: online—$27 Children 12 & under/Seniors 65+, $32 Adults; at the door—$31 Children 12 & under/Seniors 65+, $36 Adults. 5pm show: online—$25 Children 12 & under/Seniors 65+, $30 Adults; at the door—$29 Children 12 & under/Seniors 65+; $34 Adults. – Get tickets
- Hours: Sat Dec 5: 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 5:00 pm; Sun Dec 6: 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible seating is available but must be reserved in advance.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets online ahead of time, because door prices are higher and every show has reserved seating so you can pick your seats.
- Email boffice@montgomerycollege.edu with ticket questions, because the box office phone line only opens two hours before curtain.
- Bring fidget toys or noise-reducing headphones to the sensory-friendly show, where they're welcome and guests can talk or step out and come back.
- Reserve wheelchair-accessible seating in advance when you book your Mini-Nut tickets, as these seats have to be booked ahead.
- Hold children under 2 on your lap so they don't need a ticket, because everyone else needs their own ticket and seat.
Special Events & Promotions
- Sensory-friendly performance at the last show on Saturday, Dec. 5: house lights up, lower sound, an introduction to the characters, and sensory tools welcome.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is The Mini-Nut for?
Younger audiences. It's a one-hour version of The Nutcracker with no intermission, made as a first taste of ballet for the youngest theatergoers.
Do babies and toddlers need a ticket?
Children under 2 can sit on a paying adult's lap. Everyone else needs a ticket and their own seat.
What's different about the sensory-friendly performance?
The house lights stay up and there are no flashing or strobe lights. The sound is turned down and loud stage noises are kept out. The characters are introduced at the start. You can talk, leave and come back, and bring fidget toys, noise-reducing headphones or other sensory tools.
Is wheelchair seating available?
Yes. Wheelchair-accessible seating is available, but you have to reserve it in advance.
Who do I contact about tickets?
Tickets are sold through the Cultural Arts Center. Email ticket questions to boffice@montgomerycollege.edu and expect a reply within 24 hours. The box office phone line only opens two hours before curtain.
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