The Nutcracker
Audiences experience Terrence S. Orr’s classic holiday ballet set to P.I. Tchaikovsky’s music. Complementary theater programs offer behind-the-scenes insights, artist conversations, and interactive family workshops featuring costumes and dance. The performance runs for two hours and ten minutes with one intermission.
What to Expect
Terrence S. Orr’s beloved holiday production returns for its final year.
Event Details
Duration
2 hours and 10 minutes with 1 intermission.
Ages
Children must be at least 3 years old to attend. All audience members require their own ticket.
Neighborhood
Downtown Pittsburgh
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Ballet fans and families with children ages 3 and up
Vibe
Magical and traditional
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Dec 4: 11:00 AM (Student Matinee) and 7:00 PM; Dec 5: 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Dec 6: 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM (Sensory-Friendly Performance); Dec 10–11: 7:00 PM; Dec 12: 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Dec 13: 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM; Dec 18: 7:00 PM; Dec 19: 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Dec 20: 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM; Dec 21–23: 7:00 PM; Dec 26: 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Dec 27: 12:00 PM and 4:30 PM.
- Parking: Downtown garages are close to the Benedum Center, and ParkPGH shows real-time space availability.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair seating, audio description, large print programs, and sensory-friendly performances are available.
Tips & Advice
- Register early for the free Family Workshop on Dec. 5 or Dec. 19, since it's the one PBT Connects program that needs registration.
- Choose the Dec. 6 Sensory-Friendly Performance if anyone in your group does better with a more relaxed theater experience.
- Stay in your seat after shows on Dec. 4, 12 or 18 for the Artist Q&A with PBT dancers.
- Check ParkPGH before you drive downtown for real-time garage space near the Benedum Center.
- Get there early if you need the box office, which opens only two hours before curtain on performance days.
Special Events & Promotions
- Final year of Terrence S. Orr's Nutcracker before an all-new production arrives in 2027.
- Sensory-Friendly Performance on Sunday, Dec. 6.
- Live audio description at select shows on Dec. 6 and Dec. 20.
- Free Nutcracker Family Workshop on Dec. 5 and Dec. 19 (registration required).
- Artist Q&A after shows on Dec. 4, 12 and 18, and Tea with the Artistic Director on Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can young children attend?
Children must be at least 3, and everyone needs their own ticket and seat. A child's seat must be next to the accompanying adult, and children under 12 must come with an adult.
How long is the performance?
About 2 hours and 10 minutes, including one intermission.
Are there extra programs around the performances?
Yes. PBT Connects offers free talks, Tea with the Artistic Director, and Artist Q&As after select shows. None need registration except the family workshop.
What happens at the Nutcracker Family Workshop?
Young audiences explore the ballet's story, get a close look at costumes and learn a dance from the production. It's held in the Multipurpose Room on the 2nd floor, and registration is required.
Is this the same production as past years?
This is the final year of Terrence S. Orr's production, which has run for more than twenty years. An all-new production is coming in 2027.
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