The Nutcracker: A Shorter Tale
This abridged, narrated production of Saint Louis Ballet's classic holiday production is designed for young children and school groups. The show features the same sets, costumes, special effects, and dancing as the company's full-length presentations. Prior to the performance, attending school groups have the opportunity to interact with the ballet's artists.
What to Expect
A narrated 70-minute abridged ballet created for young audiences.
Event Details
Duration
1 hour 10 min with no intermission.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children and school groups
Vibe
Festive and theatrical
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Low
Weather Sensitivity
None
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: School groups are invited to attend at a field trip rate with a minimum of 15 students; one teacher ticket is free for every 15 students. Additional adults pay the regular full ticket cost. Title 1 schools may request free tickets for students, class, or school. – Get tickets
- Hours: Both performances are at 11am.
- Accessibility: At the Touhill, use the Main Entrance drop-off for patrons with mobility issues; accessible parking spaces are available nearby and may fill quickly during large events.
Tips & Advice
- If attending with a school group, arrive in time for the pre-show artist interaction, which takes place before the performance begins.
- Organize at least 15 K–12 students to qualify for the field-trip rate; one teacher ticket is free per 15 students.
- Title I schools can request free tickets for students, a class, or the whole school by emailing tickets@stlouisballet.org.
- Budget regular-price tickets for adults beyond the teachers, since additional adults are not eligible for the student field-trip rate.
- Plan restroom or movement breaks before or after the show: the 70-minute performance has no intermission.
Special Events & Promotions
- School groups with at least 15 students receive the field-trip rate.
- School groups receive one free teacher ticket per 15 students.
- Title 1 schools may request free tickets for students, a class, or a school.
- Additional adults on school trips pay the regular full ticket cost.
- Groups of 15 or more save 15%.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this version of The Nutcracker for?
It was created for younger audiences and those with limited attention spans, and is suitable for school field trips.
How long is the performance, and is there an intermission?
It lasts 70 minutes and has no intermission.
What do school groups receive?
School groups can interact with Saint Louis Ballet artists before the performance. Groups need at least 15 students for the field-trip rate; one teacher ticket is free for every 15 students.
Are there ticket options for Title 1 schools?
Title 1 schools may request free tickets for students, a class or the school by emailing tickets@stlouisballet.org.
Is food or drink available at the theater?
At the Touhill, concessions offer a full bar, soft drinks, snacks and light meals. Drinks in containers with lids are allowed in the theaters, but food is not.
More Christmas Events near St. Louis
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