Sensory Guide for George Balanchine’s Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is a Holiday favorite, one I used to take my children when they were younger to get them all excited for the Christmas Holidays.  Like so many other kids, mine had difficulty with the loud sounds -from the gunshots during the battle, to the cymbal crashes and high-pitched flutes.  I used to preview the show so I could tell them when the loud sounds were coming up, which made all the difference!  This season, Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) has partnered with Sensory Access to make this season’s Nutcracker Sensory Accessible so that you can all be aware of sounds, lighting, and other potential sensory impacts. PNB’s website will feature the Nutcracker PNB Sensory Guide, which you can download to know what to expect from the show! PNB will also have Sensory kits to borrow at the show in case you are audio-sensory sensitive and forget your headphones!  Our Sensory Kits contain communication cards, headphones and fidgets and are available to borrow from the lobby.     PNB has also partnered with Sensory Access to create a Sensory Friendly performance of the Nutcracker on December 21!  Come join us for an inclusive show that has higher light levels in the audience, lower sound volume, and less visual sensory impact. There will be stations outside of the auditorium to take sensory breaks when needed. McCaw Hall is wheel-chair accessible and Infrared assisted listening devices are available at no charge. We can’t wait to see you there!