Student Matinee Performances

Join Louisville Ballet for a specially-designed student matinee! Educators and students have the opportunity to enjoy a live performance while getting a behind-the-scenes look at ballet and the performing arts. All student matinee experiences are 90 minutes long and include excerpts from the production performed by Louisville Ballet. In addition, educators receive a comprehensive Study Guide before the performance to enhance the experience for students.

The Brown-Forman Nutcracker Student Matinees

Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Friday, December 19, 2025
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Whitney Hall, The Kentucky Center
Suitable for All Ages

Experience a magical morning at the theater when you join Louisville Ballet for a Student Matinee performance of The Brown-Forman Nutcracker! Delight in excerpts from both acts of this holiday classic and follow Marie’s journey through the Land of Sweets as she meets the Nutcracker Prince, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Rat King. In addition to viewing the performance, students are greeted in the lobby by dancers in costume, entertained by an interactive slideshow while they wait inside the theater the show to begin, and get their wiggles out with a fun dance along activity during intermission. This experience for your students is not to be missed!

Pricing + Payment Policies

Student tickets are $12 each, with a minimum purchase of 10 tickets per order.
One FREE adult chaperone ticket is provided per 10 student tickets.
Student tickets for orders of less than 10 students are $20 each.
Additional adult chaperone tickets are available for $20 each.

Payment is due 30 days prior to the performance. Cancellations may be made until 30 days prior to the performance. After this deadline, field trip reservations become a final sale, and your school is responsible for the full amount due. Adjustments are not allowed for absences on the day of the show.

Bridge the Gap: Funding for Title 1 Schools

Title 1 Schools are eligible for FREE tickets to attend Louisville Ballet Student Matinee Performances. Seats are limited and awards are based on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • To be eligible for consideration, you must be designated a Title I School.
  • Tickets are available FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
  • Each school may request up to 100 student tickets.
  • One free chaperone for every 10 student tickets.
  • Additional student tickets may be purchased for $12 each. Adults are $20 each.
  • Schools are responsible for arranging and paying for their own transportation to the theater.

Bridge the Gap Applicants must first complete the same reservation request form as paying schools. Once that form is completed, Title 1 Schools will be directed to complete an additional form for the Bridge the Gap program. Schools must complete both forms in order to be considered for Bridge the Gap funding. Schools will receive confirmation of Bridge the Gap ticket awards by September 19, 2025. 

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST STUDENT MATINEE TICKETS 

Do you have questions about the Bridge the Gap program?
Send an email to [email protected] or give us a call at (502) 583-3150 x227.

Virtual Performances

Can’t join us at the theater? Louisville Ballet offers several virtual performances so you can enjoy the show from your school or home. Find out more by visiting our Virtual Programs webpage.