THE BROWN-FORMAN NUTCRACKER SENSORY FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE

December 10, 2023 | 11:00am – 12:15pm

Whitney Hall, The Kentucky Center

*Lobby opens at 10:00 AM

Choreography by Val Caniparoli
Music by Pyotr IIyich Tchaikovsky
Scenic + Costume Design by Peter Cazalet

Join Louisville Ballet for a sensory friendly performance of The Brown-Forman Nutcracker. Audiences will delight in excerpts from both Act 1 & 2, including Marie’s journey from the holiday party to the Land of Sweets and experience this magical holiday tradition in a specially designed atmosphere that is comfortable, inclusive and safe for individuals who have sensory sensitivities.

In collaboration with several community partners, Louisville Ballet has made appropriate accommodations to the performance and theater going experience to make individuals with special needs feel welcome.

What makes a performance Sensory Friendly?

  • Seating is general admission and not sold to capacity; therefore, audience members can select their own seats with room to move.

  • Patrons are allowed to move freely through the aisles during the performance.

  • Individuals are free to vocalize during the performance.

  • House lights remain on at low level during performance.

  • Some loud sounds or startling moments are omitted from the performance; others are signaled to the audience in advance.

  • Entering and exiting the theatre is allowed throughout the performance.

  • A quiet room at the back of the theater provides continued viewing away from the audience.

  • Additional quiet space is provided completely away from the theater.

*Although these performances are adapted specifically to accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities, the general public is welcome to attend.

Questions about the performance? Please call 502.632.5360 or email community@louisvilleballet.org.

WHAT PATRONS ARE SAYING ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE

“My two children with sensory processing difficulties were able to enjoy the show without worry, and they loved it! My daughter saw the performance last year, and it made such an impact on her — she couldn’t wait to go back. My son loved his first performance, too! Thank you so much for putting on this performance and being so thoughtful and inclusive in the details.”

“The SF performance was such a precious gift. I didn’t have to worry about any of that and people treated us just like a typical family. I could just enjoy the ballet with my girl, just like I’d always imagined. I may have even cried a bit during the first act by how overwhelmed I was with gratitude. It was a low pressure way for us to experience the performance. Because of this, I can see us trying a full performance in a few years. Thank for you facilitating this sweet memory and hopefully sparking a further interest in dance.”

“I am a pediatric speech therapist and have worked with many children with sensory needs. This performance makes the arts accessible to everyone , even young children. Bravo Louisville Ballet for your work towards increased inclusion!”