San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker — Sensory-Friendly Performance

Experience the complete Nutcracker ballet, with choreography by Helgi Tomasson performed by San Francisco Ballet, and music by Pyotr IIyich Tchaikovsky performed by the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra.

What makes this performance sensory friendly?

• Audience members are invited to come to the performance and be themselves! Expectations for audience etiquette at this performance will be relaxed; talking or vocalizing is accepted, and patrons can move freely in their seats and the aisles during the performance, within appropriate safety parameters.
• House lights will remain on at a low level throughout the entirety of the performance.
• Some loud sounds and startling moments are modified for this performance.
• Fidget objects, noise-reducing headphones, and other sensory tools or devices are allowed inside the theater during the performance. Audience members can also feel free to bring their own comfort items with them into the theater.
• Entering and exiting the theater is allowed throughout the performance. Designated quiet spaces will be available for audience members who may need to take a break from the performance.
• Every level will have restrooms designated as gender-neutral family restrooms for accessibility.
• Audience members will have access to social stories and resource materials to help prepare for the Nutcracker experience before the performance.
• Assistive listening devices will be available for patrons with hearing impairment.
• Wheelchair-accessible seating options are located in the Orchestra, Dress Circle, and Box levels.

Photo: João Percilio da Silva and San Francisco Ballet in Tomasson's Nutcracker // © San Francisco Ballet, photo by Lindsey Rallo