The Nutcracker

Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes

This ballet is a full length. Meaning, one ballet with intermissions, similar to a book with chapters. Act I: 50 minutes followed by a 15 minute intermission, concluding with Act II: 40 minutes.

Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky - Composer

Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was born on May 7, 1840, in Kamsko-Votkinsk, Vyatka, Russia. Tchaikovsky’s work was first publicly performed in 1865. In 1868, his First Symphony was well-received. In 1874, he established himself with Piano Concerto No.1 in B-flat Minor. Tchaikovsky resigned from the Moscow Conservatory in 1878 and spent the rest of his career composing yet more prolifically. Tchaikovsky is most celebrated for his ballets, specifically Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker. He died in St. Petersburg on November 6, 1893.

Join the Rochester City Ballet at the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center for a FREE sensory-friendly showing of The Nutcracker.

RSVP HERE

We’re so excited to perform this special performance for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivities, different abilities, or other individualized needs and their families/caregivers.

Our Sensory Friendly Performance includes:

• Absolutely no “shushing”!

• Lower sound levels

• Elimination of loud or jarring sounds, special effects, and flashing lights

• House lights on to make movement inside the theater easier

PLUS, at this performance we have:

• Relaxed house “rules” – all audience members are free to get up, move around, and leave whenever they need to

• Allowed use of iPads and other electronics for therapeutic uses

• Designated quiet, safe areas outside of the main theater

**Thank you to the Glover Crask Charitable Trust and the Golisano Foundation who make it possible for us to offer sensory-friendly performances.

Rochester City Ballet is thrilled to share the magic of The Nutcracker beyond the stage! Our dancers will be at libraries and community centers throughout the Rochester area this fall to give families a sneak peek at the holiday classic.

These outreach events are free and open to the public, thanks to our generous sponsors and community partners. Check our list below for dates and locations, and join us as we spread the joy of The Nutcracker throughout Greater Rochester!

• Pittsford Community Library Book Reading – October 25th, 2025

  10:30 AM, 24 State St, Pittsford, NY 14534

• Webster Public Library Storytime & Mini-Performance – October 25, 1:00 PM

  980 Ridge Rd, Webster, NY 14580

• Greece Public Library Book Reading – November 1, 10:00 AM

  2 Vince Tofany Blvd, Rochester, NY 14612

• Penfield Public Library Book Reading – November 1, 10:30 AM

  1985 Baird Rd, Penfield, NY 14526

• Wood Library (Canandaigua) Book Reading – November 1, 10:30 AM

  134 N Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424

• Pittsford Barnes & Noble Storytime & Mini-Performance – November 1, 7:00 PM

  Pittsford Plaza, 3349 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14618