Join us for our 50th anniversary Nutcracker performance this November
2025
Performance plan for the 50th anniversary
Monday, November 24th
- 9am: Educational performance for school students*
- Noon: Sensory friendly performance*
Closed to the public; schools only
*Times for educational performance
subject to change
Friday, November 28th
- Noon: Matinee performance
- 5:30pm: Evening performance
Performances open to public
Saturday, November 29th
- Noon: Matinee performance
- 5:30pm: Jubilee performance
- 8pm: 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Posh
Performances open to public
Gala by ticket only
Sunday, November 30th
- Noon: Matinee performance
- 5:30pm: Evening performance
Performances open to public
Donate to the 50th anniversary Nutcracker performance
For nearly five decades, we’ve had the privilege of offering free performances of The Nutcracker, alongside an array of world-class productions. Your generosity sustains these cherished traditions, enhances our educational programs, and nurtures the artistic growth of the next generation of dancers.
Every donation, large or small, contributes to the preservation of the arts and ensures that the joy of dance continues to inspire future generations. Click below to make a difference and help us continue sharing the magic of ballet. We are deeply grateful for your support!
Calling all Nutcracker Alumni!
This year marks the 50th anniversary of our beloved production of The Nutcracker, and we want YOU to be part of the celebration!
If you've ever danced, worked, or been involved in The Nutcracker, we’d love to reconnect and keep you in the loop about special alumni events at the 50th anniversary performance. Please fill out the alumni form by following the link below:
Let’s make this milestone one to remember!
A Gift to the Community
In 1976, Ballet Theatre of Scranton’s visionary founder and Artistic Director, Constance Reynolds, sought to give back to the community that had warmly embraced her upon her arrival from Scotland. She did so by creating an extraordinary gift—The Nutcracker—a holiday tradition that has grown into an iconic annual event, beloved by generations. Since 1991, under the leadership of Artistic Director Joanne Arduino, this cherished production has flourished, continuing to inspire and enchant audiences each year. In 2019, the production found its new home at The Theater at North, ensuring it remains a centerpiece of Scranton’s cultural calendar.
Ballet Theatre of Scranton’s The Nutcracker stands apart as the
only production in the United States presented entirely free of charge, a distinction noted by Dance Magazine. Over the years, the production has earned accolades such as the Hometown Star SAGE Award from the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and a first-place Pocono Northeast Award. Featuring over 100 dancers, stunning sets, intricate costumes, and dazzling special effects, The Nutcracker has captivated more than 350,000 audience members throughout its history, including 12,000 school students who have attended educational performances designed to broaden their exposure to the arts.
The 2025 season will mark the 50th anniversary of this extraordinary gift to the community. However, maintaining the integrity of the production has not been without its challenges. Rising costs and reduced arts funding have posed significant financial hurdles. In response, Ballet Theatre of Scranton will launch an endowment fund during the 50th anniversary, with the goal of preserving the spirit of generosity and artistic excellence that
The Nutcracker represents, ensuring that this timeless holiday tradition can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.
The Nutcracker by the numbers:
Since 1976...
400,000+
Audience members reached
35,000+
Students reached in educational shows
2,400+
Pairs of pointe shoes worn
300+
Free performances open to the public
Our Nutcracker Matters
Preserve a community gift
For 50 years, we’ve offered a professional quality
production of The Nutcracker at no-cost to
attendees, funded by grants and fundraising.
Rising costs threaten this tradition
Unique cultural value in NEPA
Here in Northeastern Pennsylvania, we have the
only free production of The Nutcracker in the US
with guest professional artists.
Continue to enhance the region's cultural profile
Accessibility & outreach
Through our free performance for both the general
public and local schools, we provide equal access to
the arts for families and schools.
Remove the financial barriers to experience the arts
