Community Outreach - Tell Me More About The Nutcracker

It’s no secret Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker is a favorite field trip for many school children around the metro.

This year nearly 5,100 students attended matinees and more than 1,500 had received a pre-performance workshop from Kansas City Ballet Director of Community Education, Linda Martin.

Most schools request an educational program from Martin in the weeks leading up to the show. Each session lasts from 45 minutes to an hour and is appropriate for all ages, from elementary school children to mature audiences like libraries, civic clubs, or any group planning to attend The Nutcracker.

“As long as there are at least 20 people in the audience, I’m happy to share behind the scenes info with interested groups. I take reservations as long as I am available, but the sooner they schedule a program, the better,” Martin says.

Martin provides age-appropriate programs to schools that include: Images of The Nutcracker sets from design to reality, Costumes from design concept to completed pieces, Shoes, Props, Information on special effects, and Information about the composer and choreographer, music themes and more.

“During the performance, I can tell a difference between the schools I visited and the ones I didn’t. Those with preparation are definitely more engaged and enthralled in the performance,” Martin says.

Students from CS1 Elementary in Shawnee Mission sent Martin thank you letters after attending both Martin’s program and a school matinee in 2007. A student named Ian wrote: “I love The Nutcracker! My favorite part is always when the toys come out and have a battle with the mice.”

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