Sensory programming

      Our Sensory Programming is designed to offer a professional production of The Nutcracker to students who have multi-sensory challenges/needs; those who have emotional, social, cognitive, visual, hearing, and physical needs; those who are on the Autistic Spectrum; and those who are homebound.

      This program was designed 12 years ago with the help of the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. Guidance was given as to what students would need to feel accepted (and not over-stimulated) while attending a ballet in a theatre. Our ballet students and Professional Company who perform are advised as to the needs of the students - and that this is truly the most important performance they will have for The Nutcracker. 

      This performance is offered at no cost each year by Ballet Spartanburg with the support of many corporations and individuals. Volunteers from Ballet Spartanburg and Converse University help with the unloading/loading of buses and assisting students, teachers, parents, and caregivers into the theatre. The programming is a team effort to ensure safety, comfort, and acceptance for all attending.

Click here for a WSPA News Story about the 2024 Sensory Sensitive Performance. 

Accommodations are made for students to enjoy the ballet, including:

• House lights are held at half-house.

• Music is lowered and monitored during the performance with no loud crescendos.

• Flashes are removed from the ballet.

• Students are given Sensory Books and crayons as they enter (to be used when restless).

• A Sensory cool-down area is available in the lobby for teachers to take students.

• Narration headsets and a Braille sensory book are provided for all blind students.

• An ASL Interpreter is on stage for the beginning and end of the performance.

      If you or your business would like to know more about this programming and would like to be involved, please email swoodham@balletspartanburg.org. This is the only sensory program that is offered in Spartanburg (and the Upstate) to allow students to see The Nutcracker (Act 1). You are the support that makes the difference for all Ballet Spartanburg's programming.