Nittany Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ Dec. 13–14 in Eisenhower Auditorium

The Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania Nittany Ballet will reprise its magical performance of “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, in Eisenhower Auditorium.

Tickets are $40 for adults, $34 for those 55 and older, and $29 for students and those 18 and younger. Buy tickets online to avoid the $4-per-ticket online service fee by calling 814-863-0255; or buying in person from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays at Eisenhower Auditorium.

Visit “The Nutcracker” online for more information.

Evolving production is more magical than ever!

Nittany Ballet’s Artistic Director Paul Gibson swept audiences away in 2024 with his dazzling new vision of the fairy tale, bringing in fresh costumes, backdrops and enhancements to the story.

Centre County’s pre-eminent classical ballet school’s annual production will transport audiences to a magical world where life-sized toy soldiers fight giant mice, snowflakes dance, and the Sugarplum Fairy welcomes theatergoers of all ages to the Nutcracker’s Kingdom and performers from the Land of Sweets.

This year, audiences can expect an even more enchanting world, as the production continues to evolve. Guest artists from Pacific Northwest Ballet, Sarah Gabrielle-Ryan and Mark Cuddihee; and Penn State musical theater students Alex Iozzio and Zach Doran join Nittany Ballet's largest cast yet. More than 100 students, ages 3 to 18 from the Centre County region, will dance the beloved ballet.

Nittany Ballet, the dance division of the Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania, is the preeminent classical ballet school in Centre County. The faculty brings solid technique together with a deep love of classical ballet and teaching, enabling its students “a joyful pursuit of excellence” in the artform. The school serves students ages 2 through adult who dance for enjoyment, as well as students wishing to pursue a professional career.