Project Overview

Over four decades, hundreds of thousands of Arkansans have experienced the magic of Ballet Arkansas's beloved production of The Nutcracker Spectacular. With live music by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, the production features a cast of more than 300 dancers, singers, and musicians from all areas of the state, and is the largest and longest-running holiday production in Little Rock. The Nutcracker Spectacular not only brings joy and wonder to nearly 10,000 Arkansans each December, but revenue earned through its annual presentation supports Ballet Arkansas's operations, and its world-class productions and education programs that serve Arkansas communities across the state.

Each year, thousands of hours of labor are needed to upkeep the Spectacular's aging costumes and sets. While ample TLC keeps the production in working order, in the winter of 2022, Ballet Arkansas launched a 5-year campaign to revitalize the state's beloved production with stunning costumes, sets, and choreography to match.

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Updates you'll see in 2023

• Updated Rental Drops for all scenes - with options to purchase!

• Updated Choreography in Party Scene, Battle Scene, Snow Scene, Tea/Candy Cane/Flowers Divertissements, Grand Pas

• New Costumes for Nutcracker, Rat King, Snow Scene (company only), Hot Chocolate/Tea/Candy Cane/Marzipan/Flower Divertissements, Grand Pas 

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Updates you'll see in 2024​

• New costumes for 100 Community Cast dancers within the Party, Battle, Angels, and Mother Ginger Scenes 

• Additions of moving Christmas trees and set pieces for Act II

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Benefits of Sponsorship

• Acknowledgement from the stage on Opening Night of the production

• Recognition in digital and print mentions of the role sponsored, upon request: The Sugar Plum Fairy, presented courtesy of John Doe

• Commemorative photo of your costume's first performance on stage

• Backstage tour on Opening Night of the production, upon request

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Whether you're a former cast member, a loyal patron, or new to Ballet Arkansas, your support of The Nutcracker Project will instill joy in countless Arkansans for years to come. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation of an amount significant to you, and the years to come will commemorate an exciting new era for the "Nutcracker Spectacular" and the State of Arkansas. Please contact Michael Fothergill, Executive and Artistic Director at michael@balletarkansas.org to discuss your Nutcracker Project donation benefits today. Please