Keeping the Holidays Merry & Bright for Arizonans-In-Need

For nearly 15 years, Ballet Arizona has invited Arizonans-in-need to come and celebrate the holidays by attending a full-length production of The Nutcracker –free of charge. Named in honor of our dedicated donors, Angel Night helps over 2,000 children and families each year experience an evening of magic and hope. This year, however, things will be different. With theatres still closed and live performances few and far between, an event as large as this is an impossibility. But, despite all the challenges proposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ballet Arizona has still found ways to keep the magic of Angel Night alive.

This year, Ballet Arizona will be able to host two limited-capacity in-person Angel Night performances for select community partners. Most excitingly, Ballet Arizona will also host its very first sensory-friendly performance in partnership with First Place. In this performance, key production elements will be adjusted to create a more supportive and friendly environment for families with a loved one(s) with special needs. The ability to leave and re-enter the theater as needed, lower sound levels, and a slightly lit house will allow these patrons to enjoy The Nutcracker in an environment more conducive to their needs.

Due to limited capacity seating and coronavirus concerns, Ballet Arizona will also host a digital version of Angel Night as well. Angel Night partners will be gifted access to the recorded digital performance of The Nutcracker Suite. This opportunity to see the performance will be accessible to our Angel Night audience for 24 hours and will include special behind-the-scenes content to enhance the experience!

Additionally, the Angel Night Gift Bags that are a long-standing tradition for The Nutcracker Angel Night will also continue this year with a contactless pick-up event. This event has been made available to all Angel Night community partners and an incredible number of 1,912 gift bags were requested from 46 organizations including schools, children’s clubs and social work organizations this year!