Savannah Ballet Theatre (SBT) has received an Investment Grant from the City of Savannah to help SBT fund this holiday season’s innovative low sensory production and touch tour, in addition to a full orchestra to enhance their annual Nutcracker production. SBT is honored to be the first professional arts organization in Savannah to offer this innovative and accessible experience.  

Each holiday season, SBT presents a traditional performance of The Nutcracker. New for this year, the productions will feature a full orchestra, as well as a special low sensory show and touch tour for SBT’s Educational Performance Outreach Series (EPOS).

Low sensory productions and touch tours are designed specifically for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, sensory sensitivities and other disabilities. Before performances, SBT hosts the show and touch tours for patrons who are blind or experience low vision and provides a stress-free, backstage exploration of props, costumes and the opportunity to meet with cast members to learn more about productions.

During the productions, guests will enjoy performances in a relaxed, comforting setting with friends and family that include softened lighting and sound with a quiet lobby area. The productions will not be condensed but modified in consideration of the audience. Low sensory performances and touch tours are being implemented by theaters and arts organizations throughout the United States in order to increase arts accessibility.

“We are so proud to have set the holiday tradition of being Savannah’s only professional dance company to perform The Nutcracker and wanted to make this year’s performance the best yet with our very own orchestra, but to also include those who have not been able to experience it,” said SBT Advancement Director Abby McCuen. “This grant provided by the City of Savannah has been crucial in making this dream a reality, as we could not have succeeded in these ventures from ticket sales alone. Only 60% of our yearly revenue comes from ticket sales. That’s why we are so grateful to the City of Savannah for supporting our organization and this special production, so we can continue serving the entire community and bringing the beautiful art form of ballet to all audiences.”

SBT will present The Nutcracker at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. The low sensory production and touch tour is slated for 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Reserved seating tickets for The Nutcracker can be purchased online for $30 each by visiting http://bit.ly/SBTNutcracker. Those interested in attending the low sensory production and touch tour must RSVP to SBT Education Coordinator Kristen Jameson by calling 912-200-9406.