Feature: Texas Ballet Theater Breaks Records with 2015 Production of THE NUTCRACKER

By: Jan. 06, 2016
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Photo by Scott Kirkham

Texas Ballet Theater (TBT)'s, the only fully professional arts organization to serve as resident company for both leading performance venues in Dallas and Fort Worth, 2015 production of Ben Stevenson's The Nutcracker has broke records for attendance and revenue, making it the most successful Nutcracker run in Company history.

The 2015 production had ticketing revenue of $1.49 million, smashing the previous record set in 2014 of $1.2 million. Around 31,000 patrons visited Bass Performance Hall enjoying 17 Nutcracker performances, all of which were technically sold out. In addition, the 2015 run had eight less performances than the previous years with no dates in Dallas due to conflicting venue schedules, but is looking forward to returning to Dallas in 2016.

The Nutty Nutcracker, Stevenson's annual parody on pop culture, has featured cameo appearances by big names such as Lyle Lovett and Jane Seymour. With only one show, tickets start selling in July for an almost guaranteed sellout. This year, only nine seats were left at curtain call.

Ticketing revenue from The Nutcracker and The Nutty Nutcracker accounts for approximately 18 percent of Texas Ballet Theater's total annual budget. This season, Texas Ballet Theater's goal for The Nutcracker and The Nutty Nutcracker was $1.4 million. The performances surpassed goal and made $1.6 million.

"Performing The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition as well as a form of sustainability for professional ballet companies," said Terri Sexton, Managing Director of Texas Ballet Theater. "Without traditional performances, we couldn't present world-class ballet and dance education to North Texas. Luckily, after 43 years Ben Stevenson's The Nutcracker is as popular as ever and we have been honored to present it for the past 15 years."

 

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