Beck Center to Stage Sensory-Friendly NUTCRACKER...JAZZED UP!

Beck Center for the Arts' Departments of Dance Education and Creative Arts Therapies have joined together to present two sensory-friendly performances of Nutcracker...Jazzed Up! at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Friday, December 11, 2015 in Beck Center's Music & Dance Building, located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood.

After four sold-out performances on December 5 and 6, the cast of Beck Center dance students have been working with Beck Center's Creative Arts Therapies faculty on an adapted version of the classic Tchaikovsky score that includes ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dance. "The sensory-friendly performance has become a favorite of our cast, families, and staff," remarked Ed Gallagher, Beck Center's Director of Education. "These performances demonstrate Beck Center's desire to be a place where all individual have a home as active participants in the creative process."

The performances have been modified for individuals with sensory challenges or developmental disabilities that include dimmed lights, lower sound levels, and designated quiet areas. "For over 20 years, we have been serving the community through our creative arts programs and the sensory-friendly productions capture the essence of our mission."

The cast will also bring Nutcracker...Jazzed Up! into the community by performing at three assisted living facilities on Saturday, December 12. The residents of St. Mary of the Woods, Lutheran Home, and Barton Center will enjoy a performance, which is an annual holiday tradition for Beck Center Dance Education.

The finale performance of Nutcracker...Jazzed Up! will occur at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus at 12 p.m. on Monday, December 21 in the Karos Grand Lobby in the Miller Pavilion. "Last year we enjoyed seeing so many Cleveland Clinic visitors stop and watch the show with surprise and joy," concluded Gallagher. "We love creating opportunities for cast and audience members to be inspired and enriched through the arts."

Beck Center for the Arts is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that offers professional theater productions on two stages, arts education programming in dance, music, theater, visual arts, early childhood, and creative arts therapies, and free gallery exhibits. For more information about Beck Center, visit beckcenter.org.