Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker

There is not a dress code. Most people consider a performance by the Kansas City Ballet to be a special event and tend to dress for the occasion, but wearing what makes you comfortable while attending the performance is up to you. Many people are dressed in comfortable business casual. Formal dress – evening gowns and tuxedos – are generally only worn to gala Ballet events.

Once you have parked near the Kauffman Center or in the Arts District Parking Garage, it will take you approximately 10-15 minutes to move from your car to your seat in the theater. This does not include time you spend in the lobby experiencing the Nutcracker Boutique, Souvenir Photos, or any additional stops you might need to make before entering the theater. Please allow for extra arrival time and anticipate potential construction projects or the busyness around downtown during the holiday season.

View Accessibility and parking FAQs

For the sensory-friendly performance of The Nutcracker, the Kauffman Center relaxes their policy on outside food and beverages to accommodate patrons with dietary needs. Patrons may enjoy their own small food items and beverages in lobby spaces. Before entering theater seating, patrons should either dispose of food and beverage items or seal and secure items under their seat for the duration of the performance.

Bars are also open before the show and at intermissions to purchase beverages and small snacks. In order to make the most of your intermission, pre-order your drink before the show! Simply submit your beverage order before the performance at the nearest bar and it will be ready for pick-up at the same spot during intermission.

The Kauffman Center’s promise to bring artists and audiences together is reflected in many ways, including removing barriers and providing access to our performing arts experiences for all patrons.

Accessible Seating
Every performance in Muriel Kauffman Theatre offers accessible seating options for patrons with disabilities. Accessible seats may be removed for mobility devices or left in place, and adjacent or nearby companion seats are available. Bariatric seating options are also available upon request.

Accessible parking
Accessible parking in the Arts District Garage are close to building access points, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Event parking is $16 per car in advance or $20 upon arrival. Valet parking is also available on the south drop-off drive for most performances for $25 in advance or $27 upon arrival.

Two drop-off areas allow guests to easily enter the Center:

• The north side of the Kauffman Center, accessed from 16th Street
• The private drive on the south side of the Kauffman Center, accessed from Broadway

Assistive Listening Devices
Patrons who would benefit from amplified and clarified sound may exchange an ID card for complimentary use of an Assistive Listening Device in the Gift Shop on Brandmeyer Great Hall.

Courtesy Wheelchairs
Staff members and volunteers at exterior doors are able to provide complimentary wheelchairs for use before a performance, during intermission, and after a performance. Remaining in a borrowed wheelchair during your entire visit is not an option at this time.

Kauffman Center staff and volunteers are unable to lift, carry or otherwise physically assist with transferring a patron from a wheelchair to a seat, administer medicine, provide assistance in the restroom, or perform other personal attendant services.

Changing Tables and Restrooms
The Kauffman Center has accessible restroom options on each level and family restrooms throughout the building. All family restrooms have infant changing tables, and the Mezzanine family restroom features a changing table for children or adults. Patrons needing an additional private space to use a universal changing table or tend to medical needs are invited to contact a staff member or volunteer to use the First Aid Office.

Universal changing tables for children and adults are supported by Variety Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City.

Serenity Rooms
Patrons who would benefit from the use of a private, relaxing environment are invited to step into one of our two Serenity Rooms. These spaces offer comfortable seating and a monitor to view the live performance, plus sensory items, dimmable lights, and an electrical wall outlet. Patrons may contact a staff member or volunteer to access this space.

Serenity Rooms are supported by Variety Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City.

Sensory Kits
Patrons who would benefit from comforting sensory resources are invited to exchange an ID card for complimentary use of a Sensory Kit from Coat Check on the Plaza Lobby Level. Each kit contains resources such as noise-reducing headphones, a weighted lap pad, and a handheld sensory item.

Sensory Kits are supported by Variety Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City.

Yes, there are elevators located on every level. All levels are accessible to people with special needs.

All Kansas City Ballet performances are accessible to people with disabilities. When ordering tickets online, please look for the seats that have the wheelchair or asterisk symbol or simply mark that you need an accessible seat when purchasing best available. You may also consult the Kansas City Ballet Ticket Office at 816.931.8993 to determine your best and most accessible seating options.