House lights partly on, the explosion removed, flashing lights steady, softer sound, and quiet areas in the lobby. One show only, Sunday, November 29. What the ballet changes, and what it doesn't, is spelled out here.
Sensory supports. Sensory-friendly show Sun Nov 29.
Hours
One show: Sunday, November 29, 2026, 1:00 pm. About 1 hour 50 minutes including a 20-minute intermission (Act I 42 minutes, Act II 43). The box office opens 90 minutes before.
Headphones and earplugs: a limited number at the theatre, so bring your own. A lobby table has fidget toys, visors, sunglasses, headphones and earbuds to borrow.
Quiet and activity areas in the lobby for breaks. You can get up, move around, and leave or return to the theatre whenever you need to.
Tickets from $20 with promo code FRIENDLY (a regular Nutcracker is from $40). Everyone needs a ticket, babies included: for a child 2 or younger on your lap, email tickets@coloradoballet.org or call (303) 339-1637 before the show to reserve the free lap seat ticket.
whether borrowed headphones or fidgets need a deposit or ID
re-entry after leaving the building
what ushers and volunteers wear
a lost child procedure
where strollers are stored
Call 303-339-1637More about Colorado Ballet's Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker, Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Louder or brighter, in the ballet's words
The orchestra (music from the orchestra pit can be loud (the ballet's social narrative))not stated
Applause (can be loud; covering ears or headphones helps)not stated
Lights (the lights above the seats dim during the show; sunglasses can help if the lights are too bright)not stated
Leaving after the show (visitors wait in line to exit)not stated
Quieter
Quiet areas in the lobby; ask staff for the exact spotquiet zone
Activity areas in the lobbyquiet zone
Parking: Arts Complex Garage, entered from Arapahoe St between 13th and 14th; $18 event rate on weekends; cards and phone pay, no cash or American Express. Take the elevator to Level 3 to enter the theatres. Accessible parking is by the elevators; Levels 3 to 5 are the surest bet.
Drop-off: rideshare uses 1001 14th Street. Curbside ramps are at 14th and Curtis and on 13th St under the Arts Complex. For a courtesy wheelchair in the garage or at the curb, call (720) 865-4200 when you arrive.
Security: a metal detector in the lobby, and the DCPA asks you to arrive early. The venues are cashless.
Bring a bag smaller than 12 x 12 x 12 inches that fits under your seat. Strollers must be checked at the theatre. Coat check is on the left side of the lobby.
Food: no outside food or drinks except factory-sealed water; snacks and drinks at the lobby bars. The Arts Complex makes exceptions for disabilities, medical needs and special needs; contact the venue before the show.
A touch table in the lobby (the social narrative calls it the Tutu Petting Zoo) has tutus, pointe shoes and costume pieces to feel.
Bathrooms on all four levels, with stairs and an elevator. The Ellie lists a first aid room; ask an usher where it is.
Late seating is up to the House Manager; TV monitors in the lobby show the performance. The ballet recommends the Nutcracker for ages 5 and up; booster seats from the ushers.
Patron Services: (303) 339-1637, tickets@coloradoballet.org. The ballet publishes its own social narrative (English PDF). Read it together the night before.
