Oglebay Institute presents "The Nutcracker"

Oglebay Institute’s Youth Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker at 7pm December 18, 19, 20; 3pm & 7pm Sunday, December 22 at Towngate Theatre.

A special one-night-only performance takes place at 7pm Thursday, December 12 at Ohio University Eastern. 

(December 20 performance titled “The MUTTcracker” will help support our friends at the Ohio County Animal Shelter.)

Dancing flowers! Flurries of snowflakes! Beautiful fairies and a legion of mice!  See them all swoop and soar across the stage. Oglebay Institute’s Youth Ballet Company dances The Nutcracker on Towngate stage. Beautifully costumed dancers bring this magical story to life. You will be transported into a Christmas fantasy. You’ll marvel at the lavish set and revel in Tchaikovsky’s beloved score.

For many, this annual show is a treasured holiday tradition. So, gather your family and join us at Towngate for this magical holiday journey.

Sponsored by the Helen J. Prince Foundation. Additional support provided by Brian, Julie & Tesla Joseph and Gary & Cheryl Pompeo.

Get Tickets

Tickets: $20
$25 for Dec. 20 “MUTTcracker” ($5 from each ticket goes to Ohio Co. Animal Shelter.)

Purchase tickets online or call 304-242-7700.

2024-25 Children’s Theater Season at Towngate

“Hansel & Gretel” Ballet
3pm & 7pm Sunday, October 13
7pm Saturday, October 19
3pm & 7pm Sunday, October 20

“Prancer”
7pm December 6; 3pm December 7 & 8

“The Nutcracker”
7pm December 18, 19, 20; 3pm & 7pm Sunday, December 22

“Beauty and the Beast”
7pm January 31; 3pm February 1, 2, 8, 9, 2025

Take your kids to the ballet.

Oglebay Institute’s children’s theater brings classic stories from the page to the stage through theater and dance.  Ballet performances feature well-loved stories that children relate to. Kids not only get excited about the characters and music they know, but also get to see stories presented in new and interesting ways.  Performances introduce kids to the beauty of dance. They also learn how dance can be used as a means of self-expression and storytelling.

Teaching the Art of Dance…

Oglebay Institute recognizes the importance of creative expression through movement and music. Dance has been a vibrant part of our programming for more than 80 years. We not only present dance as an art form and a means of self-expression but also as social interaction for all ages. From new dancers to returning professionals, our students immerse themselves in the art of dance at Oglebay Institute.