clara blowing a kiss to the nutcracker

Attention Students & Parents: See Bottom of Page for More Info!

*Advance Ticket In-Person Pickup:

If you would like to purchase advance tickets in person, text or email Ms. Beth with the requested number of tickets and the performance date. She will give you a pickup time. Last day for advance purchase is Monday, December 15th. CASH ONLY. $10 per ticket.

TEXT: (252) 349-0259
EMAIL: thecenteroftheperformingarts@gmail.com

16 Years of Sweet Adventures…

The Nutcracker

Friday | December 19th | 7:00 PM

Saturday | December 20th | 1:00 PM

The Center of the Performing Arts presents The Nutcracker. Join us on Friday, December 19th, at 7:00 PM or Saturday, December 20th, at 1:00 PM as we celebrate 16 years of sweet adventures with Clara, the Nutcracker, the Sugarplum Fairy, and all their friends. This timeless ballet classic is sure to add a little magic to your holiday.

Tickets: Purchase your advance tickets at the door for $15/ticket.

Performance Location: Havelock Performing Arts Center—101 Webb Blvd, Havelock, NC

nutcracker toy

About The Nutcracker

Welcome to The Nutcracker, a holiday tale where imagination sparkles and magic dances just beyond the glow of the tree lights. Tonight, we join young Clara as she celebrates Christmas surrounded by laughter, wonder, and the mysterious charm of her beloved Uncle Drosselmeyer. Little does she know that his extraordinary gift—a wooden Nutcracker—will soon sweep her into an adventure unlike any other.

As the clock strikes midnight, the ordinary becomes enchantingly extraordinary. Clara finds herself in the midst of a daring battle between the brave Nutcracker and the fearsome Rat King, where courage shines brighter than any Christmas candle. With Clara’s help, victory opens the door to a world of pure enchantment.

Together, they journey through swirling snowflakes and arrive in the sparkling Land of Sweets, where the Sugarplum Fairy reigns with grace and warmth. Here, dancers from every corner of this delicious kingdom celebrate Clara’s bravery with colors, music, and movement as sweet as the treats they represent.

Settle in and let your heart drift in wonder with the unmistakable score from Tchaikovsky. Tonight, magic is alive, dreams are unfolding, and The Nutcracker is ready to whisk you away on a storybook adventure you’ll never forget.

Our production is performed in two acts with a brief intermission.

sugarplum fairy on red background with star in her hand

Gift Shop & Silent Auction

We are excited to announce that our Gift Shop will return this year for both performances. Patrons may purchase flower bouquets, ballet- and Nutcracker-themed gifts, ornaments, candy, and more. This is the perfect opportunity to buy flowers and a unique present for your dancer. It is also a good time to pick up a few stocking stuffers. There is something in every price range.

Please be sure to stop by our Silent Auction table to place your bid on several beautiful holiday items. Will you be the lucky winner?

Cash and credit cards accepted.

Browse Photo Gallery to See Pictures from Previous Performances

Photo Gallery

Student & Parent Section

TICKETS: Each performer receives FOUR complimentary tickets to The Nutcracker. You may request all four tickets for the same performance or split them between the two performances. Additional tickets may be purchased in advance for $10/ticket and picked up with your comp tickets (or anytime before Monday, December 15th). Please email or text Ms. Beth with your comp ticket request and the number of any additional tickets (be sure to specify the performance date and number of tickets). You may pay cash for additional tickets at the time of pickup. Allow 24 hours for processing, and then pick up after your child’s next rehearsal.

The last day to pick up comp tickets or additional advance tickets will be Monday, December 15th. All unclaimed comp tickets must be picked up at the door (purchase line) on the day of the performance.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE: Please keep a close eye on your inbox for rehearsal schedules. We will start an all-rehearsal schedule on Monday, December 1st. (No regular classes for any students until next semester.)

POLICIES & BACKSTAGE ETIQUETTE: Please review each section of our Recital Procedures page. If you have any questions, reach out to Ms. Beth. Continue to watch your inbox for additional information. Makeup (at parents’ discretion) and hair must be done BEFORE your performer arrives at dress rehearsal and performances. Students may bring water (in a bottle with a leak-proof lid) and clean snacks (pretzels, crackers, carrot sticks), and quiet games/activities. Do not send chocolate, messy snacks, food with sauce, or any drinks other than water.

STAGE MOMS: Stage moms are needed for each group of students. Please be sure to attend at least one dress rehearsal if you will be a stage mom for one of the performances. Thank you in advance!

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Specific/additional costume needs went out with your Recital/Costume Fee Invoice. Please be sure you have read over that list and are ready for dress rehearsals and performances. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask.