Spark imagination and get festive this holiday season with BachTots’ The Nutcracker (in a Nutshell). Now a staple on our YMCA Arts Live Performance calendar, this 25-minute show takes the most magical parts of the beloved ballet and reimages them into a lively performance that young attention spans can enjoy.
We sat down with BachTot’s Creative Director, Jenny Peters, to learn more about why The Nutcracker (in a Nutshell) is a don’t-miss performance this holiday season:
What makes BachTots Performing Arts unique?
Bach Tots is a unique performing arts company that stands out as one of the very few in the country dedicated exclusively to creating engaging, high-quality arts experiences for young children aged 0-6. Unlike traditional theater, Bach Tots tailors its performances to the developmental needs of the early years, using a short performance format, visual storytelling and a chance to interact with the performance to captivate our youngest audiences (and their grown-ups). Our shows are fuss friendly and relaxed, designed to inspire wonder, stimulate creativity, and foster a love of the arts from an early age, making Bach Tots a pioneering force in early childhood arts education. By offering accessible, age-appropriate performances, BachTots fills a crucial gap in the performing arts world, ensuring that even the youngest children can experience the magic of live theater in a way that resonates with them.
What does fuss friendly mean, and why is it an important aspect of your shows?
Offering fuss-friendly performances means creating a relaxed, welcoming space where young children—and their parents—can feel truly at ease. We understand that young children are naturally curious, expressive, and may not sit quietly, which is why we embrace a “noisy audience” with open arms. Our performances allow children to move, make sounds, and explore as they engage with the show, helping them feel comfortable and included. Families can come and go as they need, allowing parents to tend to their child’s needs without any pressure or worry about causing a disruption. This fuss-friendly environment supports a sense of belonging and inclusion, letting parents and little ones alike relax and enjoy the experience together.
How does attending live performances benefit young children?
Our performances offer numerous benefits for young children, supporting their natural ways of learning and engaging. In a relaxed, inclusive environment, children are free to express themselves—whether that means moving around, clapping, vocalizing, or interacting with what they see on stage. This freedom helps them develop confidence, as they learn that their reactions and behaviors are welcome rather than restricted. Additionally, by participating in live performances without the usual quiet expectations, young children can explore their curiosity, strengthen focus in a way that suits them, and build social and emotional skills by sharing the experience with others. This kind of environment not only makes theater accessible but also helps young children grow, learn, and feel at home in the world of performing arts.
This also means that families can experience the joy of live theater together. Without the need to arrange a babysitter or worry about disruptions, parents can relax and share in their child’s excitement, wonder, and discovery.
What led you to opening BachTots?
All of the above! There was nothing like this when I started my family, so I built it myself! Since then, I've come to witness a growing trend in the development of early years performances by the Theatre-for-Young-Audiences community worldwide.
What is your favourite part of Nutcracker (in a Nutshell)?
In general, I've always loved the Winter act. It was omitted in our recent versions, but that we are bringing back in 2024. I can't resist a Snow Fairy and a wintery forest.
But really, I absolutely love that we condense *The Nutcracker* ballet into a lively 25-minute show, taking the best, most captivating moments and crafting a version that’s perfect for little ones. We pull together the drama of the first act—the thrilling battle between the Nutcracker and the Rat King—with the whimsy of Candyland, showcasing all the delightful dances of the sweets. By “smooshing” these highlights into a short, engaging format, we create a fun, playful experience that keeps young children (and us adults!) entertained and enthralled. It’s *The Nutcracker* like they’ve never seen before—silly, joyful, and full of wonder.
The Nutcracker (in a Nutshell) will take place at Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge and Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton throughout December.
Find more information on upcoming performances and purchase your tickets here!