If you have never attended The Nutcracker Tea Party, this information may be helpful. And take a look at the photo gallery at the footer of this page to see photos of past parties.

What does the Nutcracker Tea Party benefit?

Friends of Overland Park Arts are committed to growing arts and culture in our community. The Nutcracker Tea Party is in its sixteenth year and is the Friends’ major fundraiser.  Proceeds support public art installations, exhibits, performances and educational programs throughout the year. Your attendance at the Nutcracker Tea Party helps grow the arts in Overland Park.

Who dances in the show?

Dancers are students at Crescendo Conservatory and range in age from 9-18. Principal dancers are members of Crescendo in Motion, the official performance company of Crescendo Conservatory. Students from area universities are often featured as well. The Crescendo dancers audition for their roles and practice for months prior to the performances. Many of the dancers train five or six days a week and perform at events throughout the year. Learn more about Crescendo Conservatory.

I’d like to buy tickets. When do they go on sale?

• If you are a member of Friends of Overland Park Arts or Crescendo dance family, you will be able to purchase tickets beginning August 22.
• If you’ve attended the Nutcracker Tea Party in the past three years, you’ll have the opportunity to buy tickets beginning August 29.
• Ticket sales go public on September 19.

Seating at the parties is reserved in the order in which the tickets are purchased with purchasers of PREMIUM SEATING at the front of the room. And . . . the parties sell out early!!!  Don’t wait to order.  Parties will sell out early.

How do I get seats in the first few rows?

If you’d like the best seats, purchase PREMIUM (PATRON) SEATING.

Would my son and husband enjoy the event?

Absolutely, it’s a family-friendly event enjoyed by all.

How many seats are at a table?

We can accommodate 10 at a table.

I’d like to be sure to sit with my friends. How do I make that happen?

Our ticketing system is automated now, so all tickets for those who want to be seated together must be purchased at the same time.

How should we dress?

It’s a party, so come dressed for the holidays. You’ll see a little bit of everything from dressy pants outfits to little girls decked out in velvet and taffeta. Don’t have a tiara? You can buy one at the boutique along with dozens of other Nutcracker items.

May I bring my camera?

Of course, but we require that you refrain from flash photography during the performance to protect our dancers. There’s plenty of opportunity to get pictures with the dancers – as they stroll among the guests during the tea party before the performance – and we have multiple " photo op" areas with dancers too.

Will the children be able to see the performance?

Absolutely! We reserve an open space in front of the stage for the children to watch the performance after the tea party portion of the event.

My children are young. May I sit in the front with them?

While all children are allowed to sit in front of the stage, we require that parents return to their seats. We have security set up around the area and if a child starts to search for a parent, we have volunteers assigned to help them. We will have wristbands on which you can write your table number to ensure our volunteers know where to find you.

What else can I expect?

We have the wonderful Nutcracker Boutique that’s perfect for holiday shopping. Come prepared to shop for Nutcrackers, ornaments, tiaras and other items.  Each party will also feature a raffle.