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 11-22. 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:

Crescendo Conservatory takes great pride in teaching dance as a performing art. We offer professional, creative dance instruction in ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, tap and musical theater and progressive ballet technique.

What sets us apart:

• • All aspects of dance education at Crescendo Conservatory are age appropriate from costumes to music and choreography.
  • Classes not only build their technical dance skills, but also nurture students’ physical and emotional well-being.
  • Crescendo Conservatory is a non-competition studio that focuses on artistic growth through performing opportunities.  Our annual dance recital is held at the beautiful KU Lied Center.  Additional performing opportunities are available for dancers who join our dance company – Crescendo in Motion.
  • Our instructors all are degreed and/or former professional dancers with a solid foundation in dance as an art form. 
  • We have a large 7000 square foot state of the art facility, consisting of three large studios all with sprung Marly dance floors. 

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 20 at 9am.
• If you’ve attended the Nutcracker Tea Party in the past three years, you’ll have the opportunity to buy tickets beginning August 27.
• Ticket sales go public on September 10.
• Ticket sales will close on Wednesday, December 4 in order to prepare for the event weekend

Purchase links will be emailed to each presale group on the dates listed above. Please ensure you are actively subscribed to our mailing list in order to receive these communications. Seating at the parties is reserved in the order in which the tickets are purchased. And... the parties sell out early!!! Don’t wait to order. Parties will sell out early.

How long is the full experience?

Each party experience lasts approximately 2 hours:

• Doors open 30 minutes before your scheduled party time.
• Food will be served at party time or when you are seated.
• The ballet performance begins 30 minutes into the party and runs for about an hour.

What are the menu details for our Meal Selection options?

New this year, you will be prompted to make Meal Selections at the time of ticket purchase. Click here to view/download the Full Menu for more information. At checkout, you'll also have an option to note any significant food allergies or dietary restrictions. All events are nut-free for everyone's safety. Please confirm your group's preferences before booking. Edits are not possible after purchase, but you can email us at info@artsandrec-op.org with any changes. Meal selections and special notes will not be possible after Tuesday, December 3 in order to prepare for the event weekend.

Are any other special beverages available?

Yes! Visit the cash bar on the east end of the hallway to purchase a holiday beverage: champagne, wine, mimosas, or hot cocoa!

How many seats are at a table?

Our floorplan contains tables that are pre-set for 10, 11 or 12 people.

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

Our ticketing system is automated, 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.

Is there a gift shop?

Yes! Explore the delightful Nutcracker Boutique, your perfect holiday shopping destination! Discover an array of Nutcrackers, ornaments, tiaras, and more. Enjoy a seamless experience— the live ballet performance will be streamed inside the Boutique, ensuring you won't miss a moment while browsing. Plus, each party includes an exciting raffle with a selection of 10 special prizes to choose from!

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.

Would my son and husband enjoy the event?

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