Nutcracker – A Holiday Tradition in Nanaimo

Kirkwood Productions proudly presents its 22nd annual production of The Nutcracker, a cherished holiday tradition that brings the magic of dance, music, and storytelling to the Port Theatre stage.

This year’s production features a cast of over 170 dancers, ranging from young children experiencing their first big stage moment to advanced performers taking on iconic lead roles. Together, they bring Tchaikovsky’s classic story to life with sparkling costumes, vibrant sets, and the joyful energy that has made our Nutcracker a beloved part of the Nanaimo holiday season.

Families can expect all the scenes they love—Party, Battle, Snow, Spanish, Arabian, Chinese, Mirlitons, Waltz of the Flowers, and the unforgettable Sugar Plum Fairy—performed with artistry, heart, and the excitement of a large community cast.

Show Dates

November 21, 22 & 23
Four live performances at the Port Theatre, Downtown Nanaimo

Tickets

Tickets are available exclusively through the Port Theatre box office.
Visit porttheatre.com or call the box office directly to secure your seats. This production sells out every year—early booking is recommended.

Join us as we celebrate the magic, tradition, and community spirit of The Nutcracker. It’s the perfect way to begin the holiday season.

Nutcracker 2025 FAQ for Dancers

  • What are the Port Theatre dates?
    • November 18 – 23, 2025
    • Dress rehearsal day/times TBA.
    • Show dates subject to change:
      • School shows Nov 20 and 21
      • Evening show Nov 21
      • Matinee show Nov 22
      • Evening show Nov 22
      • Matinee show Nov 23
  • When will rehearsals take place?
    • The majority of rehearsals will take place on Sunday mornings from Sept-Nov. Additional times will be added on Saturday afternoons as the production ramps up.
    • There will be afternoon/evening classes Sept 2 – 5, 2025
    • Some senior roles may be rehearsed Saturday evenings
    • Mandatory dress rehearsals Nov 8 and 15
  • Participation requirements:
    • Participate in audition (in studio or video).
    • Be fully registered in Kirkwood classes no later than July 31, 2025. Registration guidelines are here.
    • Production fee due August 1.
      • Anyone who has not paid by August 1 will be removed from the cast list
      • No refunds after cast list is sent
    • Attend all rehearsals Sep-Nov
    • Parents must take an active volunteer role (minimum 6 hours per dancer)
  • Cast list
    • The cast list is chosen by the Kirkwood Faculty and all decisions are final
    • Production fee must be paid prior to release of cast list
    • No refund on production fee once cast list has been released

Why is the Cast List sent out after the production fee?

As part of a tradition that Carolé and Lindsay have upheld for many years, the Nutcracker cast list is not released until all commitments to the production are in.. This longstanding practice is rooted in the belief that commitment to the production should come from a genuine love of the process, the story, and the opportunity to perform, regardless of the role assigned.

By waiting until all dancers have officially committed to being part of the production, we are able to finalize casting with clarity, creativity, and fairness. It also reinforces one of the most important values we hold at Kirkwood, that every role, from the tiniest mouse to the Sugar Plum Fairy, is part of something magical and meaningful.

Thank you for trusting in the process, and for continuing to honour a tradition that has helped make Kirkwood’s Nutcracker such a treasured experience for so many years.