Pacific Northwest Ballet
Pacific Northwest Ballet School

Frequently Asked Questions


What Performances are Best For Children?

Pacific Northwest Ballet's Stowell/Sendak Nutcracker (Nov. 28–Dec. 30, 2008) provides a wonderful opportunity for young children to attend the ballet with their families.

Many other Pacific Northwest Ballet's performances are wonderfully suited to school-age children. Those children who are interested in dance, music and theater may particularly enjoy George Balanchine's Jewels™ (Jan. 29–Feb. 7, 2009) and Kent Stowell's Swan Lake (April 3–13, 2009). PNB's new Pinocchio family matinees (Feb. 7–8, 2009) and the annual Discover Dance Community Performance (March 21, 2009), presented by PNB's Education and Community Programs, offer further opportunities for introducing youth to dance.

Parents know their children best. Kids who can sit quietly through a movie generally do well at a theatre performance.
Do you have Helpful Hints About Attending the Ballet?


Artwork by Mallory Cooney, 2002.
Booster seats and binoculars are available at the back portion of the Kreielsheimer Promenade (main entrance level). Booster seats are intended for children or patrons shorter than 5 feet on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a $5 rental fee for binoculars.

Preparing Ahead—You can find out a lot about the performance you are attending before coming to the theatre. Look for performance information on PNB's website (Visit our Season Overview and click on the performance to find program notes about each ballet, photos, and casting for the performance you will be attending. You may also enjoy reading Dancer Biographies on our Company webpages to learn about the dancers you will see at the theatre, and view their photos.

What to Wear—Some people enjoy making their visit to the ballet a dress-up occasion, but many others dress casually. Most importantly, wear something you are comfortable in, and enjoy the performance!

Meals & Snacks—Prelude, conveniently located in McCaw hall at the south end of the Kreielsheimer Promenade (entry level), offers full-meal service before performances and snacks, beverages and desserts during intermissions. Prelude opens two hours prior to each performance and no reservations are necessary. Food and beverages are not allowed in the auditorium. Prelude dining details

Amusements Gift Shop—Visit McCaw Hall's Amusements Gift Shop on the Kreielsheimer Promenade (entry level) to find toys, books, posters from PNB performances, music, videos, jewelry, Nutcracker decorations, and more! Amusements Gift Shop

View from the Lobby—Children who are having difficulty watching and listening quietly during the performance may leave with an accompanying adult through the nearest exit and view the performance on monitors in the McCaw Hall Lobby.
Does PNB Offer Ticket Discounts for Children?


Artwork by Brianna Wallace, 2002.
Adults and children of every age must have their own ticket to attend a Pacific Northwest Ballet performance. However, a variety of ticket discounts are available for children and familes. Please click the links below for full details.

Nutcracker child ticket discount—Children ages 0–12 receive a 10% discount off the adult ticket price (rounded to the nearest dollar).

Nutcracker Family Packs—Family Packs include four discounted Nutcracker tickets and coupons to be redeemed at McCaw Hall for cookies and milk or cider!

Teen Tix—If you are 13–18 years old, you can join Teen Tix and purchase tickets to Pacific Northwest Ballet performances and other local music, dance, theatre and art events for only $5 (excludes Nutcracker and special events).

Student Rush Tickets—Half price rush tickets are available to students beginning 90 minutes prior to curtain time at the McCaw Hall Box Office.


Do you have additional questions? Please email pnbkids@pnb.org, or call the PNB Box Office at 206-441-2424.