Peninsula Ballet Theatre needs to raise a nut for its Nutcracker' suite

"Peninsula Lively Arts, the producing organization behind Peninsula Ballet Theatre, has launched an urgent appeal for donations and sponsorships to ensure the presentation of its planned Nutcracker productions this December. The organization says it must raise $150,000 by Nov. 30 to proceed with the performances. Peninsula Lively Arts says its plans to present three versions of The Nutcracker have been jeopardized by a drastic shortfall in grants and individual contributions,"

"The Nutcracker productions include: Nutcracker Sweets, an abridged 60-minute version of the classic ballet for children ages 3-9 and families featuring dancers from Peninsula Ballet Theatre and students from the Peninsula School of the Arts; Hip-Hop Nutcracker, a full-length production by Peninsula Hip-Hop Productions Artistic Director Stuck Sanders with additional choreography by Alee Martinez. This two-act dance scenario overlays Tchaikovsky's score with DJ industrial beats and remixes; A full-length professional production of The Nutcracker by Peninsula Ballet Theatre's Artistic Director Gregory Amato."

Peninsula Lively Arts launched an urgent appeal to raise $150,000 by Nov. 30 to proceed with Nutcracker performances in December. The shortfall resulted from steep declines in grants and individual contributions, creating a budget deficit that threatens productions and the organization's stability. Planned presentations are Nutcracker Sweets, an abridged 60-minute family version featuring Peninsula Ballet Theatre dancers and Peninsula School of the Arts students; Hip-Hop Nutcracker, a two-act full-length reinterpretation overlaying Tchaikovsky with DJ beats and remixes; and a full-length professional Nutcracker by Gregory Amato. Donations can be made online or by email. San Jose Jazz awarded $1,000 grants to 20 musicians, including Armen Krakirian; six grantees will premiere commissions Feb. 20–March 14, 2026, at the SJZ Break Room, with names to be announced in mid-December.

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