The Nutcracker 2026
Field Trip Shows
SCB’s 2026 field trips are being presented in partnership with Poway Onstage!
Click here to go to Poway Onstage’s ticket request form
2026 Field Trip Information
Thursday, December 17, 2026 - 9:45 am & 11:45 am
Friday, December 18, 2026 - 9:45 am & 11:45 am
Running Time: 85 minutes
Poway Center for the Performing Arts
Southern California Ballet's Nutcracker Field Trip Shows makes the stunning production of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker available at an affordable price for San Diego school groups, people with disabilities, and senior groups. Performances are offered during the school day.
Tickets should be requested through our presenting partner Poway Onstage
Free Curriculum
To provide a more comprehensive experience for those attending the outreach shows, SCB provides a teacher resource packet and additional Nutcracker-themed activities.
Teacher Resource Packet
The teacher resource packet contains background information about all aspects of our show, quick check activities to test for comprehension and application, and full academic lesson plans which align to the CAS, CCSS, and NGSS. This is a resource to help you prepare for your field trip, and we request that you take a look through and see what you're able to use in your classes.
Nutcracker Activities
The additional Nutcracker activities include themed word searches and one-of-a-kind coloring pages replicating scenes from our show! With these coloring pages, your students will be able to recognize the sets and costumes from our production during the show!
Downloadable Resources
Supplemental Activities
Activities for further student enrichment
In-School Workshops
The Nutcracker
About the Workshop Program
In partnership with Poway OnStage, Southern California Ballet can come to your school to teach The Nutcracker! Featuring high-caliber instruction from expert ballet teachers who help stage the actual show, our 60-minute workshop will give students the opportunity to learn:
Basic ballet movements and terminology
The history and background of The Nutcracker
Simplified choreography from one of our four featured dances (The Party Scene, The Battle Scene, The Snowflakes Scene, and The Land of the Sweets)
About the various costumes the dancers wear
About pointe shoes and pointe work
Participating in In-School Workshops
Following the workshop, teachers will also gain access to exclusive supplementary curriculum that can be used in the weeks leading up to the in-person performance, which includes the corresponding California Arts Standards/Common Core/Next Generation Science Standards for each activity.
If you are interested in In-School Workshops - The Nutcracker, please fill out the interest form at this link. A Poway OnStage representative will be in touch with you to schedule a workshop!
Virtual Nutcracker Field Trip
Virtual Field Trip registration is open.
Poway OnStage, in partnership with Southern California Ballet, is offering a Virtual Field Trip featuring the following unique and exciting content:
Pre-show learning modules include:
The Nutcracker Interactive Story
The Nutcracker Time Machine
Extension activities include:
Artist Videos: Dance Tutorials (Party Children, Toy Soldiers, Chinese Tea, Spanish Chocolate)
Workshop Video: Costume Design
World Tour through the Land of Sweets
Choose Your Move: Choreography Dance
For more information and to register, please visit the website.
“This program was an excellent way to bring VAPA to my students. Some of the children had never seen a ballet performance. They not only enjoyed the dance but also the music. The dance instructions after the show were very fun!”
Bus Funding Assistance
Need assistance with bus costs for getting your students there?
If you are a San Diego County public school teacher, you can apply for a Bus Grant with ArtsBusXpress to pay for transportation to bring your students to see The Nutcracker.
Performance Location
Poway Center for the Performing Arts
14598 Espola Rd
Poway, CA 92064