A Nutcracker performance that will be less overwhelming, for people with autism and sensory processing issues

"The Nutcracker" has been a ballet tradition for more than 40 years in Seattle.

On Tuesday at 2 p.m., the Pacific Northwest Ballet will host a sensory friendly performance.

This special show caters to people affected by autism or with other sensory needs.

Snowflakes and sugar-plum ferries will dance across the stage as usual, but the show will be altered to have less crash, bang and strobe elements.

Gabriela Shutt, the engagement fellow for the ballet company, worked on the changes.

"My brother is on the autism spectrum," she says. "There were a lot times growing up that my mom wanted to take me to 'The Nutcracker,' and it would have been wonderful. But [we] just knew that experience wouldn't be as wonderful for him because of the sensory things."

According to the Pacific Northwest Ballet, the following modifications will be made to make Tuesday's show at McCaw Hall more welcoming to all:

• Audience lights will remain on at a low level in the theater during the performance.
• Audience members will be free to talk and move around the theater. There will also be designated quiet areas throughout McCaw Hall.
• Sensory supports (fidgets, earplugs, noise cancelling ear-muffs) will be available in the lobby before the performance. Going forward, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Seattle Theater Group will have headphones and fidget devises that anyone can check out.
• Audience members are welcome to bring their own sensory supports, seat cushions, comfort objects and other support items.
• Tablets, smart phones and other electronic devices will be allowed with headphones during the performance.
• Audience members can get a guide to lighting and sound cues that may be overwhelming during the performance.

PNB staff and volunteers have also been trained to provide additional support and guidance.

Tickets for the sensory-friendly performance are still available online as of Tuesday morning.

This year's production of "The Nutcracker" will be different in other ways, too.

Audience members will have to mask up and show proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid-19 test to attend a show.

The cast is smaller, performers have been rehearsing in masks and those involved in the production are getting tested regularly — some every day.

In a normal year, the performance features about 230 people in a rotating cast. That doesn't include the full orchestra that accompanies every performance.

So, while the stage may not be as crowded — or as overwhelming to the senses — the holiday bustle is back in full force.

"The Nutcracker" is on now through December 28 at McCaw Hall.

Portions of this story were first reported for KUOW's Seattle Now podcast. Learn more about the return of the Pacific Northwest Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker" here.