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

Budget crackdown

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,” which has led to “an urgent and significant budget deficit that threatens not only the continuation of these productions but also the stability of its overall operations moving forward.”

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 Alée 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.

To donate, visit www.peninsulalivelyarts.org/ways-to-support or email dchinn@peninsulalivelyarts.org.

Jazz grant

Palo Alto trumpeter Armen Krakirian is among 20 Bay Area musicians to receive a $1,000 grant from San Jose Jazz. Krakirian is both a performer and a private teacher.

SJZ’s Jazz Aid Fund is intended to stimulate the creation of new work; from Feb. 20–March 14, 2026, six of the 20 new grantees will premiere their commissions in a series of shows at the SJZ Break Room in downtown San Jose, part of a Winter Series at the venue. Those names are set to be announced in mid-December.