Getting ready forLos Angeles Ballet's Nutcracker Relaxed Performance at the Dolby Theatre.
One sensory-friendly (relaxed) performance of The Nutcracker, Saturday, December 26, 2026 at 2 pm at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, with sound lowered, strobe and flashing lights reduced or eliminated, house lights on low, every other row left open, freedom to talk and move, and the lobby as a quiet space any time.
Sensory supports. Dec 26 relaxed Nutcracker, house lights low, quiet lobby.
Hours
Relaxed performance: Saturday, December 26, 2026, 2 pm. The Nutcracker runs 2 hours plus a 20-minute intermission. LAB Box Office by phone: Monday to Friday, 12 to 5 pm; LAB's box office at the theater opens 90 minutes before the performance. Dolby Theatre box office: Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday 10 am to 4 pm, closed on major holidays.
Dolby Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028 (Level One of Ovation Hollywood)
“Adjusted sensory elements: Sound levels are lowered, and strobe and flashing lights are reduced or eliminated.”
“Adjusted house lights: House lights remain on at a low level throughout the performance.”
“Relaxed house rules: Guests are free to talk, move, or leave their seats as needed during the performance.”
“Quiet space: The lobby will be a safe space to go as needed, any time during the performance.”
“Seating: Every other row of Dolby Theatre will be left open to allow guests to move more freely without disturbing other guests.”
The performance is adapted for people with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other cognitive or social challenges, and their families, with quiet areas and staff experienced in assisting people with sensory needs on hand.
In the Social Story, the music is soft and dreamy during the Snow scene and loud during the Battle, the Mouse King and his friends can look a little spooky, and it is fine to close your eyes, cover your eyes or bring favorite comfort items.
LAB's general in-house policy asks that mobile devices be turned off before a performance; for this relaxed show, LAB encourages bringing tablets.
LAB recommends a minimum age of 6 for its performances. At the Dolby, children under 15 must be with an adult (event permitting).
The battle with the Mouse King, near the end of the first half (the music is loud during the Battle)not stated
Stage lights (sometimes bright, and sometimes completely dark)not stated
Lobby lights before the show (they begin to flash 10 minutes before the performance begins)not stated
Quieter, in LAB's words
The lobby, a quiet space to go any time during the relaxed performancequiet zone
Tickets are sold on Ticketmaster (linked from LAB's sensory-friendly page), by phone through the LAB Box Office at (310) 998-7782, Monday to Friday 12 to 5 pm, or in person at the Dolby Theatre box office. The Dolby box office takes no phone orders. Will Call opens one hour before the performance, and ID is required.
Refunds: LAB's terms say that before COVID-19 all sales were final with no refunds or exchanges, and that COVID-19 changed its refund and exchange rules; call the LAB Box Office at (310) 998-7782 to ask what applies. If LAB cancels a performance for a reason other than force majeure, it refunds the face value; delivery charges are non-refundable. A performance stopped after Act 2 has begun is not considered cancelled. For a force majeure cancellation, LAB does not guarantee a refund or exchange.
Arriving: the Dolby asks you to arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance in its FAQ and at least 45 minutes early in its policies; plan on 45. Latecomers are seated at an appropriate pause, at the discretion of the house staff.
Bags and strollers: bags bigger than 12 x 12 x 6 inches, backpacks and strollers are checked at the free coat check on Lobby 2. Bag checks are regular. The Dolby's prohibited list includes outside food or beverage (including water), cans, bottles and glass containers, Hydro Flasks, coolers, large bags, noise-making devices, balloons and costume masks (medical masks permitted); the full list is on its Theatre Policies page. The Dolby's Equal Access page says exceptions for outside food and drinks needed for special dietary needs, religious requirements or medical conditions will be made whenever possible, with a letter of exemption arranged ahead (see Food).
Food: outside food and drinks, including water, are not allowed. The exception: if you need to bring your own food or drinks for special dietary needs, religious requirements or medical conditions, the Dolby's Equal Access page says to arrange to show an ADA Compliance Officer-issued letter of exemption when you enter, so set it up ahead; exceptions will be made whenever possible, in cooperation with production requirements. For ADA questions, call the Dolby at (323) 308-6369. Bars and concessions are in every lobby, and food and drinks are permitted inside the theatre during most events. Concessions are cashless.
Parking: the Ovation Hollywood structure on Highland Avenue next to the Loews Hollywood Hotel, with entrances on Highland Avenue and Orange Drive; $2 every 20 minutes or $6 an hour, $20 daily maximum. The Dolby doesn't validate, but some Ovation Hollywood businesses do. Metro's B Line has a stop at Ovation Hollywood.
A medic is on site for all public events on Lobby 1. Restrooms are on every lobby level, with gender neutral restrooms on Lobby 1. Only service animals are allowed.
