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All Photography by Jack Hartin unless stated otherwise

Ballet OC with permission from Charles Maple is committed to bringing back this Production of “The Nutcracker” for a “20th Anniversary Show”.  Our plan is to audition, cast, rehearse and perform the full-length production under the Artistic Direction of Ally Helman.

Ballet OC has secured Irvine Valley College Theatre for the 20th Anniversary Showing of “The Nutcracker”.   These Dates are Dec 17th to Dec 20th, 2026.  Our plan is to perform 3 full length shows over these dates, and we are committed to the legacy of Charles Maple’s Nutcracker by having and creating an opportunity for past dancers that were part of Maple Conservatory & Maple Youth Ballet to participate directly in the production in casted roles, volunteers, and ambassadors to help make this 20th anniversary a smashing success. 

Our goal is to have a successful return of Charles Maple’s Nutcracker.

Photography by Theresa Wood

Back in 2006, Charles Maple and Kathy Crade of Maple Conservatory & Maple Youth Ballet set out on a journey that would change & influence a generation of artists.  These artists started as students within the newly created conservatory and the very first “Nutcracker” production was called “Nutcracker – A New Beginning” and over the years of 2006 all the way through 2019, “The Nutcracker was an annual show that brought the Dance Community together in Orange County.  

Dancers of all ages from the youngest to the eldest were all part of an incredible journey telling Charles’ Story of Grandma Clara going back in time telling her story of when she was a very young dancer and the evolution of her experience in the family “Party Scene” alongside her grand imagination of the “Battle Scene”, of how Toy Soldiers battled the life-sized Rats.

The travels through the Winter Snow Scene to emerge into the Palace of Suites and the relief that it was all a dream and the Celebration of Culture via Choreography & Dance!   There is really no need to recap, you all have been part of this amazing production and have been part of this wonderful process as a Student, Parent, Volunteer, and Show Attendee.  There is no better story of the “Nutcracker” that represented Charles Maple and Kathy Crade, in Orange County then his version of “The Nutcracker”. 

 Ballet OC is requesting your support in the form of financial support in underwriting this production.   We will begin the process of all things Nutcracker in late August 2026. 

The First Opportunity is to assist Ballet OC in fundraising for our initial goal of $75,000 which covers the cost of Irvine Valley College, Sets, Costumes, Studio Rental, Choreography Fees and Professional Artist Compensation.  Donations can be made via the following means:

Website: www.balletoc.org/donate

PayPal: Ballet Project OC

Direct Check to: 

Ballet Orange County - 2522 Chamber Road #120 Tustin, Ca. 92780

It is our honor to work to bring back Charles Maple’s Nutcracker to the stage in December 2026 and we certainly hope that you would consider supporting this celebration of this endearing production.  There will be future communications about audition dates, volunteering opportunities, and Advanced Ticket Sales in the Early September 2026 timeframe.  

Our Goal with this letter is to ask for your support in helping Ballet OC Celebrate Charles Maple & Kathy Crade along with the Legacy of Maple Conservatory and Maple Youth Ballet in bring this beloved story back to the stage!

Thank you for your time, consideration and future support of this endeavor via Orange County’s Official Professional Ballet Company “Ballet OC”!

-Jon Helman

Executive Director

-Ally Helman

Artistic Director