NIGHT OF COMMUNITY

Night of Community for the 2026/27 Season is sponsored by the Austin Community Foundation, and endowed in part by Sarah & Ernest Butler through the Ballet Austin Foundation.

Ballet Austin’s Night of Community, created in 1997, is a program designed to welcome clients of Central Texas non-profit social service organizations with 501(c)(3) status, by sharing the final dress rehearsal for each of our five annual productions at The Long Center with our community. Over the years, it has been our honor, and an important part of our mission, to offer over 170,000 tickets. Ballet Austin offers financially-challenged individuals, individuals with disabilities, or otherwise under-resourced community members an opportunity to attend a live ballet performance at no cost.

Through the support of our underwriters and sponsors, Ballet Austin hopes to build positive, magical, and lasting memories for your clients, as part of our commitment to share the joy of live ballet performances with our community.

2026/27 Night of Community Schedule

📅 September 24, 2026 · 7:30pm

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Magic and mischief take center stage in Stephen Mills’ enchanting reimagining of Shakespeare’s riotous comedy — confused lovers, mischievous fairies, and wayward spells beneath a moonlit forest canopy. Set to Mendelssohn’s score played live by the Austin Symphony Orchestra.

📅 December 3, 2026 · 7:30pm

The 64th Annual Production of The Nutcracker

A treasured holiday tradition returns. Follow Clara on her enchanting journey from a festive holiday party to the shimmering Land of Sweets — featuring live accompaniment by the Austin Symphony Orchestra.

📅 February 11, 2027 · 7:30pm

Rhythm of the Heart

Two striking contemporary works explore rhythm, melody, and the deeper patterns that shape who we are — celebrating connection, inheritance, and the invisible rhythms that unite us.

📅 March 18, 2027 · 7:30pm

Roses for the Last Dance

From intimate reflection to collective strength and youthful passion — this trio of dances traces the many forms human connection can take, exploring love, connection, and the bonds that shape us.

📅 May 6, 2027 · 7:30pm

Giselle

One of the most beloved classical ballets ever created — a tale of young love, betrayal, and redemption. With a lush score by Adolphe Adam and an ethereal corps de ballet, Giselle lingers long after the final curtain.

Bring Your Clients to the Ballet

Is your organization a 501(c)(3) non-profit serving financially-challenged individuals, people with disabilities, or under-resourced community members in Central Texas? You may be eligible for complimentary tickets.

Apply for Night of Community Tickets

Night of Community FAQs

Who Attends Ballet Austin's Night of Community?

Since 1997, Ballet Austin has invited over 160,000 clients of area non-profit social service organizations to Night of Community, the final dress rehearsal for each production.

The goal of this program is to offer financially-challenged individuals, individuals with disabilities, or otherwise under-resourced community members an opportunity to attend a live ballet performance for free.

We serve non-profit social service organizations with 501(c)(3) status.

How Can My Organization Apply for Tickets to Night of Community?

If your organization is a social-service 501(c)(3) non-profit serving those who are financially-challenged, individuals with disabilities, or otherwise under-resourced community members in the Central Texas area, your group may be eligible for complimentary tickets.

If your non-profit serves clients who would benefit from attending Night of Community please complete the short application form to register your organization to receive invitations to upcoming Night of Community dress rehearsals.

Complete the application form here or email Ally Kelley (ally.kelley@balletaustin.org) for more information.

Can I volunteer to help with Night of Community?

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Ballet Austin.

We strive to create a culture of care in everything we do, focusing on creating a warm and welcoming environment for our audience at performances and events. Volunteers are an essential resource, joining Ballet Austin team members in a variety of positions. That’s where you come in!

We need volunteers at Night of Community performances as well as our regular performances. Find out more about Ballet Austin’s Volunteer Corps

Ready to Apply?

Complete the short form to register your organization and receive ticket request invitations for the 2026/27 season.

Apply for Night of Community Tickets

The Impact on Surrounding Communities

“Most of the families staying in our homeless shelter are struggling to get their basic needs met. For some of our clients, these community nights were their first exposure to professional dance productions. Thank you for thinking of our residents and making the arts accessible to all members of our community.”

Dawn Bayardo, Child and Family Therapist
The Salvation Army

“Night of Community gives our clients a chance to have an experience that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to have. I saw a group of our kids that were so excited over what they were experiencing as if it was the best night of their life.”

Terri Ruffino
The Dream Come True Foundation

“All my clients who attend report enjoying the ballet. Getting a distraction from a difficult life of stress, illness, and poverty is a great relief. Most of the [clients] I have invited have never been to the ballet before and now ask about when the next one will be.”

Ada Martinez, LCSW
Seton Community Health