Allen Civic Ballet's 27th annual Nutcracker returns to the Performing Arts Center at Allen High School in December with guest artists and a hometown dancer.

The nonprofit company announced its season lineup on Sept. 5, naming Michaela King and Alex Vrba of Madison Ballet as guest performers.

King will dance the Sugar Plum Fairy. Vrba will perform as her Cavalier in the Grand Pas de Deux.

Vrba will also partner with Allen Civic Ballet dancer Adilyn Krevanko in the snow scene. Krevanko, a senior at Allen High School, will perform her first pas de deux in the production.

Stephanie Rae Williams, an Allen native described by the company as a former principal dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem, returns to dance the Arabian Queen.

Williams started ballet at age 7, according to a 2013 Dance Magazine profile, and made her professional debut with Texas Ballet Theatre. She received the 2017 Natalie Skelton Award for Artistic Excellence.

The production features a full live orchestra, professional scenery and costumes, and a community cast.

Dancers who auditioned for the community cast will perform roles including Angels, Gingerbread Chefs, Mice, Lambs, Russians, Waltz Flower Petals and Party Guests.

Allen Civic Ballet's productions are partially funded by grants from the City of Allen and the Allen Arts Alliance.

The company, led by President and Artistic Director Stefanie Best, is seeking sponsors and volunteers for this year's Nutcracker. Residents interested in helping can call 972-727-5959 or email [email protected].

Specific December performance dates have not been announced.

A companion event, Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy, moves to a new venue in December: Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, 5901 Los Rios Blvd. in Plano. Tickets are $28 per person, with reserved tea times at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Exact dates and ticket sales have not been finalized.

Upcoming Allen Civic Ballet events

  • The Nutcracker (27th annual): December 2026, dates TBA. Performing Arts Center at Allen High School. Full live orchestra and professional guest artists.
  • Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy: December 2026, dates TBA. Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, Plano. $28 per person.

Visit allencivicballet.org for updates on dates and tickets.