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Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Warns Against Nutcracker Ticket Scalpers
Third Party Vendors Overcharging Patrons by Hundreds
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PITTSBURGH, PA – Ticket scalping isn’t confined to sports teams. As Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre approaches its peak sales period for “The Nutcracker,” the company is urging patrons to avoid third-party vendors, who are charging sky-high ticket prices for seats to the holiday classic.
“The Nutcracker” – which runs Dec. 4-27, at the Benedum Center – welcomes more than 30,000 patrons per year. Demand for the holiday blockbuster has attracted the notice of scalpers who purchase tickets and resell them at inflated prices.
Depending on the site, scalpers are jacking up ticket prices as much as $200 to $830 over face value. Third-party tickets can also cause snares at the theater with dysfunctional barcodes or tickets that were never delivered to will call.
“Patrons often come across the sites through a quick Google search and don’t necessarily realize they’re purchasing through a third-party vendor,” said Aimee DiAndrea, PBT’s director of marketing and communications. “We make a big effort to maintain affordable ticket prices, so we want to ensure that our patrons aren’t getting taken advantage of with inflated prices.”
Although PBT has safeguards in place, it’s difficult to identify and discontinue sales to all scalpers, who often purchase online under multiple names. Last season, PBT began distributing courtesy messages to patrons who entered the theater with third-party tickets. The ballet also keeps an updated database of known scalpers and limits online orders to seven tickets. Group orders must be placed by phone in order to screen scalpers more effectively.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre urges patrons to reserve seats through a verified PBT sales channel – online at www.pbt.org, by phone at 412-456-6666 or in-person at the Box Office at Theater Square in the Cultural District. PBT also offers group rates, which are reserved to phone or email orders at 412-454-9101 or groupsales@pittsburghballet.org. Tickets run from $28 to $120. Groups of eight or more can save up to 50 percent.
About The Nutcracker
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre stages its sweeping production of “The Nutcracker” Dec. 4-27,at the Benedum Center. PBT’s classic “The Nutcracker” has been a Pittsburgh tradition for 13 years. Set to Tchaikovsky's sublime score, a dreamlike journey unfolds through a moonlit snow scape to a whimsical Land of Enchantment. More than 100 dancers bring to life iconic choreography from the wondrous waltz of the snowflakes to the pristine Sugarplum Fairy pas de deux. PBT’s “The Nutcracker” brings the story home for a holiday tradition inspired by Pittsburgh landmarks and traditions. “The Nutcracker” is one of the most popular ballets of all time, based on a classic tale written by German Author, E.T.A Hoffman.
Performance Dates & Times
- Fri., Dec. 4 – 11 a.m. (student matinee) & 7 p.m. (opening night)
- Sat., Dec. 5 – 2 & 7 p.m.
- Sun., Dec. 6 – 12 & 4:30 p.m.
- Thurs., Dec. 10 – 7 p.m.
- Fri., Dec. 11 – 7 p.m.
- Sat., Dec. 12 – 2 & 7 p.m.
- Sun., Dec. 13 – 12 & 4:30 p.m.
- Thurs., Dec. 17 – 7 p.m.
- Fri., Dec. 18 – 7 p.m.
- Sat., Dec. 19 – 2 & 7 p.m.
- Sun., Dec. 20 – 12 & 4:30 p.m.
- Tues., Dec. 22 – 7 p.m.
- Wed., Dec. 23 – 7 p.m.
- Thurs., Dec. 24 – 2 p.m.
- Sat., Dec. 26 – 2 & 7 p.m.
- Sun., Dec. 27 – 12 p.m.
About PBT’s 2015-2016Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s season continues with audience favorite “Peter Pan,” Feb. 12-21, at the Benedum; Mixed Repertory #2, March 10-13, at the Byham Theater; and “Le Corsaire” (The Pirate), April 15-17, at the Benedum. Single tickets start at $28 and are available online at www.pbt.org, by calling 412-456-6666 or visiting the Box Office at Theater Square.
About Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
One of the most exciting ballet companies in the United States, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre has built a legacy of excellence and innovation since its founding in 1969. Its eclectic style and irrepressible energy have been shaped by four distinguished artistic directors over four decades. In the 1980s, former New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Patricia Wilde led the Company to new heights and national acclaim with an emphasis on virtuosic technique and works by the modern masters, including her mentor, George Balanchine. Since 1997, the Company has flourished under the direction of Terrence S. Orr, former American Ballet Theatre ballet master and principal dancer. Mr. Orr has created a powerful repertoire, including fresh versions of traditional ballets, original works commissioned to contemporary American music and dramatic works that push the boundaries of ballet as an art form. Through more than 50 performances each year at home and on tour, PBT audiences discover the passion and joy of ballet.
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