UNCSA’s “The Nutcracker” returns to its original home at Reynolds Auditorium for 2026 holiday performances
UNCSA will present five performances of the beloved holiday classic “The Nutcracker” Dec. 3-6 at R.J. Reynolds Auditorium, returning to its original home. The production, presented by Flow Automotive, returns to the historic venue while the Stevens Center, its longtime home, undergoes a comprehensive renovation.
UNCSA’s first “Nutcracker” was staged by founding School of Dance Dean Robert Lindgren and faculty member Sonja Tyven as part of the town of Salem’s 200th anniversary celebration at R.J. Reynolds Auditorium on Dec. 10, 1966. To mark 60 years since that inaugural production, UNCSA is planning to recognize guests who attended in 1966 including offering them a complimentary ticket to opening night. Those who attended are encouraged to visit uncsa.edu/nutcracker and click the “Contact Us” button to get in touch.
Bringing together students and faculty from the UNCSA schools of Dance, Music and Design and Production(D&P), “The Nutcracker” features Ilya Kozadayev’s captivating choreography and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, performed live by the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Karin Hendrickson.
UNCSA's "The Nutcracker" 2025 / Photo: Luke Jamroz Photography
The current production was choreographed and directed by Kozadayev in 2021, drawing inspiration from his 2020 film adaptation and was expanded in 2022 to include the complete score. Clara and her Nutcracker Prince remain at the heart of the story, alongside the Sugar Plum Fairy, Snowflakes and Flowers, the beloved Mother Ginger and the showstopping Trepak.
“We are so pleased to return this year’s performances of ‘The Nutcracker’ to our original home at Reynolds Auditorium,” School of Dance Dean Endalyn T. Outlaw said. “It is our privilege to provide our students with the experience of creating and performing in the historic venue at Reynolds Auditorium and we look forward to welcoming those who may have attended ‘Nutcracker’ at Reynolds Auditorium prior to UNCSA moving performances to the Stevens Center in 1983.”
Performances are Thursday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 6, at 1 p.m. Tickets for “The Nutcracker” begin at $39 (taxes and fees not included). Tickets and more information about “The Nutcracker” can be found at uncsa.edu/nutcracker.
UNCSA's "The Nutcracker" 2024 / Photo: Tony Spielberg
Guest ConductorKarin Hendrickson
Recognized for her insightful musical interpretation, Karin Hendrickson is equally at home conducting opera and orchestra. Her international credits include the London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Nashville Symphony Orchestra and Royal Northern Sinfonia. She has led productions for BBC UK and prepared young orchestras and musicians for conductors including Gustavo Dudamel, Michael Tilson Thomas, Lorenzo Viotti and Marin Alsop. Hendrickson’s opera experience includes the Atelier des Créatrices d’Opéra at the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, Opera Holland Park, the Royal Opera House and more. She graduated with distinction from London’s Royal Academy of Music, earning two Gordon Foundation awards and the Fred Southall Memorial Prize. She began her conducting career in the United States as assistant conductor of Choralis and its award-winning chamber choir, Echos, singing with both ensembles before moving to the United Kingdom, where she sang with the London Philharmonic Choir. While in high school, she composed music for the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games, recorded by Aretha Franklin and released on NBC Records. She returns to UNCSA after having served as guest conductor for “The Nutcracker” in 2019.
About Flow Automotive
Flow Automotive is a leading automotive group with more than 50 dealership locations across North Carolina and Virginia, representing more than 25 vehicle manufacturers. Founded in 1957, the company has grown from a single pre-owned center in Winston-Salem to a regional leader known for customer-focused innovation, including tools such as the FlowGarage mobile app. In addition to providing automotive solutions, Flow Automotive is committed to giving back through event sponsorships, community partnerships and local initiatives.
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November 2, 2026