The anticipated start of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) 2025-26 season has us sitting on the edge of our seats! We sat down with Artistic Director Adam McKinney, the visionary leader guiding the company, to walk us through some of his favorite, must-see moments. From grand classical narratives to bold contemporary explorations, this season reflects McKinney’s commitment to honoring PBT’s rich heritage while pushing the boundaries of movement and storytelling. Peak below for an inside look at the performances that await this season.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s 2025-26 Season
Dracula
October 31-Nov. 2, 2025, Benedum Center
PBT last performed Dracula in 2023, just a few months before I started in my role as artistic director. Since my arrival, audiences have regularly communicated their excitement about the possibility of bringing back this suspenseful and thrilling production. I am excited to feel Dracula’s energy in the Benedum Center this Halloween weekend. The company artists are pretty magnificent, too!
Marie and the Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker
December 5-28, 2025, Benedum Center
Who doesn’t love The Nutcracker? And there is something special about the lead character, Marie. I am drawn to her story and enjoy watching her journey unfold in the ballet. Tchaikovsky’s The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, too, is an iconic piece of music, and PBT dancers meet the challenging choreography with grace, beauty, strength and self-assuredness. In my opinion, The Nutcracker is the best way to usher in a magical holiday season filled with love, joy and family.
Three Preludes (Part of America 250 with the PBT Orchestra)
February 20-22, 2026, Benedum Center
I have always loved the classical duet Three Preludes. It is a ballet that I have danced. I still remember the feeling of being swept away by the beautiful Rachmaninoff music while performing the seemingly simple, athletic choreography. I am excited to bring this stunning work to Pittsburgh. It is a not-to-be-missed ballet!
Garrett Smith’s World Premiere (Spring Mix)
April 10-12, 2026, August Wilson African American Cultural Center
I absolutely love the opportunity to bring world premiere ballets to Pittsburgh! Because we will be the first to experience them, world premieres are that much more surprising and breathtaking. This year, I look forward to Garrett Smith’s world premiere ballet that will be part of our Spring Mix program. His award-winning work is intuitive and captivating, and his tailor-made work will highlight the best of who PBT is.
Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the PBT Orchestra
May 15-17, 2026, Benedum Center
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a lovely, whimsical romance that everyone should have the chance to see at least once. “Puck” is one of my favorite characters in any ballet. I love his mischievousness, quick wit and fun-loving spirit. Ben’s Stevenson’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is also one of my top picks of the season due to its notoriously difficult choreography. Join Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre this year for its Dream Season.
Tickets are available at pbt.org. Groups purchasing eight or more tickets save up to 50%. More information is available at pbt.org/groups.
Story by Adam McKinney, Creative Director at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Photos Courtesy of Justin Merriman
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