Ballet Under The Stars 2026 Casting Announced
PBT Presents Free Ballet Under the Stars at Hartwood Acres on August 23
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre ushers in a new ballet season with an al fresco evening of picnicking, family fun and dance on Sunday, August 23, at Hartwood Acres’ Middle Road Concert Area. Ballet Under the Stars begins at 5:30 p.m. with free family activities, including crafts, face painting, balloon art and a dance class led by PBT team members. PBT will host a pre-show Picnic in the Park where attendees can join fellow ballet enthusiasts and PBT’s artistic director, Adam W. McKinney, for drinks, dinner and the opportunity to meet PBT artists. Tickets are $100 for adults and $25 for children. Register online or call Associate Director of Development Aziza El Feil at 412-454-9127 for more information.
As the sun sets, PBT will present a mixed repertory performance featuring classical and contemporary works, including the debut of three original works choreographed by PBT artists Madison Russo and Matthew Griffin. It will also include sneak peeks at the upcoming season’s productions and Pittsburgh’s first look at the new version of The Nutcracker premiering in December 2027! The performance pieces and casting include:
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Pas de Deux | Choreography by Ben Stevenson
Artists: Tommie Lin Kesten and David O’Matz
Company B Excerpts | Choreography by Paul Taylor
- Artists: Emry Amoky, Ariana Chernyshev, Ethan Clarisey, André Gallon, Madeline Gradle, Matthew Griffin, Abigail Huang, Devon Luxton, Amelia McGravey, Ayva Royster, Madison Russo, and Isak Sorenson
Giselle Pas de Deux | New staging by Adam W. McKinney after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot
Artists: Grace Rookstool and Colin McCaslin
Spina | Choreography by Madison Russo (PBT Artist)
Artists: Amelia McGravey and André Gallon
The Nutcracker (Current version) | Choreography by Terrence S. Orr
- Elegance Pas De Deux
- Artists: Diana Yohe and David O’Matz
- Snow Scene
- Snow Queen Tommie Lin Kesten
- Snow King Colin McCaslin
- Marie Abigail Huang
- Nephew Ethan Clarisey
Alice in Wonderland Sneak Peek | Choreography by Matthew Griffin (PBT Artist)
- Alice: Ariana Chernyshev
- Queen of Hearts: Madison Russo
- White Rabbit: Kiegan Kepner
- Mad Hatter: André Gallon
Giselle Peasant Pas De Huit | New staging by Adam W. McKinney after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot
- Artists: Ryan Cheng, Ethan Clarisey, Madeline Gradle, Jooyoung Kwon, Jett Lecamu, Devon Luxton, Caitlyn Mendicino, and Diana Yohe
The Sleeping Beauty | New staging by Adam W. McKinney after Marius Petipa
- White Cat Ayva Royster
- Puss in Boots Devon Luxton
*Spring Mix World Premiere Excerpts | Choreography by Omar Román de Jesús
- Artists: Magnoly Batista, Ariana Chernyshev, Madeline Gradle, Abigail Huang, Tommie Lin Kesten, Jooyoung Kwon, Jett Lecamu, Amelia McGravey, David O’Matz, Grace Rookstool, Madison Russo, Isak Sorenson, and Diana Yohe
* This is the casting for the entire piece, but only an excerpt will be presented
The Nutcracker (2027) Adagio | Choreography by Trey McIntyre
- Artists: Hannah Carter and Lucius Kirst
We Found Love (Finale) | Choreography by Madison Russo (PBT Artist)
- Artists: Emry Amoky, Magnoly Batista, Ryan Cheng, Ariana Chernyshev, Ethan Clarisey, André Gallon, Madeline Gradle, Matthew Griffin, Abigail Huang, Kiegan Kepner, Jett Lecamu, Devon Luxton, Amelia McGravey, Caitlyn Mendicino, Ayva Royster, and Isak Sorenson