Two Raptors Stars make Surprose Appearance in The Nutcracker

Toronto Raptors Scottie Barnes and Jamal Shead Debut as Cannon Dolls in The Nutcracker

TORONTO, December 23, 2025 — On December 19, Toronto Raptors Scottie Barnes and Jamal Shead debuted as Cannon Dolls in the 30th anniversary run of The National Ballet of Canada’s The Nutcracker.

Jamal Shead, Koto Ishihara and Scottie Barnes. Photo by Bruce Zinger. Photo by Bruce Zinger, Courtesy of The National Ballet of Canada



Scottie Barnes, Keaton Leier, Koto Ishihara and Jamal Shead. Photo by Bruce Zinger. Photo by Bruce Zinger, Courtesy of The National Ballet of Canada

Scottie Barnes and Jamal Shead become the latest Toronto Raptors to take on the role of Cannon Dolls, continuing a tradition previously carried by Kyle Lowry and Matt Thomas.

Photo by Bruce Zinger, Courtesy of The National Ballet of Canada

The Nutcracker (1995) was made possible by generous financial support from production underwriters Sandra Pitblado, C.M. & Jim Pitblado, C.M., Susan Scace & Arthur Scace, C.M. and Lawrence & Ann Heisey.

The Nutcracker
 revitalization (2025) is made possible by generous financial support from production underwriters Laura Dinner & Richard Rooney, The Arrell Family Foundation and The Henry White Kinnear Foundation.

The National Ballet of Canada gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of the Canada Council for the Arts; the Ontario Arts Council; the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council; the Government of Canada – Department of Canadian Heritage with the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages; and the Government of Ontario with the Honourable Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming and Minister of Sport.

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