ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF OBT

Recognized as one of the preeminent ballet schools in the country, the School of OBT is dedicated to developing professional dancers and knowledgeable audience members.

The School’s mission is to provide the highest quality dance training to all its students. We believe that all children deserve the best instruction possible, whether or not they pursue a dance career. In turn, we expect each child’s best effort.

A fine school is fundamental to the future of Oregon Ballet Theatre and this art form. The School of OBT is a training ground for the company of OBT and for professional companies worldwide. In offering the highest caliber of training to our students we have participated in making tomorrow’s artists and enthusiasts.

AUDITIONS for the School of Oregon Ballet Theatre 2010/2011 Annual Session
(September 2010 – June 2011)

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Times
Registration: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Audition (Ages 7 – 12 years): 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Audition (Ages 13 – 19 years; with pointe experience): 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Release: 4:00 PM

Children must be 7 years by September 7, 2010 to audition for Fall Term placement.  Those under 7 years must follow the procedure for Pre-Ballet enrollment. 

Students previously enrolled in the 2009/2010 Annual Session or the 2010 Summer Intensive do not need to audition.

Address
Oregon Ballet Theatre          
818 SE 6th Avenue (corner of SE 6th and Morrison)
Portland, OR 97214-2329

Parking
The entire front, side, and back lots are open to those auditioning.  Please do not park in spaces #17, #18, and #19 or in the labeled Handicap space.  Do not block access to the Wells Fargo drive-up ATM in the back lot.

Dress
Please arrive already underdressed in your audition attire.  Dressing rooms are closed to those auditioning.  Changing is not allowed in the restrooms.

Ladies should wear a leotard (black is preferred), pink tights, and pink technique shoes.  All warm-up clothes, skirts, and leg warmers must be removed before entering the studio.  Hair should be in a neat bun with no hair ornaments, bun snoods, ribbons, or barrettes.  Invisible hairnets are allowed.  Short hair must be secured off face with a black or brown fabric headband.  No jewelry except for small post earrings.  Only clear or pale pink nail polish is allowed.

Those ladies who have pointe experience should have their feet prepared for pointe work and should bring their pointe shoes into the studio.  Class will begin in techniques shoes.  Those asked to stay for pointe work will need to quickly change into pointe shoes when asked to do so.

Gentlemen should wear a white leotard or T-shirt, black tights, and black technique shoes.

Bring
1) Audition Fee of $20.00.  Cash only!
2) Headshot (school picture is fine); prefer size not larger than 3 inches by 4 inches.
3) Resume (required for those 13 years and over; optional for those 12 years and under) indicating training history (where, how  
    long, with whom), pointe experience, roles performed, and contact information.

Audition Process
The School of Oregon Ballet Theatre runs closed auditions.  All parents must leave the building after their child is registered.  Parents are not allowed in the warm-up area (past the registration table). The audition format is dependent on age, pointe experience, and the number of auditionees.  Immediate cuts may be made.  Auditionees may be finished early, but all will be held until the release time.  All parents must wait outside the front door; we will release your child to you. 

Placement in Level 1 and 2 (beginning levels) is extremely competitive and is based on available space.  Some 7-year-old children not ready for Level 1, but with potential talent, may be placed in Pre-Ballet or First Steps for their first year.

Placement levels at other schools have absolutely no bearing on our acceptance and/or placement.  Placement is at the discretion of the school director and will not be discussed with the parent or changed at the request of the parent.

MISSION

The mission of The School of Oregon Ballet Theatre is to provide the highest quality dance training. Our intent is to produce professional dancers, as well as contribute to the education of the community.