It is important that students gain stage experience throughout their training, enabling them to develop the confidence and presence necessary to perform for an audience.

Every year, students in levels I-IV of the School have the opportunity to participate in the Annual School Performance. The program consists of works chosen to elevate the students’ technical development and artistic expression and is fully produced in the Newmark Theatre. The students’ ability to deliver commanding performances of a professional caliber is a testament to the quality of training they receive at the School.

In addition to The Nutcracker, the Company frequently programs repertoire that provides stage opportunities for students of the School. These performances give the Artistic Director an opportunity to see how the students work in a professional context. Students of the School were most recently featured in OBT’s production of Christopher Stowell’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

CASTING

All students are encouraged to participate in the Annual School Performance. Students who have elected to participate must defer to the School Director’s absolute judgment in all casting decisions. Students in levels I-IIIA are invited to audition for the company’s production of The Nutcracker. Casting for The Nutcracker and OBT Company performances is based on the requirements of the roles, which include technical skill and frequently, costume size. Level IV dancers are required to audition for The Nutcracker and are expected to be available for rehearsals and performances when cast in company roles.

“The Annual School Performance is meticulously rehearsed and sharply performed.  Each piece on the program presents the work of world-renowned choreographers and composers.  Our students are not dancing in a recital, they are presenting an evening of ballet that reflects Oregon Ballet Theatre’s vision for the art form.”