What productions are students able to participate in?
From time to time, Boston Ballet presents a production that requires student dancers. The most famous ballet, requiring the most student participants, is The Nutcracker. Other ballets the Company has performed in the past include George Balanchine’s Coppelia and AMidsummer Night’s Dream, The Sleeping Beauty, La Sylphide, and Don Quixote. Whenever an audition is held for these student roles, we do our best to inform the School’s families about this special opportunity.
What are the eligibility requirements to audition for a role in The Nutcracker?
Performing with Boston Ballet is a privilege extended only to current Boston Ballet School students. To be eligible to audition for The Nutcracker you must be enrolled in either the Classical Ballet Division or Pre Professional Division of the Boston Ballet School. Students with accounts that are not up to date or are in arrears will not be allowed to audition. Participation is mandatory for Trainee students; however, these students are not required to audition.
What are the eligibility requirements for productions other than The Nutcracker?
The eligibility requirements for productions other than The Nutcracker are dependant on the needs of the particular production. Boston Ballet School students will be informed of eligibility requirements prior to any audition.
What can I expect at an audition?
Students who have pre-registered to audition for a role in a Boston Ballet production should arrive approximately 45 minutes prior to the audition time (unless otherwise noted) to check-in and get their assigned number. Students should wear their class dress code to the audition with their hair pulled neatly back from their face. No skirts or other accessories should be worn to the audition.
Prior to the audition, students will be asked to wait in a holding room where they will line up. Family and friends will be asked to wait on the lower levels of the building, as all auditions and rehearsals are closed to visitors. Once the audition time arrives, students will be taken to the studio where the audition will be held. Typically there are several members from the Company’s artistic staff present during the audition, seated at a long table in the front of the studio. From there, students may be asked to stand in lines, get in smaller groups, learn one or more combinations, or even to sit quietly and wait. We continue to refine the audition process to make it as efficient and pleasant as possible for everyone involved, however, a certain degree of patience will be required.
Will I automatically be cast if I attend the audition?
Each production has only a certain number of student roles. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee everyone will be assigned a role if they audition. We recommend that parents take the time to prepare their child for this possibility and use the audition process as a learning experience in and of itself.
If I plan to go away for the holidays, is it okay for me to audition?
All students cast in a production must be available for all rehearsals and performances required of the particular production. It is the policy of the Boston Ballet that no exceptions be made for students who are unable to commit to the full rehearsal and performance schedule. This includes vacations, holiday plans, school activities, etc. Should you have plans to go away during the rehearsal or performance period, we recommend that you not audition.
What if I don’t like the role I’ve been cast in?
Students who audition must be prepared to accept the role and cast to which they are assigned. Each role is equally important to the production as a whole. If any student is not ready to accept the part that they are assigned, please consider not auditioning at all.
Where are rehearsals held?
All rehearsals will be held at the Boston Ballet studios, 19 Clarendon Street, or The Boston Opera House, 539 Washington Street. Detailed schedules are supplied to students upon being cast in any production.
What do I do if I have rehearsal at the same time as my regularly scheduled ballet class?
On occasion, students will be called for rehearsal during the same time as their regularly scheduled ballet class. Should this happen, students are asked to attend their rehearsal and will be given an excused absence from their class. If this situation arises, students should inform the Studio Administrator of the absence. Students can also schedule a make-up class with the Studio Administrator for any excused absences.
Where will performances be held?
All Boston Ballet productions are held at The Boston Opera House, 539 Washington Street, in Downtown Crossing (unless otherwise noted).
