TRAINEE PROGRAM

ABOUT THE TRAINEE PROGRAM

The program was established in 2015 to supplement Olympic Ballet Theatre’s productions. The Trainee Program is a 1–2 year program for talented pre-professional dancers with prior ballet training, offering an opportunity for young adult dancers to cross the gap between student and professional.

This program operates as a collaborative effort between Olympic Ballet Theatre and Olympic Ballet School (the official school of Olympic Ballet Theatre), offering regular dance classes throughout the training period, morning company classes with professional company dancers, and professional performance experience. Trainees also participate in outreach classes with Meadowdale Elementary School and in outreach events throughout the community, gaining valuable experience sharing dance with broader audiences.

REQUIREMENTS

The program is open to male and female dancers ages 18-22. Younger dancers may be considered if they have completed high school. Trainees must be a United States citizen and have training in classical ballet. Females auditioning must be between 5’3″ and 5’7″.

SCHEDULE

The trainees’ schedule involves partaking in classes, rehearsals, and performances with company dancers.

TUITION

Tuition is $5,240 per year, partial and full scholarships are available.

HOUSING

Olympic Ballet Theatre has an affiliation with Triton Court Residence Hall at Edmonds College, where trainees can live for $950/month in suite-style accommodations. Each suite includes 2-3 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, living room, and bathroom(s). The residence hall is located 3 miles from the studios, accessible by bus (30 min) or car (8 min).

AUDITION FOR THE 2026-27 SEASON

Training period: September 2026 – June 2027

Olympic Ballet Theatre will hold live auditions for the Trainee Program on the following dates at Olympic Ballet Theatre:

  • January 31, 2026 at 11:30 AM
  • March 14, 2026 at 11:30 AM

Dancers interested in auditioning must meet the following criteria:

  • Exceptionally strong foundation in classical ballet

  • Strong pointework (female dancers)

  • 5’3″ to 5’7″ (female dancers)

  • Must be 18 years old by September 2026 or have completed high school by September 2026

  • U.S. citizenship required

Dancers who meet the above requirements may register for one of the two audition dates. Registration requires uploading a headshot, resume, and arabesque photo. Photos do not need to be professional.

Register Now

The registration form is powered by Google Forms. If you do not have a Google account, you may register for an audition by emailing hadley@olympicballet.org.

Please note that candidates who wish to be considered for scholarship must attend a live audition and attend Olympic Ballet School’s 4-Week Summer Intensive.

Questions? Please contact hadley@olympicballet.org.

FAQ’S

 

What does a typical day look like for a trainee during the company’s off-season?

10:00 am – 11:30 am Technique class

11:45 am – 12:30 pm Pointe, variations, or conditioning

12:45 pm – 2:15 pm Contemporary, hip-hop, or repertoire 

What does a typical day look like for a trainee during the performance season?

10:00 am – 11:20 am Company class

11:35 am – 2:30 pm Rehearsal

Who is the faculty for the Trainee Program?

The program is led by OBT Artistic Directors Mara Vinson and Oleg Gorboulev. Additional faculty for the 25/26 season includes Sophie Powell, Avery Gardner, and Rosie Caceres. 

How many performance opportunities are there?

Trainees perform in four Olympic Ballet Theatre productions per season, plus the Olympic Ballet School Annual Student Performance in June.

Photos by Hadley Kaufmann, Into Dust Photography, and Katya Turnbow