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.

SCHEDULE

The trainees’ schedule involves partaking in rehearsals, classes, and performances with company dancers. During OBT’s off-season, trainees take classes with Olympic Ballet School’s pre-professional level students.

TUITION

Tuition is $5,145 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 2025-26 SEASON

Training period: September 2025 – June 2026

Interested applicants may send the following materials to oleg@olympicballet.org and mara@olympicballet.org for consideration:

    • Headshot
    • Arabesque photo
    • Resume
    • Video of classwork and a classical variation

 

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 – 11:20 am Technique class

11:35 am – 1:00 pm Repertoire

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Conditioning/Character/Contemporary

 

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 guest faculty for the 2025-26 season will be announced soon.

 

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 Katya Turnbow and Into Dust Photography