Trainee Program

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TRAINEE PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
OBT School’s Trainee Program is under the guidance of the OBT2 Program Director, Dominic Walsh, and OBT’s Artistic and School Directors. The tuition-based program aims to nurture and develop the technical skills and artistry of young dancers. This program prepares them for a professional dance career by bridging the gap between students and OBT2.
Participation is one to two years; students’ placement in the program is evaluated every year. Two years in the program is not guaranteed.

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TRAINING AND COACHING:
Trainee students participate in daily classes and rehearsals from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. with rehearsals extending until 5:30 p.m. Evening classes may be required. The daily Trainee schedule consists of technique class, audition prep, and rehearsals.

Additional classes include:

Trainee students are provided with a mentor each year to help them throughout their journey in the program. Audition support provided includes variations coaching, resume building, photography, and videography. Physical therapy, chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture appointments are available to the dancers at no cost. Appointments are on a first-come basis.

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PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES:
Trainee students may be considered for OBT’s professional company performances during the season, but performing with the company is not guaranteed. In the spring, Trainee students perform alongside OBT2 and OBT School students in the school’s annual performance, at the Newmark Theatre. They also perform with OBT2 on their Spring Tour which takes place at the end of the season, typically April through June.

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TRAINEE AUDITION PROCESS:
Those aged 16 to 22 years old wanting to be considered for the Trainee program, must be admitted to OBT School’s Summer Intensive in Levels 5 or 6, and attend a minimum of the first four weeks, though all six weeks is recommended. Decisions will be made and communicated to the dancers during the fourth week of the Summer Intensive. Admission into the Trainee program is based solely on invitations from the OBT2 Program, Artistic, and School Directors.

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TUITION: 2024-2025: Coming Soon!
2023-2024: $7,739 (AUGUST 28, 2023 – JUNE 8, 2024 – 35 Weeks)
^{*Limited need and merit-based scholarships available.}
Trainee students may be provided with a shoe allotment to be determined at the beginning of the season.

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Current Trainee Dancers

Photos by Brian Simcoe