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.
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 2026-27 SEASON
Training period: September 2026 – June 2027
Live auditions will be held at Olympic Ballet Theatre on January 31, 2026 and March 14, 2026 at 11:30 AM. Registration info coming soon,
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 Wyatt Johnson.
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