Company, Second Company, Trainee, Conservatory & Summer Intensive
One audition. Multiple pathways. Join a professional, joyful environment that prizes clean classical technique, musical sensitivity, and expressive performance.
National Audition Tour · Decisions typically within two weeks
One audition covers all tracks. Select the program(s) you’re pursuing when you register. Los Angeles is hosted by National Master Audition (NMA): register and pay via NMA.
Opportunities
Choose one or more options at registration. Placement and offers are based on audition results.
Company
Contracted professional artists performing new and classical repertoire with Ballet 5:8’s touring and Chicago-area seasons.
Second Company
Early‑career professional artists in paid positions performing with Ballet 5:8; regular rehearsals, repertory, Chicago‑area and touring performances, and mentorship toward Company contracts.
Trainee (Ages 18+)
Daily technique, pointe/men’s, conditioning, repertoire, and performance opportunities designed to accelerate transition to the professional level.
Tuition-based. Includes mentorship, access to teachers & guest faculty, audition counseling, career guidance, and mental wellness support—plus daily classes and performance opportunities.
Conservatory (Ages 14–22)
High-level daily training for serious students focusing on classical technique, artistry, and stagecraft with mentorship from Ballet 5:8 artists.
Tuition-based. Includes mentorship, access to teachers & guest faculty, audition counseling, career guidance, and mental wellness support—alongside daily classes and performance opportunities.
Summer Intensive (Ages 11–22)
Rigorous Vaganova-based training with SAB/Marcia Dale Weary refinements, Ballet 5:8 repertoire, new choreography, and performance opportunities.
How to Audition
Choose Your Programs
Select Company/Second Company or Trainee/Conservatory/SI (you can choose more than one). One audition covers all selected tracks.
Register for a City (or Video)
Pick the audition city/date that fits your schedule—or submit a video by the deadline. Los Angeles is hosted by NMA.
Bring/Upload Materials
Résumé (PDF), headshot, first arabesque & tendu à la seconde photos. A short reel/link may be requested for Company/Second Company. See the application for current requirements.
National Audition Tour & Video
Register for any city below. You’ll indicate which programs you’re auditioning for during registration. Note: The only in‑person audition for Company/Second Company is in Chicago on Jan 24, 2026 at 2:30 pm (CST). Video submissions are also accepted.
| City | Venue | Date & Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | Nashville Ballet, 3630 Redmon St | Sat, Jan 10, 2026 · 2:00 pm (EST) — Reg 1:30 pm · Deadline Jan 9, 8:00 pm | |
| New York, NY | School of American Ballet, 70 Lincoln Center Plaza | Sun, Jan 18, 2026 · 9:30 am (EST) — Reg 9:00 am · Deadline Jan 17, 8:00 pm | |
| Chicago, IL — Company & Second Company (in‑person) | Ballet 5:8 Studios (Orland Park), 11545 W. 183rd Pl | Sat, Jan 24, 2026 · 2:30 pm (CST) — Reg 2:00 pm · Deadline Jan 23, 10:00 pm | |
| Chicago, IL — Ages 11–15 | Ballet 5:8 Studios (Orland Park), 11545 W. 183rd Pl | Sat, Jan 24, 2026 · 10:30 am (CST) — Reg 10:00 am · Deadline Jan 23, 10:00 pm | |
| Los Angeles, CA — National Master Audition | Hosted by NMA | Dec 28–29, 2025 | Register via NMA |
| Video Audition | Submit unlisted link (barre + center; pointe/men’s if applicable) | Deadline Mar 31, 2026 · 11:00 pm (CDT) |
City availability and times subject to change; see registration portal for the most current information.
What to Bring / Submit
All Programs
- Résumé (PDF)
- Headshot
- First arabesque and tendu à la seconde photos
Upload during registration when prompted or bring printed copies as specified.
Company / Second Company
- Résumé (PDF) with height; citizenship/work authorization noted
- Headshot + one full-body dance photo
- Short reel or solo link (if requested)
See the Company application for current materials and any fees.
If you do come to Ballet 5:8 you'll need a place to stay. Curious about housing options? Learn more.
Need help working through acceptance and rejection? Curious how to select which organization to give your “yes” to? My Audition Journal was written with dancers like you in mind. Get access to mental health resources, emotional resilience coaching, audition planning, self-care tips and motivation from the Ballet 5:8 dancers.
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