Ballet 5:8 — Auditions
Auditions

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.

Professional

Company

Contracted professional artists performing new and classical repertoire with Ballet 5:8’s touring and Chicago-area seasons.

Early Career · Paid

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.

Ballet 5:8 Audition Tour
Audition Tour — meet us in a city near you.
Pre-Pro

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.

Pre-Pro

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.

Seasonal

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

1

Choose Your Programs

Select Company/Second Company or Trainee/Conservatory/SI (you can choose more than one). One audition covers all selected tracks.

2

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.

3

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.

Company Artist Natalie Chinn — photo by Jeff Yin
Photo: Jeff Yin — Company Artist: Natalie Chinn.

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.

CityVenueDate & 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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