DURHAM BALLET THEATRE
Calling all Passionate Performers
Are you passionate about ballet, theatre, or aerial dance? You are welcome at Durham Ballet Theatre.
Our performers are given the opportunity to grow, collaborate, and explore the creative process while rehearsing for a professional dance performance. Receive training, meet other passionate dancers, learn from professionals, and enjoy the stage as you perform for hundreds of audience members with Durham Ballet Theatre.
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DBT provides theatre and dance opportunities to Durham's broad and diverse community. Our shows are open to passionate performers of all skill levels. We invite all ages, ethnicities, abilities, and levels of accomplishment to participate. This integration of skill levels allows DBT to provide a unique opportunity for aspiring artists to explore the magic of live theatre at the professional level.​​​​
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
AUDITIONS CLOSED
Winter Showcase Auditions
Durham Ballet Theatre’s Winter Showcase Auditions
— Aerial Silk, Lyra, Trapeze and Contemporary Dance
Calling all aerial artists and dancers!
Durham Ballet Theatre invites performers to audition for the 2025 Winter Showcase, featuring aerial silk, lyra, trapeze, and contemporary dance acts in performances on December 12, 13, and 14.
Auditions will take place Sunday, September 28 at the Durham School for Ballet and Performing Arts beginning with check-in at 2:30 and auditions 3:00–5:00 PM.
Auditions will include a group warmup, performance of prepared choreography, and skill demonstrations as requested by judges. Auditioners must bring 1–2 minutes of choreographed movement—including approach to the aerial apparatus —along with music on disc, thumb drive, or Spotify link. Music choice should avoid popular songs with English lyrics so as not to distract from the performer.
Three open gym sessions will be offered for choreography development at no cost on September 7, 14, and 21 from 6:00–7:00 PM at the Durham School for Ballet and Performing Arts.
Choreography for the final show will be developed in weekly proctored rehearsal spaces leading up to the performance weekend.
You do not need to be a student of Durham School for Ballet and Performing Arts to participate.
AUDITIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can audition for Durham Ballet Theatre productions?
DBT productions are open to the public. Dancers and performers of all skill levels, ethnicities, backgrounds, and experiences are welcome to audition. DBT encourages diversity among its dancers and does not discriminate based on any characteristics, such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.
Does it cost money to audition and participate?
Durham Ballet Theatre is a non-profit, so we do require fees to audition and participate in performances. These fees offset the costs of running the production, such as studio space, costume rental, and instructor fees. However, DBT's mission is to provide access to the theatre arts to those who would otherwise be excluded, so we offer scholarships to those who can demonstrate economic hardship or limited access to the arts due to other factors. If you would like to participate and cannot afford the fees, please reach out to us to find out more about scholarships.
Do you have to take classes at Durham School for Ballet and the Performing Arts to participate in a production?
No. We are a separate non-profit that rents space from DSBPA. We highly encourage dancers from other studios, schools, and programs to participate.
Do you have to be a ballet dancer to audition?
No. While we are called a "ballet theatre," our productions have many opportunities for performers who are passionate about theatre arts in general. Depending on the production, there are many roles to fill including ballet dancing, modern dance, aerial arts, acting, and stage production. If you are interested in performing, reach out to see if there is an opportunity that may fit your skill set.