Audition Information

City Ballet of San Diego was formed in 1993 and is under the direction of Steven and Elizabeth Wistrich, both former dancers with Boston Ballet and Stuttgart Ballet. The company offers four major productions per season in its home theater, the historic Spreckels Theatre in downtown San Diego. In addition to full-length classical ballets and original works by Elizabeth Wistrich, the company presents an all-Balanchine program as part of it season’s offerings. The company also performs many outreach performances throughout its 26-week season.

City Ballet of San Diego conducts auditions for company dancers on an on-going basis. City Ballet does not offer a ‘cattle call’ type of audition, but accepts auditions on an individual basis. Typically, we begin accepting auditions in January through May. Dancers must be well-trained in classical ballet, have strong partnering skills, and experience in contemporary ballet. Dancers are contracted for 26 weeks beginning in October through mid May. Shoes, physical therapy and Workman’s Comp Insurance are provided. Send resume, dance photo, a video sample, letter of recommendation from current director and contact information to City Ballet of San Diego, Attn: Artistic Director Steven Wistrich, PO Box 99072, San Diego, CA 92169 or email to steven.wistrich@cityballet.org. After Mr. Wistrich views the audition materials, the dancer is notified of his decision and if he needs to see the dancer audition by taking company class. In May, the company knows the number of openings there will be for the upcoming season. Foreign dancers must have been awarded an O-1 visa to be considered for the company.

Dancers interested in becoming an Apprentice or Trainee must attend the company’s three-week Summer Intensive program. During the Intensive, the directors have the opportunity to observe a dancer’s work ethic, how quickly they pick up choreography and how they look performing on stage after a short rehearsal period. None of this can be determined in a one-time, class audition. This is also an opportunity for the dancer to see if City Ballet is the company for them, if they like working with the directors and if they like San Diego. Information on the application process for the Summer Intensive is on the company’s website beginning in January. Chosen Apprentices work with the company during the 26-week contract period. Trainees start the first week of September and train through mid June. Trainees perform in some of the main-stage productions, but also perform with the junior company, City Ballet II, in outreach performances.

Additional questions or concerns may be address to:
Jo Anne Emery
Managing Director
City Ballet of San Diego
joanne.emery@cityballet.org
619.846.8774 direct