Performance Opportunities

Ballet is a performing art; therefore the opportunity for students to take their studies to the stage is an important part of the training and development of the dancer at Marin Ballet. Marin Ballet believes that the preparation process and the variety of elements that contribute to theater as a craft are of equal importance to the performance itself. It is our goal to instill in the students a respect for and sense of integrity in their approach to the theater and the creative process, whether they are pursuing careers in dance or wish to be an informed future audience member. Learning how to work in a rehearsal environment, with choreographers, as a member of a group with a common goal, and as a contributor to a creative process are all experiences gained in preparation for productions.

Rehearsals

In order for each student individually and for the group as a whole to be adequately prepared for performances, attendance at rehearsals is mandatory. If the rehearsal coach and Artistic Director feel a student has missed too many rehearsals or classes, regardless of the reason, the student may be asked to understudy rather than perform the role that year.

Rehearsals are scheduled with the students' academic demands and age in mind as well as the needs of the production. In order for Advanced Ballet Division students to be released at a reasonable hour in the evenings, pointe classes are often shortened or replaced by rehearsals during performance preparation months. Saturdays are a very full rehearsal day.

All parents and students involved in a production are expected to read the rehearsal board, located outside the main office, each time they are at Marin Ballet for posted schedules and costume fittings. Every effort is made to give as much advance notice of rehearsals and fittings as possible. Because of the number of students involved, we are not able to give specific rehearsal information over the phone.

casting

Many factors contribute to casting decisions. Casting is approached with the artistic overview of the production in mind. In order to maintain a high standard of performing excellence, decisions are made that balance the needs of each class level as well as the individual students. Our approach is to create strength and balance throughout the production. Roles can be assigned for different reasons at different times in a dancer's training. Students may be assigned a role which is difficult for them one year in order to be pushed; and may repeat a role or be assigned one that may be less technically demanding another year in order to provide leadership. It is with these guidelines in mind, and with a strong artistic overview, that the casting of a production is determined.

Costumes

Costume fittings are mandatory for performers. Because the fitting of a costume is not only dependent on the individual dancer, but also in relationship to the group and alternate casts, special arrangements for fittings cannot be accommodated. Absolutely no food or drink may be consumed while in costume. Students will need to provide such personal items as tights, undergarments, and shoes.

NUTCRACKER

For more than 30 years Marin Ballet has presented a full-length production of Nutcracker for the community. A cast of approximately 175 members is created from students in levels 2 through 9, Open Division adult students and guest artists. Tickets are sold through the Marin Center box office. Marin Ballet families are given the opportunity to purchase tickets in advance of the general public.

Casting for Nutcracker is done during the first two weeks of the school year and is posted with a general rehearsal outline as soon as accurate enrollment per level can be determined. An information packet will be mailed home in late September. Rehearsals generally begin in early October and are held in addition to the regular class schedule. Excellent attendance at rehearsals is expected. If the rehearsal coach and Artistic Director feel a student has missed too much rehearsal or class time, regardless of the reason, the student may be asked to understudy rather than perform the role that year. The Dress/Tech rehearsals held at the Veterans' Auditorium require the student to be dismissed from their academic school for one or two days. The week prior to performance will include some long weekday evenings.

Spring Concert

Spring Concert is usually held in Marin Ballet's Phyllis Thelen Theater and includes students from the Intermediate and Advanced Ballet Divisions. These performances are preceded by two weekends of Studio Rough Dress and Dress Rehearsals. Please refer to the school calendar for specific dates.  

Some rehearsals will be scheduled outside of regular class time. Any planned absences during the rehearsal period must be approved in advance of the start of rehearsals. When the performances are held in the Phyllis Thelen Theater, tickets for the Spring Concert are sold at Marin Ballet. Please pay close attention to the performance materials sent home in the spring, as there will be specific ticket guidelines. The use of personal video cameras and flash photography is not permitted. However videotapes of performances may be available for purchase.

Spring Showcase

Spring Showcase will be held in the Phyllis Thelen Theater at Marin Ballet. These performances will showcase Primary Ballet Division levels 1 through 4 as well as selections from the Spring Concert . These performances will be preceded by Tech/Dress and Dress Rehearsals outside of regular class time.  

Tickets for the Spring Showcase are sold at Marin Ballet. Please pay close attention to the performance materials sent home in the spring, as there will be specific ticket guidelines.   The use of personal video cameras and flash photography is not permitted. However videotapes of performances may be available for purchase.

Pre-Ballet Showcase

Students in Creative Movement and Ballet Preparatory 1 & 2 will present material from their class curriculum in the Phyllis Thelen Theater in the Pre-Ballet Showcase. These presentations are designed to provide a secure and nurturing atmosphere. Families are welcome to video their child's Pre-Ballet presentation.

Summer Performances

Summer performances may provide additional performing opportunities for our students.