Question 1

What is the difference between Benicia Ballet Theatre (BBT) and Benicia Ballet, Inc.

Accepted Answer

Benicia Ballet, Inc is a corporation. Teresa Taylor is the owner, and the Managing Director. Benicia Ballet, Inc. offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop.
 
Benicia Ballet Theatre (BBT) is a non -profit organization, run by a board of directors, that presents two performances each year – In the winter we traditionally present The Nutcracker  by Tchaikovsky, and a Spring show, traditionally, a story ballet. We also offer a summer intensive, and a summer workshop ending with a community performance, through a grant from the City of Benicia. 
 
Our mission at BBT is to offer non-discriminatory performance opportunities to dancers, to provide charitable and educational programs with no political affiliation, and to provide local, affordable, quality performances for the community to enjoy.
 
Membership is $25 and allows you to vote on the Board of Directors, attend the monthly board meetings and support the work that we do. There are also different levels of sponsorship outlined in the membership/sponsorship form, and both your membership and sponsorship donations are tax-deductible. BBT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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Thank you for your continued support of Benicia Ballet Theatre, and looking forward to another great year together!

Question 2

What is the difference between a Company Contract and Family Contract?

Accepted Answer

If your dancer is age 10 or above, you have the option of signing a Family or Company contract:
 
A Family Contract covers one show – either the Winter or the Spring performance. Your dancer and your family are committing to just that show and are paying the production fees for just that show.
 
A Company Contract is for the entire year – covering both Winter and Spring shows. Your dancer and your family are committing to both productions.
 
In order to present two productions a year, we need to know that the older dancers will be available to perform in both productions. Theater deposits are often paid an entire year in advance, and plans begin many months in advance, so in order for BBT to make financial commitments for a Spring show, we first need our Company dancers to commit to a Spring show.
 
Both contracts require volunteer hours and fundraising commitments, however costume fees are waived for Company dancers.
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Question 3

How do I sign up for performances?

Accepted Answer

Performances and auditions will be announced via email and the website.  To participate, complete either a Family or Company Contract, pay the required fees, and attend the audition, if applicable.  (Dancers ages 4-6 are not required to audition). All those that wish to participate will get a part in the performance.   For additional information, please email info@beniciaballet.com

Question 4

My dancer is nervous about auditioning. What can be expected at the audition?

Accepted Answer

Everyone can participate in the performance regardless of experience. Dancers ages 4-6 do not need to audition.

Auditions are intended to give students the experience of an audition in a comfortable setting to help build confidence. Dancers may want to state their name, what grade they are in, or how long they’ve been dancing. We hope they will become more and more confident with each audition, so by the time they are in levels 5 and above, they will feel comfortable auditioning for solo roles and auditioning for summer intensives at other programs with dancers and faculty they don’t know. Every year, dancers can audition for a specific role, if desired.  For example, ballerina doll, tarantella doll, sugar plum fairy, etc.

Question 5

When will the cast list and rehearsal schedule be available?

Accepted Answer

Casting is a very complex process, and it takes time. We know your dancers are anxious for their roles, and we try to get them out as soon as possible. Typically, the cast list is released two weeks after the audition.

Question 6

When will rehearsals take place?

Accepted Answer

In general, rehearsals take place on Saturday afternoons at the studio. Roles and casts will be announced and a rehearsal schedule will follow soon after. Rehearsal times are dependent on roles.  There may be some other weeknight rehearsals, but typically this is only for company dancers and solo roles. We try to schedule the rehearsals for younger dancers earlier in the afternoon and assign the later time slots that go into the evening to the older dancer roles.

Benicia Ballet Theatre FAQ's