Gwinnett Ballet Theatre will hold open auditions for acceptance into the School and Performance Division on Wednesday, August 1, at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center Theater. GBT is seeking students ages 7-18 who are interested in a professional training program.

“The purpose of the audition is to identify young dancers who are seeking serious ballet training. Having this audition on a large stage will allow our teaching staff to see each student individually and envision them in a performance environment,” says GBT Artistic Director Wade Walthall. “It is also an opportunity to evaluate and place each dancer in the level which will best serve each individual,” Walthall continues. “We will also be identifying possible candidates for scholarships or financial aid.” GBT’s existing students will be attending this audition for placement purposes.

The auditions will be in the form of a ballet class, with students divided into three age groups. Students ages 7-10 will audition from noon to 1:00. Students ages 11-14 will audition from 1:30-3:00. Students ages 15-18 will audition from 3:30-5:00. All students are asked to arrive 30 minutes before their audition to register. Girls who are on pointe should bring their pointe shoes.

The organization is especially seeking male students. “We are also very committed to finding and encouraging young male dancers. We will be offering tuition scholarships to young men, and some paid positions are possible,” Walthall continues.

Since Mr. Walthall’s arrival as Artistic Director in January of 2012, GBT has taken on a number of ambitious projects. The organization, founded in 1977, will move from its existing location in Snellville to a new 20,000+ square foot, state-of-the-art facility in Lawrenceville. The new school is located on Sugarloaf Parkway at Highway 316, just across from Gwinnett Tech. Mr. Walthall has restructured the school’s curriculum, and there are plans for more productions in the upcoming seasons. 

Mr. Walthall brings a wealth of professional performance, teaching, and academic experience to the organization. He holds a Master of Fine Arts Degree, and has held distinguished positions with The National Ballet of Holland, The National Ballet of Spain, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. He has trained and produced dancers for San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Pittsburg Ballet Theater, Sacramento Ballet, Lines, Spectrum Dance Theater, Oregon Ballet Theater, and Richmond Ballet, among others. His students have been accepted into programs and universities throughout the country including The Julliard School in New York.

The auditions will be conducted to live piano accompaniment. There is no charge for the audition. Dancers need not prepare a variation or other piece. Parents must stay in the auditorium until their child is finished and are encouraged to watch the class in the comfort of the theatre.

More information can be found on GBT’s web site at http://www.gwinnettballet.org/our-company/company-auditions

GBT produces The Nutcracker at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center for three weeks each December with orchestral accompaniment. It is also an Honor Company with the Southeastern Regional Ballet Association, a part of Regional Dance America. GBT is a non-profit organization with both the school and the Pre-professional Performing Division holding a non-profit tax identity.

For more information about GBT, the auditions, or other aspects of this organization, call School Director Lee Olsen at 770-978-0188 or email gbt78@bellsouth.net.  View the entire web site at www.gwinnettballet.org