Most Commonly Asked Questions
...about the Company
...about "The Nutcracker"
What is the Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company?
PYBC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and is the performing part of PYBC. It is comprised of the Senior Company,
Junior Company, apprentices and trainees. The purpose of the PYBC is to give young dancers the opportunity to work with world
renowned teachers and choreographers, to secure the licenses to perform great choreographic works, and to provide dancers with
professional performing experience.
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How old do you have to be to join the Company?
Junior Company members are ages 8 and up. (6 year olds training two times per week may audition), and advancement to Senior Company
is usually based upon attending class at least three times a week and a more advance class level and ability.
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How do you become a member?
Auditions are held in mid-September of each year. This year, the auditions are on Sunday, September 20th, 12:30 pm for Junior Co. and 1:30 pm for Senior Co.
A parent or guardian/representative must attend a mandatory meeting while the dancers audition. There is a $20.00 audition fee.
If you cannot attend the audition, you may fill out an application form to be considered.
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What are the benefits of being a Company member?
The benefits include many performing opportunities, a Company Member T-shirt, priority casting in all productions, a 10% discount in the Ballet Shop, Company ID card,
scholarship consideration, and the distinction of being affiliated with a nationally renowned company. Special opportunities with guest teachers, classes, and seminars
are provided, as well as fundraising opportunities to raise money for tuition, rehearsal fees, trips, dance supplies, etc. Apprentices and trainees have the same
benefits as company members and are invited to most rehearsals, classes, and seminars. The Senior Company was an Honor Company in Regional Dance America/Northeast Festival,
and will have the opportunity to perform in or attend the RDA Festival.
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Are there any special fees for company members?
There is a small annual membership fee. Junior Company: Trainee $50.00; Apprentice $60.00; Jr. Co. $75.00. Senior Company: Trainee $80.00;
Apprentice $90.00; Sr. Co. $100.00. These fees go toward the operating expense of the Company, hiring special teachers required by the Trusts to
stage teh Ballets and licenses for wonderful choreography from the Great Masters including George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and Antony Tudor.
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Who is eligible to participate in the Nutcracker?
All dancers over the age of 3 (even beginners) may participate. Casting will be held October 4th, and is open to any student of ballet.
The audition assesses the dancer's ability so that he/she may be appropriately cast in a role. A child who wishes to participate is never turned away.
Brothers of students may be considered and many times we need adult performers. Of course, boys enrolled in classes receive priority in casting.
However, participation is voluntary; no PYBC student is required to perform.
A parent, guardian or representative must attend a mandatory meeting while the dancers audition.
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How does the casting work?
The dancers are separated into two casts. Cast 1 performs the evening performances and Cast 2 performs the matinees, just like a professional company.
Each child participates in at least two performances. The casts are balanced by the numbers and sizes of dancers.
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How often are rehearsals?
For most roles, rehearsals are held one hour every other week, usually Saturday or Sunday afternoons, starting in October.
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What are the fees involved with the Nutcracker?
Because the performance is staged by PYBC, each dancer must pay a $125 rehearsal/performance fee. The rehearsal fee is used to pay the teachers who train the children
for their parts and to support the other aspects of production, such as theater rent, costumes, stage contracts, props, lighting, guest artists, licenses and music.
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What about costumes?
PYBC maintains a costume library, so the Nutcracker costumes are loaned to the dancer free-of-charge in most cases. Many of the costumes cost well over $175
(some as much as $1200), so maintaining this collection reduces the cost of performing for our dancers. Only the bonbons, the smallest children, must purchase their
costumes (usually around $35).
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What is the Patron Program?
A ticket program offering priority seating and recognition in the Nutcracker Program. Ticket forms will be available at the audition. The ticket orders are
numbered as the forms reach the office. Platinum patron tickets are given the best seats, followed by Diamond, Gold, and Silver.
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Can families get involved too?
YES! An experienced and highly talented staff of teachers prepares the children for their roles. However, all other aspects of production are
handled by an all-volunteer staff. The people making your child's costumes, setting up the stage, doing the lighting and effects, preparing the program,
arranging for advertising, selling tickets, and printing the cast sweatshirt do it all. New hands are always welcome and very much needed!
Please check the bulletin board for sign-up sheets.
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