Stage Experience

One of the most invaluable aspects of training at the San Francisco Ballet School is the opportunity for many students to gain stage experience at a young age. Performing before a live audience teaches stage decorum, instills confidence, and facilitates the transition from student to professional.

Nutcracker
Each year more than 150 students are selected to appear with San Francisco Ballet in its annual holiday production of Nutcracker. Participation is by audition only.

Student Showcase
Each spring the School stages a student showcase, open to a paying public. The performances begin with class demonstrations given by the lower-level students. Select advanced-level students then perform in ballets from the Company's repertory, as well as in works created especially for them. Preceding one of the performances is a fund-raising dinner orchestrated by the San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary. The proceeds from the performances support the School's scholarship programs.

2008 Student Showcase
Join San Francisco Ballet School in celebrating its 75th anniversary by attending the 2008 Student Showcase.  Performances will be held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater. Purchase tickets online or call San Francisco Ballet Ticket Services at 415.865.2000, Monday through Friday, 10am to 4pm.

Buy tickets now:

Wednesday, May 14 at 8pm
Thursday, May 15 at 7:30pm
Friday, May 16 at 7:30pm  

Audiences will get a glimpse of the progression in ballet training, from beginning students giving class demonstrations to advanced-level students performing repertory prepared especially to showcase their talent.  This year's Student Showcase features the complete staging of John Neumeier's Yondering, set to the music of Stephen C. Foster.

Preceding the May 14 performance, the SF Ballet Auxiliary hosts the Student Showcase Dinner at the Four Season Hotel. The proceeds from the dinner support the School's scholarship programs.

Additional Opportunities
Other ballets that provide stage opportunities for students include Romeo & Juliet, The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Swan Lake, and Don Quixote. More advanced students may be selected to perform with the Company in some of their larger repertory works. The School's Trainee Program also offers performance opportunities. Students may have the opportunity to participate in performances of the San Francisco Opera and other ballet companies visiting the Bay Area.