Company Performance Opportunities

performance opportunities at COLORADO BALLET ACADEMY

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INNER ARTISTRY

Located in the heart of the Santa Fe Arts District near downtown Denver, the Colorado Ballet is surrounded by funky galleries, local coffee shops and all types of art makers. You'll see budding ballerinas in the tiniest of tutues cross paths with company members in full costume rehearsing for the next production. Classical music pours down the hallways as students train, the voices of the instructors floating on top. Inside these walls, the love of ballet and the art form of dance flourishes, careers are started and dreams are realized.

Inside Colorado Ballet Academy’s eight state-of-the-art studios, students train alongside the professional Company with faculty who have lived highly successful careers with renowned companies such as American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, The Bolshoi Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada and Colorado Ballet.

Performance opportunities are a priority for all Colorado Ballet Academy students. Level 1 through Pre-Professional Division have the unique opportunity to perform a full-length classical production at the beautiful Ellie Caulkins Opera House each May. Productions have included Swan Lake, Giselle, and Coppelia. One of the few ballet schools in the country to offer this type of opportunity, CBA is thrilled to provide this opportunity for students to learn and perform core repertoire.

Colorado Ballet Company Performance Opportunities

CBA enrolled students in Level 2 through Pre-Professional who meet specific height requirements have the phenomenal opportunity of dancing alongside Colorado Ballet Company members in their seasonal professional productions. Students who are cast in these productions become inspired to work harder in the classroom and elevate their own skill sets.

By audition only, students cast in these magnificent productions will experience first-hand the rehearsal process of a professional dancer, work directly with the artistic leaderss of the Company, train under the high caliber work ethic of skilled artists and have the honor of performing at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House with a live orchestra. Students chosen to perform in Company productions will be required to attend Company rehearsals as specified.

If your student loves to perform and has a theatrical spirit, there is no better adventure than training, rehearsing and performing alongside the elite athletes of Colorado Ballet.

the nutcracker

Performed at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House with live music featuring the Colorado Ballet Orchestra

The Nutcracker returns to the stage for Colorado Ballet’s 66th season to delight audiences of all ages. This timeless tradition and audience favorite captures the festive spirit of the season, replete with mischievous dancing mice, sweet Sugar Plums, a symphony of swirling snowflakes, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.

Nutcracker Audition Registration

audition information & registration

Audition Date: Sunday, August 30th, 2026
Audition Fee: FREE

PLEASE NOTE THAT SHOWS CONTINUE PAST CHRISTMAS UNTIL DECEMBER 27th.
All children who are in the cast must be available through December 27, 2026.

We invite all registered CBA students who meet the level, age, and height requirements to be part of this wonderful traditional Holiday Production!

If cast in any company production, students will pay a fee to cover the rehearsal hours and costume rentals.

Students cast in one role will pay $300
Students cast in two or more roles will pay $375

MANDATORY PARENT MEETING Saturday 8/29 3:00-4:30pm
A mandatory meeting will be held on Saturday 8/29 from 3:00-4:30pm to discuss the audition process, appropriate parent/student expectations, and the requirements of participating in professional company production. If families are unable to attend in person, they will be required to watch the recorded version of the meeting. All families will be required to sign an agreement on the topics discussed when registering for the audition.

Students may audition for each role they meet the requirements for. If a student is auditioning for multiple roles, they will need to register for all roles they are auditioning for in the appropriate time slot.

Sugarplum Attendants 12:00pm – 1:00pm (registration at 11:30am)
Male and female students
Height Requirement: 4’- 4’6
Level 1+ and must have turned 7 years by the 1st of September 2026

Angels 12:00pm – 1:00pm (registration at 11:30am)
Male and female students
Height Requirement: 4' - 4'6"
Level 2+ and must have turned 8 years by the 1st of September 2026

Party Scene 1:00pm – 3:30pm (registration at 12:30pm)
Male and female students
Height Requirement: 4'2" - 5'2"
Second year Level 2+ and must have turned 8 years by 1st September 2026

Polichinelle's (Mother Ginger Children) 4:00pm – 5:30pm (registration at 3.30pm)
Male and female students
Height Requirement: 4'2" - 5'2"
Level 3+ and must have turned 8 years by 1st September 2026

Cavalry 5:30pm – 6:30pm (registration at 5:00 pm)
Male and female students
Height Requirement: 4'7" - 5'6"
Level 3- PPD

Soldiers 5:30pm – 6:30pm (registration at 5:00 pm)
Male and female students
Height Requirement: 4'7" - 5'6"
Level 4B- PPD

Mother Ginger Legs 6:00pm – 6:30pm (registration at 5.30pm)
Height Requirement: 4'11" - 5'4"
Level 5 – PPD
Pointe work required

Nutcracker Intensive: September 23 – September 26
The Nutcracker Intensive is REQUIRED for all cast members.

Wednesday 9/23
Sugar Plum Attendants
No warm up class
Rehearsal: 4:30-5:30

Party Scene
Warm up class: 4:45-5:30
Rehearsal: 5:30-6:30

Polichinelles
Optional warm up class: 4:45-5:30
Rehearsal: 6:30-7:30

Soldiers (No Cavalry)
Optional warm up class: 4:45-5:30
Rehearsal: 7:30-8:30

Thursday 9/24

Angels
No warm up class
Rehearsal: 4:30-5:30

Party Scene
Warm up class: 4:45-5:30
Rehearsal: 5:30-7:00

Soldiers (No Cavalry)

Optional warm up class: 4:45-5:30
Rehearsal: 7:00-8:30

Friday 9/25

Sugar Plum Attendants & Angels
No warm up class
Rehearsal: 4:30-5:30

Polichinelles
Warm up class: 4:45-5:30
Rehearsal: 5:30-7:00

Soldiers (No Cavalry)
Optional warm up class: 4:45-5:30pm
Rehearsal: 7:00-8:30pm

Saturday 9/26

Sugar Plum Attendants
No warm up class
Rehearsal: 10:00-10:30

Angels
No warm up class
Rehearsal: 10:30-11:30

Party Scene
Warm up class: 10:30-11:15
Rehearsal: 11:30-1:00

Soldiers & Cavalry
Optional warm up class: 10:30-11:15
Rehearsal: 1:00-2:30

Mother Ginger Legs
Optional warm up class: 10:30-11:15
Rehearsal: 2:30-3:00

Polichinelles
Optional warm up class: 10:30-11:15
Rehearsal: 3:00-4:30

Weekly Rehearsal Schedule starting Friday, October 2, 2026
Weekly rehearsals are held at the CBA. Two absences are allowed. Students who are absent more than two times will be removed from production.

Friday
Soldiers, Cavalry, & Legs: 7:30-8:45

Saturday
Angels and Sugar Plum Attendants: 2:00-3:00pm
Break 3:00-3:15
Party Scene 3:15-5:00
Break 5:00-5:15
Polichinelles 5:15-6:45

Rehearsal with Company at CBA
Students are required to attend the final run thrus with the Company and absences will not be allowed. Students who miss these rehearsals will be removed from the production.

Saturday, November 21, time TBD
Sunday, November 22, time TBD

Tech Week at Ellie Caulking Opera House
Tuesday November 24, Wednesday November 25, and Friday November 27, 2026
Times TBD – rehearsals will be during the day and the evening.

Student Matinee performances are on Thursday 12/3 and Friday 12/4 at 11am (the Student Matinees are opportunities for local schools to attend a performance). CBA students cast in The Nutcracker will need to be present during the day for this performance and then return in the evening for rehearsal or performance.

Performance Dates
November 28 – December 27, 2026

PLEASE NOTE THAT SHOWS CONTINUE PAST CHRISTMAS UNTIL DECEMBER 27th. All children who are in the cast must be available through December 27, 2026.

Rules and Regulations
If you are cast in The Nutcracker, you must adhere to the following:
Attending all scheduled rehearsals, costume fittings & performances.

Your absence from any rehearsal (except medical illness or injury) may disqualify you from further participation.

Students must be fully enrolled in CBA's ballet program to be eligible.

Students MUST be available during the week of Thanksgiving as dress rehearsals in the theater will begin this week. No exceptions will be made to this policy.

Rehearsals will not be held on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 26, 2026.

the wizard of oz

Performed at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House with live music featuring the Colorado Ballet Orchestra

Follow the yellow brick road! Colorado Ballet brings L. Frank Baum’s beloved classic to life. Journey with Dorothy and Toto as they befriend Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion, confront the Wicked Witch, and discover the true meaning of home. Internationally acclaimed choreographer Septime Webre—creator of ALICE (in wonderland)—blends classical and contemporary ballet with vibrant storytelling. This family-friendly performance dazzles with flying effects, 42 enchanting puppets (including Toto!), stunning sets and costumes, and breathtaking special effects. Matthew Pierce’s vibrant, genre-blending original score will be performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.

Wizard of Oz Audition Registration

audition information & registration

Audition Date: Sunday, November 15th, 2026
Audition Fee: FREE

MANDATORY PARENT MEETING Saturday 11/14 10:00-11:15am
A mandatory meeting will be held on Saturday 11/14 from 10:00-11:15am to discuss the audition process, appropriate parent/student expectations, and the requirements of participating in professional/ company production. If families are unable to attend in person, they will be required to watch the recorded version of the meeting. All families will be required to sign an agreement on the topics discussed.

We invite all registered CBA students who meet the level, age, and height requirements to be part of this wonderful production!

If cast in any company production, students will pay a $275 participation fee to cover the rehearsal hours and costume rentals.

Students may audition for each role they meet the requirements for. If a student is auditioning for multiple roles, they will register for all roles during the first appropriate time slot.

Guard Assistant 1:00-1:30pm (registration at 12:30pm)
Male and Female Students
Height requirement: 4’4” - 5’5”
Level 3+

Poppy Seeds 1:30-2:30pm (registration at 1pm)
Male and Female Students
Height requirement: 3’11” - 4'8”
Level 2 & Level 3

Grasshoppers 3:00-4:00pm (registration at 2:30pm)
Male and Female Students
Height requirement: 4'2” - 5’0”
Level 3 & Level 4

Baby Ballerinas 4:00-5:00pm (registration at 3:30pm)
Female Students
Height requirement: 4'9” - 5'4”
Level 5 (2nd year pointe) - PPD

Wizard of Oz Intensive: January 13 – January 16
The Wizard of Oz Intensive is REQUIRED for all cast members.

Wednesday 1/13
Guard Assistant Rehearsal: 4:30-5:30
Poppy Seeds Warmup: 5:30-5:45
Poppy Seeds Rehearsal: 5:45-7:30

Thursday 1/14
Guard Assistant Rehearsal: 4:30-5:30
Grasshoppers Warmup 5:30-6:15
Grasshoppers Rehearsal: 6:15-8:00

Friday 1/15
Guard Assistant Rehearsal: 4:30-5:30
Baby Ballerinas Warmup: 5:30-6:15
Break 6:15-6:30
Baby Ballerinas Rehearsal: 6:30-8:00

Saturday 1/16
Grasshoppers & Baby Ballerinas Warmup: 10:00-10:45
Break: 10:45-11:00
Baby Ballerinas Rehearsal: 11:00-12:30
Grasshoppers Rehearsal: 12:30-2:00
Break: 2:00-2:15
Poppy Seeds Rehearsal: 2:15-3:45
Guard Assistant Rehearsal: 3:45-5:00

Weekly Rehearsal Schedule starting Friday, January 22, 2027
**Please note only 1 rehearsal may be missed. The absence should only be in the case of an emergency.

Friday
Baby Ballerinas Rehearsal: 7:30-8:45

Saturday
Guard Assistant Rehearsal: 3:15-4:15
Poppy Seeds Rehearsal: 4:15-5:45
Break 5:45-6:00
Grasshoppers Rehearsal: 6:00-7:30 (potentially this could get shortened as rehearsals continue)

Rehearsal with Company at CBA
Students are required to attend the final run thrus with the Company and absences will not be allowed. Students who miss these rehearsals will be removed from the production.

Saturday, February 13 and February 20 - Time TBD
Saturday, February 27, Final Run Thru – Time TBD
February 17-19 Time 4:30-6pm and February 23-26 Time 4:30-6pm

Tech Week at Ellie Caulkins Opera House
March 2-4, 2027, rehearsals Time TBD

Student Matinee performance on Thursday 3/4 (the Student Matinees are opportunities for local schools to attend a performance). CBA students cast in Wizard of Oz will need to be present during the day for this performance.

Performance Dates
March 5–14, 2027

Rules and Regulations
If you are cast in Wizard of Oz, you must adhere to the following:

Students MUST be available for all scheduled rehearsals and tech week.

Your absence from any rehearsal (except medical illness or injury) may disqualify you from further participation.

Students must be fully enrolled in CBA's ballet program to be eligible.

HEAR WHAT THE STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY

“Colorado Ballet Academy is a welcoming and a very supportive studio. CBA has given me amazing opportunities such as performances like The Nutcracker and The Wizard of Oz. The experience that I have had performing in them were awesome, the ballet masters, directors, and choreographers were always helpful with choreography, counts, partnering. I am grateful for all these opportunities and many more to come!"

- Kevin Gaytan, Level 4 Student

Students in Levels 2 and up have the opportunity to audition for Colorado Ballet company productions such as The Nutcracker, The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, and Sleeping Beauty. Artistic Director Gil Boggs plans at least two full length ballets each season that include roles for CBA students. Students audition for the artistic leaders of the Company and are always thrilled to see Gil when he attends class and rehearsals! Dancing with the Company gives students a chance to see the caliber of dancing that they are striving for up-close-and-personal and bring that back into the classroom with fresh inspiration and perspective.

"It is incredible to get to perform in productions like The Wizard of Oz and Nutcracker with the company! This really inspires me and makes me want to work hard when I am on the same stage as the company members. It is fun to perform in so many shows with some of my best friends on one of the biggest stages in Denver. I get to wear amazing costumes and dance with so many amazing people!"

- Savannah Kovar, Level 4 Student

Advanced levels participate in an additional classical production during Fall Feature and perform regularly in Colorado Ballet’s Black Box Theater during Saturday Soirees and First Friday Art Walks. Students from CBA Children’s Division are showcased each May along with Jazz, Modern, and Tap students to show off their skills during the year-end performance in Colorado Ballet’s Black Box Theater.

“Dancing in a professional production is such a special experience because we get to watch the company to try to copy the beautiful aspects of their technique. Watching the principals rehearse Sugarplum and Cavalier always inspires me to work on the details on my technique. Watching the Spanish dance even motivates me to add artistry to my dancing. I cannot wait to perform again soon!"

- Catalina Long, Pre-Professional Division 1

The experience of a CBA student is grounded in strong work ethic, the desire to learn and explore and celebrate this beautiful art form that had been around for hundreds of years. Each CBA student is stepping onto the floor alongside the thousands that have danced in their place before them. Being a part of Colorado Ballet Academy is truly an extraordinary experience and one that will prepare students for life inside and outside the studio.

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performance opportunities at COLORADO BALLET ACADEMY

UNLEASH YOUR
INNER ARTISTRY

Colorado Ballet Company Performance Opportunities

the nutcracker

audition information & registration

the wizard of oz

audition information & registration

HEAR WHAT THE STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY

Contact Us

E-Newsletter

SAVE 25% WITH A SUBSCRIPTION

Sign up for our Enews

performance opportunities at COLORADO BALLET ACADEMY

UNLEASH YOUR INNER ARTISTRY

Colorado Ballet Company Performance Opportunities

the nutcracker

audition information & registration

the wizard of oz

audition information & registration

HEAR WHAT THE STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY

Contact Us

E-Newsletter

UNLEASH YOUR
INNER ARTISTRY