Audition for Ballet 5:8 — Top 75 Nationally, Built for the Next Generation
Ballet 5:8 is a Top-75 U.S. ballet company based in Chicago’s South Suburbs, creating story-driven work that sparks discussion on life, faith, and human dignity. Each season, we perform for 10,000+ audience members locally and on tour—and we’re proud to be a Resident Company at the Harris Theater.
This season, Ballet 5:8 is holding a national audition tour for Company, Second Company, Trainee (18+), Conservatory (14–22), and Summer Intensive (11–22). Select one or more tracks at registration—one audition covers all selected programs, and decisions are typically made within two weeks.
More info: ballet58.org/audition
At the School of Ballet 5:8, our training blends Vaganova foundations with purposeful influences from School of American Ballet and Marcia Dale Weary, building clean technique, musical clarity, and performance-ready stamina.
60% of our current Company began at our Summer Intensive—it’s a primary route into Trainee and Second Company opportunities
“Starting my career as a trainee with Ballet 5:8 was one of the best decisions I made as a dancer. To be honest, I was really behind, but Ms. Julianna saw something in me and the whole staff poured into me; with the individual attention and rigorous class schedule, my technique grew incredibly quickly. Now, as a Soloist, I’m consistently grateful for how thoroughly the program prepared me for both classical and contemporary work. Working with Ms. Kim, Ms. Julianna, and the many guest faculty who invested in me gave me the tools to sustain myself as both an artist and a technician for the long term."
— Kayla Kowach, Soloist with Ballet 5:8
Summer Intensive = 2, 3, or 5 weeks (choose what fits your goals and budget):
2 weeks: June 29–July 10
3 weeks: July 13–July 31
5 weeks: June 29–July 31
If money is a real factor (we get it):
Second Company is tuition-free, with performance stipends when cast with the professional company.
Summer Intensive financial aid applications are accepted Nov–Feb.
Resident Assistant roles (18+) can cover 100% SI tuition + room/board.
Audition Cities + Dates
Los Angeles, CA: Dec 28–29, 2025—in-person audition for Company/Second Company via the National Master Audition
Nashville, TN: Sat, Jan 10, 2026 (2:00 pm ET)
Provo, UT: Sat, Jan 17, 2026 (10:00 am MT)
New York, NY: Sun, Jan 18, 2026 (9:30 am ET)
Chicago, IL (Ages 11–15): Sat, Jan 24, 2026 (10:30 am CT)
Chicago, IL (Ages 16+): Sat, Jan 24, 2026 (2:30 pm CT) —in-person audition for Company/Second Company
Video deadline: Mar 31, 2026 (11:00 pm CT)
Apply Now
Trainee / Conservatory / Summer Intensive → https://www.danceapply.com/organization/school-of-ballet-58
Company / Second Company → https://www.danceapply.com/organization/ballet-58
Questions? schooloffice@ballet58.org