The City Ballet of San Diego was formed in 1993 and is under the direction of Steven and Elizabeth Wistrich, both former dancers with Boston Ballet and Stuttgart Ballet. The company offers four major productions per season, it becoming 5 in 2022 at its home theater, the historic Spreckels Theatre in downtown San Diego.
In addition to full-length classical ballets and original works by Elizabeth Wistrich, the company presents an all-Balanchine program as part of it season’s offerings. The company also performs many outreach performances throughout its 26-week season.City Ballet of San Diego conducts auditions for company dancers on an on-going basis.
City Ballet does not offer a ‘cattle call’ type of audition, but accepts auditions on an individual basis. Typically, they begin accepting auditions in January through May. Dancers must be well-trained in classical ballet, have strong partnering skills, and experience in contemporary ballet. Dancers interested in becoming an Apprentice or Trainee must attend the company’s three-week Summer Intensive program. During the Intensive, the directors have the opportunity to observe a dancer’s work ethic, how quickly they pick up choreography and how they look performing on stage after a short rehearsal period. None of this can be determined in a one-time, class audition. This is also an opportunity for the dancer to see if City Ballet is the company for them, if they like working with the directors and if they like San Diego.
Additional questions or concerns may be addressed to:
Jo Anne Emery Managing Director City Ballet of San Diego
joanne.emery@cityballet.org
619.846.8774 direct
Photography by Travis Land