Theatre and Dance

American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive Frequently Asked Questions

ABT Summer Intensive Auditions

ABT Audition Preparation:

ABT Summer Intensive Audition Day:

ABT Summer Intensive Audition Results:

Tuition and Housing Payments:

ABT Summer Intensive at UT Austin Housing

ABT Summer Intensive at UT Austin Classes

ABT Summer Intensive at UT Austin Performances and Farewell Reception

ABT Summer Intensive: What Do Students Need to Bring?

ABT Summer Intensive Audition Preparation:

  • Q: When and where are auditions held for the 2008 summer intensives?
  • A: Auditions concluded in February, and ABT has concluded their review of applicants for the 2008 summer intensives at this time. Audition dates and locations for the 2009 summer intensives will be available online at: www.abt.org/education/nationalaudition.asp in the fall of 2009.
  • Q: Is pre–registration required in order to attend the auditions?
  • A: Pre–registration is recommended but is not required. If you pre–register, then you will know in advance that you are guaranteed a spot at the registered time.
  • Q: If a prospective student has a birthday before the start of the summer intensives, which audition class should he/she attend?
  • A: Students should audition with their age group at the time of audition even if they will have a birthday before the summer. Eleven year olds, who are applying for the Summer Intensive and who will be twelve by June 16th 2008, may audition with the twelve year old class.
  • Q: What requirements are there for the audition picture?
  • A: At the audition you will be required to submit one non–returnable black and white or color photo ranging in size from 4 x 6 to 8 x 10 that shows the student's First Arabesque line clearly.
  • Q: Do you have a form for the Teachers' Recommendations?
  • A: At the audition you will need to submit one letter of recommendation from a present dance teacher. We do not have a form for these recommendations. The teacher should write a short letter stating the student's strengths.
  • Q: How much experience on pointe should a dancer have before attending an audition?
  • A: It is best for students to have two or three months of experience on pointe at the time of the audition. If the student is not ready to begin pointe work, she may still audition. However, students who attend an ABT Summer Intensive will be expected to participate in pointe classes everyday.
  • Q: Can I schedule an individual audition in New York?
  • A: We cannot accommodate the scheduling of individual auditions in New York. If you cannot make it to a scheduled audition, please send a video audition. Please click here for further details on how to send a Video Audition.
  • Q: How will I know if my Pre–Registration Form, Audition Video, or Enrollment Form has been received?
  • A: ABT will send you a confirmation email upon the receipt of your Pre–Registration Form, Audition Video, or Enrollment Form. Please make sure to clearly print a current/valid email address on any forms sent to our office.

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ABT Summer Intensive Audition Day:

  • Q: What are the auditions like?
  • A: The audition will be a ballet class starting with barre and progressing through center work. The last 30 minutes will be reserved for men's jumps and pointe work.
  • Q: Is there a dress code for the auditions?
  • A: Yes, there is a dress code. Girls should wear pink full–length tights and black leotards with ballet slippers. Boys should wear white t–shirts and black full–length tights with ballet slippers.
  • Q: What do you look for in the auditions?
  • A: We evaluate dancers on the basis of the level of their classical ballet technique, with special attention to adagio, jumps, turns, and pointe work. We also assess the dancers on their retention of combinations, stamina, musicality, work ethic, attitude, and potential.
  • Q: What if I can't make it to a scheduled audition?
  • A: You can send a video audition. Video audition forms are available to download on this website. The postmark deadline for Videos is Febuary 1, 2008. The entire video should not be longer than ten minutes and should include work at the barre and in the center consisting of an adagio, petit allégro and grand allágro. Women should include a pirouette combination en pointe with both en dehors and en dedans turns. Men should include two turning combinations and tours en l'air. Videotapes/DVDs must be converted to an American format or they cannot be evaluated. Please note that some DVD–R produced on home computers do not work on all players. In the event that we cannot read your disc, ABT will contact you via email to give you the opportunity to send your audition in a different format.

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ABT Summer Intensive Audition Results:

  • Q: How soon will I find out the results of my audition?
  • A: The results are mailed out one week from the audition date. If you do not receive your results letter within two weeks of your audition date, please contact the summer intensive staff via email at summerintensive@abt.org.
  • Q: When will I receive the results from my video audition?
  • A: All results from video audition submissions received by Febuary 1, 2008 will be mailed by the end of February.
  • Q: How do you decide which program I will be accepted to?
  • A: The audition qualifies dancers for consideration in all five Summer Intensive locations. We ask students to consider carefully which programs they are most likely to attend and rank them in order of preference on their registration card. We take this ranking into consideration along with which site we feel best matches each student's age and ability. This means we can't guarantee a student will be placed in the program that is their first choice or closest to their geographic location.
  • Q: Do you give out audition results over the phone or via email?
  • A: No, we do not give out audition results over the phone or via email.
  • Q: Can ABT provide specific feedback from the audition classes?
  • A: Unfortunately, ABT is unable to provide specific training feedback from the audition classes. We only have a short time to observe each dancer and cannot compile a complete assessment during the audition. Generally, students who are not accepted to one of ABT's programs should continue to work on overall strength, technique and pointe work. ABT encourages prospective students to continue working hard to achieve their goals in hopes to see them in the future.
  • Q: When are waiting list applicants notified and what are the chances of a position becoming available to the summer intensive?
  • A: Generally, waiting list applicants are called starting the first week of March through the first week of June. We don't use a numerical system for our waiting list, therefore, it is very difficult to say what the chances are of a waiting list applicant being called and we cannot guarantee that a spot will become available. In the event that a spot becomes available in one of our programs, we will contact waitlisted students based on their audition scores.

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Tuition and Housing Payments

  • Q: I have submitted my tuition payment online. How long will it take to process my tuition payment?
  • A: In accordance with our rolling admissions, please allow our office 2–4 weeks to process a tuition payment after it has been sent. ABT will contact you if there is a problem with your payment, or if it has not been received
  • Q: What is the cost of housing? When and where do I send this payment?
  • A: Your housing payment of $1,650.00 is due on May 15 to The University of Texas at Austin. This housing payment includes the cost of the student's room, three meals a day, and covers activity fees. Information packets and invoices will be mailed to participants on April 15. Payments may be made by check or money order and should be mailed to:
    • The University of Texas at Austin
    • Department of Theatre and Dance
    • ATTN: ABT Summer Intensive
    • 1 University Station D3900
    • Austin, Texas 78712

    UT Austin cannot accept payment by credit card.
  • Q: Does ABT offer financial aid?
  • A: ABT does have a limited number of full and partial scholarships to the 2008 Summer Intensive. Scholarship decisions are made based on merit. All students are taken into consideration, so it is not necessary to apply. ABT will notify students who are awarded scholarships in their acceptance letter to the program. We also encourage our students to explore alternate funding possibilities for their summer training. Several students have had success in finding local or corporate sponsors.

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ABT Summer Intensive at UT Austin Housing

  • Q: When and where do I check–in?
  • A: Students may check–in at Jester Center on Sunday, July 6, 2008 between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Jester Center is located at the corner of 21st Street and Speedway on The University of Texas at Austin campus. Jester Center's physical address is 201 E. 21st Street, Austin, TX 78705. To access Jester Center, turn north onto Brazos from MLK Jr. Blvd, go left at Jester Circle Drive, then right onto Speedway.

    Online maps and directions to Jester Center:
    Google Maps
    Yahoo Maps

    Parking directly in front of the Jester Center is prohibited, as it is a bus lane. There are parking spaces available on Jester Circle Drive and on the west side (south bound) of Speedway. Please read the posted signs carefully regarding possible parking restrictions. Paid parking is available in the Brazos Parking Garage (BRG) located on Brazos, south of Jester Center. Parking hours and rates are available here.

    When you arrive on July 6, enter Jester Center from Speedway and turn right to enter the Jester West Residence Hall. Please check–in first at the Jester West Front Desk, and then check–in at the ABT registration table. ABT staff will be in and around Jester Center to assist you with directions and procedure.

  • Q: When do I check–out at the end of the intensive?
  • A: You may check–out on Friday, August 1 following the farewell reception (7:00 p.m. or later) or on Saturday, August 2. All students must be checked out by 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 2.

    Students may not check–out prior to Friday, August 1 at 7:00 p.m. We are unable to accommodate requests for check–out on Thursday, July 31 or on Friday, August 1 prior to the reception. Students and parents should arrange travel in advance accordingly.

  • Q: My child will be traveling alone. Do you provide transportation from the airport to the dorm?
  • A: Yes, UT Austin can arrange for transportation from/to the airport and dorm. An ABT staff member will meet your child at the airport baggage claim and travel with them to the dorm. There is a transportation fee applicable that is due prior to program arrival.
  • Q: Will a parent/student orientation be provided?
  • A: An orientation meeting will be held on Sunday, July 7 at 4:00 p.m. at Jester Center Auditorium. This meeting is mandatory for all students. Parents are welcome to attend.
  • Q: Do I have to attend the whole summer program or can I attend just a few weeks? Can I arrive a few days late? Can I leave early?
  • A: In order to receive the full benefit of the intensive summer training, everyone must attend the program in its entirety. As a policy, there are no exceptions to this rule.
  • Q: What kind of housing is provided at the UT Austin Intensive?
  • A: Students live with a roommate and share a community bathroom in Jester West Residence Hall. Jester Center is a residential complex with mail service, food service, a campus store, and many other features to facilitate any basic shopping needs that might arise. All dorm rooms have a microwave and small refrigerator. The dormitory is air–conditioned and has multiple elevators allowing for easy moving–in and out access.

    Online maps and directions to Jester Center:
    Google Maps
    Yahoo Maps

    View photos of Jester

  • Q: Where will I have my meals? What food options are available?
  • A: Students will have three meals each day at their assigned hours at Jester Center. The Jester Center dining rooms offers many different food stations (cafeteria style) to suit individual diet needs, including salad bars, fruit, yogurt, etc.
  • Q: When is the first meal/last meal provided?
  • A: Students' first meal provided will be dinner on Sunday, July 6 at Jester Center. On Friday, August 1, students will be provided lunch at Jester Center and dinner at the farewell reception following the final performance.
  • Q: Are laundry facilities available?
  • A: Coin operated washers and dryers are located on each floor of Jester Center.
  • Q: May I request a particular roommate?
  • A: Yes. You may list your preferred roommate on the housing invoice you receive in April. We will make every effort to pair roommates per these requests.
  • Q: Is internet access available at the dormitory? May I bring a laptop computer to the Intensive?
  • A: For those wishing to bring a computer to the Intensive, students will be assigned an internet access code during registration on July 6. The University of Texas cannot be responsible for students' money or other personal items, therefore, we strongly encourage students to leave non–essential and valuable personal items at home. Computer labs are not available to Intensive participants.
  • Q: As a parent, I plan to visit the Intensive throughout the program. May I check out my child in the evenings or weekend?
  • You are welcome to check out your child during non–class times. We ask that you arrange this in advance, and your child notify their mentor in advance so we can plan accordingly. For the safety of your child and for liability reasons, we will not allow any students to leave campus without your permission, other than for emergency or pre–approved doctor visits. A Permission to Leave Campus Form will be included in the housing information packet. Please complete this form and return it with your housing payment on May 15.
  • Q: Are staff available in the dorm?
  • A: A staff of mentors and supervisors live in–residence at Jester Center during the Intensive. Staff chaperone students to/from dorm and classes, attend classes and rehearsals and assist with evening and weekend activities. Our staff assist and accompany the students in each step of the program, making sure their needs and concerns are met.
  • Q: What security measures are in–place at the dorm?
  • A: As mentioned above, there is a staff of mentors and supervisors living in–residence at Jester Center. In addition, the Jester West Front Desk is staffed 24 hours a day. All Intensive participants and staff are required to wear nametags for easy identification. Each residence hall requires a security code (provided to participants and staff upon check–in) for entry. In addition, each dorm room is keyed.
  • Q: Are parent housing accommodations provided?
  • A: We cannot provide dormitory rooms for parents and friends. A list of local hotels will be included in the information packet to be mailed April 15.
  • Q: May students access the campus gymnasium or other recreational facilities during the Intensive?
  • A: No. The gym and recreation center are not available to non–UT students, faculty or staff. However, we have arranged for students to swim at UT's Gregory Gym Pool as an extra activity on one weekend.
  • Q: What activities are scheduled for times outside of class and rehearsal?
  • A: Students enjoy a full schedule of weekend and evening social activities. All field trips are fully chaperoned by our staff of mentors and supervisors. The students may be split into smaller groups for optional participation on various weekend activities. A sample of tentative activities include: Dance Party/Sock Hop, Paramount Theatre/IMAX movie, Talent Show, Bowling, Swimming, and Farewell Reception. Schedule subject to change.
  • Q: Is a medical facility available to students?
  • A: Yes. Students who require medical attention will be accompanied to the University Health Services by the residential coordinator, supervisor or mentor. All medical costs incurred for treatment will be the responsibility of the parents or guardian of the individual treated. University Health Services (UHS) is located in the Student Services Building at 100 W. Dean Keeton. The summer operating hours for the University Health Services are from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students needing medical attention beyond these hours and/or those with illnesses or injuries beyond the scope of care provided by University Health Services will be taken to St. David's Medical Center Emergency Room or Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas.

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ABT Summer Intensive at UT Austin Classes:

  • Q: How many students are enrolled in the program?
  • A: The expected enrollment is 140 students.
  • Q: What is the daily schedule like at an ABT Summer Intensive?
  • A: Though some lecture and elective offerings may vary by site, the daily structure and curriculum of all Summer Intensive programs is identical.
    • Students will be in class or rehearsal from approximately 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. Some programs include electives or lectures on Saturdays.
    • On the first day of the program there will be a placement class to determine student levels.
    • All levels will have technique and pointe/pas de deux everyday.
    • Other class offerings may include: Variations, Modern, Character, Jazz, Hip–Hop, Musical Theater, Yoga, Pilates, Music, Acting, Dance History, Costumes, Pointe Shoes and Stage Production.
    • Dancers will have rehearsals or choreography sessions approximately 2–3 evenings per week.
    • All students will have the opportunity to participate in a final performance showcasing selections from ABT's repertoire and new choreography created during the program. The final performance is on the last day of the program and is usually scheduled for the afternoon.
  • Q: How are students placed in classes?
  • A: On the first day of the program there will be a placement class to determine student levels. The UT Austin Intensive has four class levels/groups.
  • Q: What is the typical class size?
  • A: Depending on final enrollment, class size will be approximately 32–35 students per class.
  • Q: May parents attend a class or rehearsal?
  • A: All classes and rehearsals are closed. Parents are not permitted to watch classes or rehearsals during the ABT Summer Intensive because it is distracting for the students. Parents and teachers are invited to attend the final performances at the end of the program.

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ABT Summer Intensive at UT Austin Performances and Farewell Reception:

  • Q: When and where are the final performances?
  • A: The two final performances are on Friday, August 1 at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The performances will be held at the B. Iden Payne Theatre at the Winship Drama Building . The Winship Drama Building is located at the intersection of 23rd Street and San Jacinto on the UT campus. The Winship Drama Building's physical address is 300 East 23rd Street, Austin, TX 78705. For driving directions and online maps, please click here.
  • Q: How and when can I purchase tickets to the performance(s)?
  • A: Admission is $12.00 per performance for parents and guests, and the B. Iden Payne Theatre is open seating. Tickets may be pre–purchased along with your housing payment, at dorm check–in time on July 7, or bought at the door one hour before each performance on August 1. Cash, checks and money orders are accepted payments. UT Austin cannot accept credit cards. Pre–paid performance reception tickets may be picked up on Friday, August 1 in the Winship Drama Building Lobby from 9:30–11:00 a.m. and from 2:00–3:00 p.m.
  • Q: May I video the performance?
  • A: Videotaping and flash photography of the final performance are strictly prohibited. However, for your convenience, the performances will be professionally recorded and available for purchase.
  • Q: When and where is the farewell reception?
  • A: The farewell reception is on Friday, August 1 at 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the first floor meeting room of San Jacinto Hall . San Jacinto Hall is located at the corner of San Jacinto and 21st Street on the UT campus. The San Jacinto Hall physical address is 309 East 21st Street, Austin, Texas 78705.
  • Q: How and when can I purchase tickets to the reception?
  • A: Admission is $12.00 for parents and guests. Students do not require a ticket for admission. Tickets may be pre–purchased along with your housing payment, or at dorm check–in time on July 7. Additional reception tickets orders will be accepted through July 18. Reception tickets will not be available for sale on August 1. Cash, checks and money orders are accepted payments. UT Austin cannot accept credit cards. Pre–paid reception tickets may be picked up on Friday, August 1 in the Winship Drama Building Lobby from 9:30–11:00 a.m. and from 2:00–3:00 p.m.
  • Q: I would like to schedule an early flight on August 1. May I check–out my child prior to the performance? Prior to the reception?
  • A: Students may not check–out prior to Friday, August 1 at 7:00 p.m. We are unable to accommodate requests for check–out on Thursday, July 31 or on Friday, August 1 prior to the reception. Students and parents should arrange travel in advance accordingly.

    Students may check–out on Friday, August 1 following the farewell reception (7:00 p.m. or later) or on Saturday, August 2. All students must be checked out by 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 2.

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ABT Summer Intensive at UT Austin: What do students need to bring?

  • Q: How many pairs of pointe shoes should a dancer bring to the summer intensive?
  • A: The number of pointe shoes needed for the summer intensive depends on the strength of the dancer's feet, the brand of shoe, and humidity. Dancers will be on pointe everyday in very humid weather. Therefore, we suggest that each dancer brings approximately one pair of shoes per week. In addition, dancers may wish to bring an additional pair of shoes for final rehearsals and performances. Dancers are encouraged to take care of their shoes and use hardeners when necessary to lengthen the life of their pointe shoes.
  • Q: What is the dress code for class?
  • A: Girls should bring pink tights, black leotards, ballet slippers, and pointe shoes for most classes. Hair must be neatly secured at all times during class. Boys should bring black tights, white or black tee shirts, white socks, white ballet slippers, and one long sleeved turtleneck in black and white.

    Additional detailed information will be provided in the information packet to be mailed April 15.

  • Q: How much money should I send with my child?
  • A: Your housing payment of $1,650.00 covers the cost of your student's room, three meals a day, and pre–scheduled activity fees. It is expected that your child will want to purchase snacks and supplies during the month. We recommend sending a limited amount of cash ($50 per week) to cover these needs.
  • Q: I would prefer to not send a large amount of cash with my child. What do you recommend?
  • A: You may send an ATM/check card or pre–paid cash card with your child. There is an ATM conveniently located in Jester Center. We do not have a check cashing service available to students.
  • Q: May my child have a cell phone during the Intensive?
  • A: Telephones in dorm rooms may be used for on–campus and local off–campus calls. Long distance calls may be made collect or billed to a long–distance calling card or credit card. The direct phone number to each room will be provided when students move in. Students should let their parents know their phone number and room number as soon as possible. Cell phones are acceptable to use as well. Students should pre–arrange a time after 9:00 p.m. to call their parents, as during the day they will be busy with classes and activities.

    You are welcome to send a cell phone with your child. We ask that cell phones be turned off and stored during class and rehearsals.

  • Q: Do I need to bring linens for the dormitory?
  • A: You must bring your own towels, washcloths, hand soaps, hangers, drinking glasses, and alarm clocks. The residence hall provides bed linens, blanket, and pillow; however, students may wish to bring additional blankets/pillows.
  • Q: How do I send items to my child during the Intensive?
  • A: To mail items to your child, please use the following address:
    • Participant's Name and Dormitory Room Number
    • c/o ABT Summer Intensive
    • Jester Center Halls
    • 201 E. 21st Street
    • 201 E. 21st Street

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