CYBT - FAQs

…About the Company

What is the Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre?
CYBT is a non-profit 501 (C)(3) organization and is the performing arm of Coastal Dance Centre. It is comprised of the Senior
Company, Junior Company and Mini Company. The purpose of CYBT is to provide young dancers in the Grand Strand an intensive
training program that will prepare them eventually for the professional world or should they decide to choose another career path,
be able to use the life, skills learned in dance: the value of discipline, hard work, patience, perseverance, determination, persistence,
resilience, respect, cooperation and good behavior -all necessary ingredients for success in life.

How old do you have to be to join the company?
Mini Company members are ages 8 & up. Advancement to Junior Company and Senior Company is based upon class level and
ability.

How do you become a member?
Auditions are held in August of each year. This year, the audition will take place on Saturday, August 16, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm for Mini
Company and 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm for Junior Company and Senior Company. There is a $20.00 audition fee. If you cannot attend the
audition, you may fill out an application form to be considered.

What are the benefits of being a Company member?
The benefits include many performing opportunities, priority casting in all productions, master class opportunities with guest
teachers, scholarship opportunities for deserving students, and the distinction of being affiliated with the Grand Strand's vibrant
youth ballet company.

Who should join?
Those dancers who love to perform, willing to work hard and make the commitment - Mini Company members attend weekday
technique classes twice a week and the Saturday rehearsals; Junior and Senior Company members attend technique classes 4 times
a week and as well as week-day / Saturday rehearsals. Additional rehearsals are scheduled when necessary.

Are there any fees in order to become a company member?
Yes, apart from the CDC dance tuition, Company members pay a fee based on their company levels.

…About "The Spring Festival of Dance"

"The Spring Festival of Dance" is a co-production initiative of CYBT with Coastal Dance Centre. It gives the company members an
opportunity to learn and perform classical ballet masterpieces and work on contemporary pieces with choreographers and dancers
who have received critical acclaim for their work.. "The Spring Festival of Dance" performance is designed to be an educational tool
for the students as well as a performanceopportunity.

…About the "Nutcracker"

Who is eligible to participate in the Nutcracker?
Any dancer over the age of 4 may participate. The audition will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at the CDC Studio. The
audition assesses the dancer's ability so that he/she may be appropriately cast in a role. Brothers of company members may be
considered as well as adult performers. Of course, boys enrolled in classes receive priority in casting. However, participation is
voluntary for Coastal Dance Centre students who are not members of CYBT.

How does the casting work?
Last year, over 50 children were cast in the "Nutcracker". If more are involved, then the dancers may be separated into two casts.
Cast 1 will perform the Sunday performance and Cast 2 will perform the Monday performance, just like a professional company.
Each child will participate in at least one performance.

How often are rehearsals?
Rehearsals are held every Saturday, starting in September. Dress /Technical rehearsal dates will be posted. Additional rehearsals
for Juniors and Semiors are scheduled on weekdays.

What are the fees involved with the "Nutcracker"?
Each dancer must pays a set participation fee used to pay the teachers who train the children for their parts and to support the other
aspects of production, such as costumes, stage contracts, props, lighting, and music.

What about costumes?
CYBT maintains a costume library, so the "Nutcracker" costumes are loaned to the dancer free-of-charge, in most cases. Many of
the costumes cost well over $100 (some as much as $500), so maintaining this collection reduces the cost of performing for our
dancers.

How do families get involved?
Family members of the Nutcracker cast are asked to be part of the volunteer staff. The artistic staff prepares the children for their
roles. However, all other aspects of production are handled by an all-volunteer staff. The people making your child's costume,
setting up the stage, doing the lighting and effects, preparing the program, arranging for advertising, selling tickets, and printing the
cast t-shirt do it all for love.

New hands are always welcome and very much needed! Please check the bulletin board at the CDC studio for sign-up sheets.