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Resident Advisor Positions in Ballet Summer Intensive Programs

Robert Fulton - Feb. 5, 2024, 9:37 p.m.

Pictured above is BalletScout founder Robert Fulton as an RA with CPYB during a Toilet Paper Dressup Dorm Activity

For emerging professional and pre-professional dancers over 18, the summer doesn't just signify a break from the regular season; it's a critical time to enhance skills, stay in shape, and, importantly, find ways to supplement income. One often overlooked opportunity lies in Resident Advisor (RA) positions at ballet summer intensives. These roles offer a unique blend of benefits: the chance to continue training, engage in the daily life of a bustling summer program, and earn money.

Let's dive into some of the notable RA opportunities available across the country, highlighting the variety of positions, compensation, and whether you can expect to take classes as part of the role.

SOME INFORMATION IS INFORMATION FROM PREVIOUS YEARS.  WHEN 2024 INFORMATION IS RELEASED WE WILL UPDATE!

Programs Offering Classes & Compensation

  1. Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Summer Intensive 2024

    • Positions: Hall Director, Resident Advisor
    • Pay: $3,500 and $1,900 stipend, respectively
    • Classes: Yes
  2. Kansas City Ballet, Summer Intensive 2024

    • Positions: Dorm Director, Resident Assistant
    • Pay: $16 per hour and $12.30 per hour, respectively
    • Classes: Yes
  3. Ballet 5:8, Summer Intensive 2024

    • Position: Resident Assistant
    • Pay: $350 Weekly Stipend
    • Classes: Yes
  4. Grand Rapids Ballet, Summer Intensive (Prior Year Info)

    • Position: Resident Assistant
    • Pay: $1,500
    • Classes: Yes

Programs Offering Classes Without Direct Compensation

  1. Louisville Ballet, Summer Intensive 2024

    • Position: Resident Assistant
    • Benefit: Free Housing
    • Classes: Yes
  2. Ballet West, Summer Intensive (Prior Year Info)

    • Position: Resident Assistant
    • Benefit: Free Tuition
    • Classes: Yes
  3. Ballet Arizona, Summer Intensive (Prior Year Info)

    • Position: Resident Assistant
    • Pay: Unknown
    • Classes: Yes

Programs Without Classes (Even If There Is Pay)

  1. American Ballet Theatre, Summer Intensive 2024

    • Position: Summer Intensive Assistant
    • Pay: $0 - $42,800 a year
    • Classes: No
  2. Joffrey Ballet School, Summer Intensive 2024

    • Various Positions: Resident and Administrative Assistant to Supervisor roles
    • Pay: Ranges from $225 to $450 per week
    • Classes: No
  3. School of American Ballet, Summer Intensive 2024

    • Positions: Summer Course Assistant, Residence Director
    • Pay: $2,000 and $3,200 stipend, respectively
    • Classes: No
  4. Tulsa Ballet, Summer Intensive 2024

    • Position: Chaperone
    • Pay: Weekly Stipend
    • Classes: No
  5. Houston Ballet, Summer Intensive (Prior Year Info)

    • Position: Resident Assistant
    • Pay: $600/week+
    • Classes: Not specified
  6. Cincinnati Ballet, Summer Intensive (Prior Year Info)

    • Position: Resident Assistant
    • Pay: $650/week
    • Classes: Unknown
  7. Philadelphia Ballet, Summer Intensive (Prior Year Info)

    • Position: Resident Assistant
    • Pay: Approximately $29,000
    • Classes: No
  8. Charlotte Ballet, Summer Intensive (Prior Year Info)

    • Position: Resident Assistant
    • Pay: $2,575
    • Classes: No
  9. Louisville Ballet, Summer Intensive 2024

    • Position: SI Resident Assistant/Chaperone
    • Classes: No
  10. Orlando Ballet, Summer Intensive 2024

    • Position: Resident Assistant
    • Classes: Yes
  11. Ballet Magnificat, Summer Intensive 2024

    • Position: Counselor
    • Classes: Not specified
  12. Milwaukee Ballet (Details TBA)

For dancers, RA positions offer more than just a summer job; they are gateways to furthering artistic growth, gaining life skills, and making invaluable industry connections. Whether you're drawn to the rigorous training and stipend of Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet or the unique benefits of free tuition at Ballet West, there’s a program tailored to your career aspirations and needs. Explore these opportunities to transform your summer from a mere interlude into a pivotal chapter in your dance journey.