Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive for a performance?
We suggest you arrive 30 minute before curtain. This allows you plenty of time to visit
coat check, pick up booster seats or bottled water, visit the Ballet West boutique and get
settled in your seat before the last-minute rush. Better yet, arrive one hour before a
performance and enjoy Warm Ups. Curtain time for regular evening performances is
7:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. for matinees. Performances of the Nutcracker start at 7:00 p.m.
for evening performances and 2:00 p.m. for matinees (our Christmas Eve performance
starts at noon). Allow plenty of time for travel and parking.
What is Warm Ups?
Warm Ups is a fun and informative pre-curtain discussion with members of our artistic
staff where participants get the inside scoop on the performance and the chance to ask
any ballet questions they might have. Warm Ups is free to all ticket holders and will add
to your enjoyment and understanding of the performance. Warm Ups are held before
each production except for The Nutcracker and Innovations.
How do I get the best seats available?
Generally speaking, the best seats are the first ones to sell. Your best bet is to become a
season subscriber. Season subscriptions are available beginning the spring before the
season. The sooner you order, the better your chances. For single ticket buyers, the same
rule applies…buy early. The on-sale dates* for single show tickets for the 2008-09 season
are as follows:
The Tempest - September 15, 2008
The Nutcracker - October 18, 2008
Madame Butterfly - January 5, 2009
The Treasures of the Ballets Russes - February 23, 2009
Innovations - April 20, 2009
*subject to change
I buy tickets, why should I also make a contribution?
We appreciate your patronage. Ticket sales only cover about 37% of the cost of a ballet;
for the rest, we count on contributions from friends like you. We ask that you make a
contribution so that the show can go on.
How will my contribution be used?
Your contribution could be used in a number of ways, including buying pointe shoes,
making costumes, assisting in the construction of scenery or in supporting the many
important education and outreach programs of the Ballet. This coming year Ballet West
will serve nearly 100,000 Utah teachers, students and special needs individuals. You
may be rest assured that your contribution will be greatly appreciated and will go to serve
not only the ballet, but the greater needs of the community.
Where can I park?
There is plenty of parking available near the Capitol Theatre. As performance days can be crowded, we advise that you arrive early. Click here for specific parking areas.
What is an appropriate age for attending the ballet?
We generally suggest eight years old. But we leave it up to you to decide. Of course, the nature of the program itself should also be taken into account in making that determination. As long as the child can sit for the length of the program without being disruptive, they are welcome. If a child (or anyone) is disruptive we ask that they exit to the lobby. There is no lap seating, and all children, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
Do you offer student discounts?
Yes. There are two opportunities for student discounts:
- We offer a significantly discounted Education Season Package for high school student, college students and educators. For information on this package, contact us via info@balletwest.org.
- We also offer a student rush ticket which allows students, age 16 and up, to purchase up to two half-price tickets one hour before curtain at the Capitol Theatre box office (6:30 p.m. for evening shows, 1:00 p.m. for matinees.) Student rush tickets are subject to availability.
When do tickets for the Nutcracker go on sale?
October 18, 2008.
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes. We offer discounts for groups of 10 or more. All members must attend the same performance and all tickets must be paid for by a single individual. For more information, contact Melissa Rasmussen at mrasmussen@balletwest.org or call 801-323-6966.
How can I buy Ballet West merchandise?
The company offers a wide variety of merchandise, ranging from coffee mugs to yoga pants. You may purchase merchandise in the lobby during our performances. You may also purchase them on-line or by visiting the office during regular business hours. If you are going to come to our offices for merchandise, we highly recommend that you call beforehand.
Does Ballet West ever donate to other organizations or causes?
While we are not in the position to make cash contributions, we do what we can to support other non-profit organizations, special events and worthy causes. Each year we support hundreds of such organizations by donating tickets or Ballet West items. We are limited to what we can do, so it’s first come first served. You may request a donation by issuing a request in writing, on your organization’s letterhead, and faxing it to Jodie Fisher at 801-359-3504.
Is there ever an opportunity to watch studio rehearsals?
Yes. Throughout the year, Ballet West offers private and group tours of the Capitol Theatre, including an opportunity to observe a studio rehearsal. For more information about tours, please contact Geoff Doiron at 801-323-6965 or gdoiron@balletwest.org.
How can I advertise in your playbill?
The Ballet West playbill (the program distributed at our productions) is published by Mills Publishing. You may inquire about advertising by calling Jackie Medina at 467-9419 or by clicking here.
How can our company become a sponsor?
There are many sponsorship opportunities available. To find out more, click here or call 801-323-6919.
