Audition Application Worksheet + Photo and Video Requirements

📄 Download Audition Application + Photo and Video Requirement Worksheet (PDF)

We encourage you to use the following document to help you prepare your application. It includes everything you’ll need to gather before submitting, such as:

• Application Questions

• Photo Requirements

• Video Requirements*

• Reference Letter Guidelines

*Video requirements include both ballet technique and optional worship improvisation.

Reference Letter Requirements

We require a minimum of one personal reference letter from someone who knows you well.

Download Letter to Give Your Reference (PDF)

Preferred References Include:

• Letters from your pastor, youth group leader, or small group leader are preferred
  

Other Acceptable References Include: 

• A studio owner, dance instructor, teacher, or employer
  

|    PLEASE NOTE: Reference letters should not be from a family member

Reference letters may be sent by:

📬 Mail:

Paradosi Ballet Company

4020 S 56th Street, Ste 105

Tacoma, WA 98409

📧 Email:

support@paradosiballet.org

General Application Questions

Q: Do I need to be a professional-level dancer to apply?
A: We are looking for dancers with strong classical ballet technique, but more importantly, a heart for ministry. If you have a solid technical foundation and feel called to serve Jesus through dance, we encourage you to apply—especially for our Apprentice Program, which is designed for growth in both faith and artistry.

Q: Is the audition process different for the different dancer positions?
A: No. The application and audition process are the same for the Apprentice Program and all other company dancer positions. Placement is determined by the Audition Committee.

Q: When will I hear back after submitting my application?
A: We prayerfully review each application and aim to respond within 2–3 weeks. If invited to continue, we’ll send information about next steps, which may include an invitation to attend our in-person audition in Washington.

Q: What are the age requirements to audition?
A: Applicants must be 18 or older by the start of the season in September. High school seniors may audition at age 17 if they will turn 18 before the season begins.

Q: Do my audition photos need to be professionally taken?
A: No. Clear, well-lit photos taken on a phone or personal camera are perfectly acceptable. We just need to see your face (headshot) and technique (arabesque).

Q: What should I include in my worship solo?
A: Your worship solo is your opportunity to express your heart for the Lord through movement. It can be improvised or choreographed and should reflect your personal style and worship expression. The solo should be set to a Christian worship song and be 2 to 4 minutes in length.

Q: Do I need to be on pointe to audition?
A: No—pointe work is not required. Dancers with limited or developing pointe technique may still be invited into the program. You may be cast in non-pointe pieces based on readiness and repertoire needs, but you will still be fully involved in ministry.

Apprentice Program & Schedule

Q: How long is the Apprentice Program?
A: The Apprentice Program is a two-year vocational dance ministry training program. Each dancer is evaluated individually; some may complete it in less or more time. Training typically begins in late August or early September and ends after the summer dance intensive (late June or early July). If an apprentice is asked to join a summer tour, their commitment extends to the end of the tour.

Q: What does a typical weekly schedule look like?
A: We are in the studio Monday through Friday, 9:30am to 3:00pm. A typical day includes:

• 9:30–10:00am Devotions
• 10:00–10:30am Warm-up
• 10:30am–12:30pm Technique Class
• 12:30–12:45pm Lunch
• 12:45–3:00/3:30pm Rehearsal Throughout the season, we also include ministry training, theology, Bible study, and outreach opportunities.

Q: Will Apprentices dance with the company?
A: Yes! Apprentices dance and minister at churches, care centers, schools, and other venues. They may also be invited to join tours at the discretion of the Artistic Director.

Financial Information

Q: Are there costs associated with the Apprentice Program?
A: Yes. Apprentices pay a monthly tuition (dues) and pledge to cover ministry training materials and costume expenses. This includes Bible study books and costumes. Apprentices are also responsible for their own housing, meals, insurance, and other living expenses.

Q: What are the expenses for Senior Apprentices or Company Artists?
A: Senior Apprentices and Company Artists are full-time volunteers. They cover their own living expenses. Senior Apprentices pledge to cover ministry materials and costuming but do not pay tuition. Company Artists do not pay fees or tuition.

Q: How are dancers supported financially?
A: Dancers support themselves in one or more of the following ways:

• Missionary Support: Some raise support through their home church or a third-party nonprofit set up for processing missional support.
• Self-Supported: Some work part-time jobs, teach dance, or freelance. Washington state has one of the highest minimum wages in the nation at over $16 per hour.  Most dancers are able to cover their living expenses working 18-25 hours per week. 
• Family Supported: Some families provide direct support to their dancer.
• Combination: Many dancers use a mix of these. 
• Company Artists may receive a small monthly allowance for ministry-related expenses, but they still need personal support to cover living costs.

Living & Logistics

Q: Where do dancers live?
A: Dancers are responsible for finding their own housing. Unmarried dancers are encouraged to live with at least one other ministry member for accountability and support. Most dancers share apartments or houses to reduce costs. We will help connect new dancers with potential roommates.

Q: Will I need a car or can I rely on public transportation?
A: A car is strongly recommended. Public transit in Tacoma is limited and may not align with the studio schedule. Ride services like Uber or Lyft can be expensive and unreliable for daily use.

Q: May I attend college while dancing with Paradosi?
A: Yes. Many dancers take online college courses during their free time. We encourage students to limit their course load during program-heavy seasons like December and spring in the weeks surrounding Holy Week.

Q: Are dancers required to attend church?
A: Yes. All ministry members must attend a local Christian church of their choice during their time with Paradosi. 

About the Ministry

Q: What makes Paradosi unique?
A: Paradosi's focus is on ministry first and being a ballet company second. We dance to glorify God, not to perform for applause. We go wherever God opens doors for us to share His message of hope—from large theaters to small shelters, churches, schools, and even street corners. We do not sell tickets and never want finances to hinder someone from hearing the gospel. We keep our company small and mobile so we can reach more people. If one heart is touched for Jesus, we consider the outreach a success.

International Applicants

Q: I am not a U.S. citizen. May I apply to audition?
A: In most cases, no. Paradosi is not authorized to sponsor visas, and we cannot assist applicants with obtaining a student, work, or religious worker visa.

However, you may be eligible to apply if you are:

• A U.S. permanent resident (green card holder)
• Already legally present in the U.S. for another purpose (e.g., university student, work visa holder, or religious visa through another organization), and participation in Paradosi is consistent with your visa’s terms

Please contact us before applying if you believe you meet one of these criteria. All applicants must still complete the full application and audition process to be considered.

Have more questions? Contact us and we’d be happy to help!