How much is tuition for the trainee program? 

Tuition is $300 per month, with a 10 month (per year) commitment.

How old do you need to be to apply for the Trainee Program? 

Trainee applicants must have graduated from high school.

Can trainees attend college while apart of the program?

 We have had trainees who have take college courses during their time in the trainee program. We recommend starting with a very light load while adjusting to the new program and schedule.

What is LWB’s policy regarding cars? 

All trainees must have a vehicle by January of their first year. If a trainee is without a car for a period of time, they must make arrangements to repay a fellow trainee for transportation during that time.

Where do trainees live? 

Trainees are responsible to find their own housing, though LWB can often connect trainees with a reliable landlord/house. All trainees must have their housing approved by LWB and have a roommate who will abide by the Code of Conduct. Usually, out-of state trainees will house together.

Where do male trainees typically live? 

LWB housing policies for male trainees are the same as for female trainees. Male trainees must seek out their own housing; it is not provided through the program.

Do trainees work outside of the program? 

Most trainees do work in the evening after class, although it is not required. Many employers in the area are willing to work around performances and classes.

Who should I contact with questions regarding the trainee program? 

All questions should be directed to Cayla Noreau Hsu (cayla@lightoftheworldballet.com).

How often do trainees perform? 

Trainees have the opportunity to participate in many company performances throughout Syracuse. During the Christmas and spring performance seasons, trainees will participate in approximately 10-15 performances throughout the month. Trainees also perform in two larger productions per year.

What is LWB’s policy regarding trainee absences?

Trainees are allowed three excused absences per year; all absences must be approved two weeks in advance by the director. Missed classes may be made up by taking evening classes with the upper levels in the school.

What does a typical daily class schedule look like? 

Trainees start every day with devotions and technique class, followed by rehearsal. Trainees also take modern class and two or three pointe classes per week. The typical schedule also includes classroom work such as ministry training; teacher training; and exercise, nutrition, and anatomy (ENA)

What sort of accountability do trainees have? Trainees are expected to abide by LWB’s Code of Conduct, including policies such as a curfew, a no-alcohol policy, and standards for relationships with the opposite sex. Trainees are also expected to regularly attend a local church and seek accountability there.

Does LWB accept international applicants? We have accepted foreign applicants in the past, however, at this point we are unable to provide a student visa. The foreign trainees that we have had in the past have all come with a 6 month, B-2 visa. Because of this, they were not able to stay with Light of the World Ballet long term, but were able to come to train and perform for 6 months. If foreign applicants are accepted into the program, they are invited to come from January to the end of our trainee year in June. There is also the possibility that an applicant could be granted a multiple year/multiple entry visa. In that case, they may then be a part of the regular program (Sept-June).