About Us
Oklahoma Ballet Theatre Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of Oklahoma Ballet Theatre serves as the governing body responsible for the organization's long-term sustainability, financial oversight, and strategic growth. Working in partnership with the Artistic Director, School Director, and executive leadership, the board ensures that OBT fulfills its mission of providing high-quality ballet training, performance opportunities, and arts education throughout Oklahoma.
Our Story
Oklahoma Ballet Theatre began with a simple vision: to create a professional ballet organization that would provide exceptional training, meaningful performance opportunities, and a lasting cultural impact for Oklahoma's dancers and audiences.
The foundation of the organization was built through the success and growth of Oklahoma Dance Center and the performance opportunities developed through Oklahoma Youth Ballet. What started as a commitment to quality dance education evolved into a larger mission, creating a pathway that would allow dancers to progress from their first ballet class through pre-professional training and ultimately into professional-level performance opportunities.
As enrollment grew and productions expanded, it became clear that Oklahoma needed an organization capable of serving not only young dancers but also emerging artists seeking professional experiences within the state. This vision led to the development of Oklahoma Ballet Theatre.
Today, Oklahoma Ballet Theatre is emerging as a new artistic force dedicated to preserving the traditions of classical ballet while embracing innovative productions and community engagement. Under the leadership of School Director Savannah Lee and Artistic Director Joshua Brooksher, the organization is working to establish a professional ballet company that complements the educational programs of Oklahoma Dance Center and the outreach efforts of the Oklahoma Youth Arts Foundation.
The organization now supports a comprehensive artistic pipeline that includes:
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Early childhood dance education
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Recreational and academy-level training
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Pre-professional daytime ballet programs
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Youth performance opportunities
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Community outreach initiatives
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Professional ballet productions
Through productions such as Edmond's Nutcracker, Giselle, and the development of new works like Trails West, Oklahoma Ballet Theatre is building a reputation for artistic excellence, educational opportunity, and community impact.
Looking ahead, Oklahoma Ballet Theatre's goal is to become a sustainable professional ballet organization that provides Oklahoma dancers with world-class training and performance opportunities while enriching communities throughout the state through the transformative power of dance.
From a small dance school with a vision for excellence to a growing ballet institution with statewide aspirations, Oklahoma Ballet Theatre represents the next chapter in Oklahoma's performing arts landscape, where education, artistry, and community come together to inspire future generations.
Board of Directors
Committee Members
Our Sponsors
Getting Involved with Oklahoma Ballet Theatre
Oklahoma Ballet Theatre offers several ways for individuals to support the organization based on their interests, experience, and availability. Whether someone wants to provide leadership, assist with specific projects, or simply lend a helping hand at events, there is a place for them to contribute.
Board Member
A Board Member serves as part of the governing body of Oklahoma Ballet Theatre and helps guide the organization's future.
Responsibilities
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Attend regular board meetings.
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Participate in strategic planning and decision-making.
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Support fundraising and sponsorship efforts.
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Serve as an ambassador for the organization in the community.
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Assist with financial oversight and long-term sustainability.
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Participate on at least one board committee.
Expectations
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Typically serves a multi-year term.
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Makes an annual financial contribution at a personally meaningful level.
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Helps cultivate donors, sponsors, and community partnerships.
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Votes on organizational matters.
Ideal For
Community leaders, business professionals, attorneys, accountants, educators, arts advocates, parents, and individuals passionate about advancing the arts in Oklahoma.
Committee Member
A Committee Member supports a specific area of the organization without the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of a board member.
Responsibilities
May serve on committees such as:
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Development & Fundraising
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Marketing & Communications
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Events & Special Projects
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Education & Outreach
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Governance & Board Development
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Production & Performance Support
Expectations
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Attend committee meetings.
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Assist with projects and initiatives.
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Provide expertise in a particular field.
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Make recommendations to the board.
Ideal For
Individuals who want to contribute their skills and expertise but may not have the time or desire to serve as a full board member.
Volunteer
Volunteers provide hands-on support for performances, events, and daily operations.
Responsibilities
May include:
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Ushering and ticket scanning
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Costume and wardrobe assistance
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Backstage support
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Set construction and load-in/load-out
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Hospitality and concessions
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Fundraising events
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Community outreach activities
Expectations
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Flexible commitment based on availability.
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No board meetings or governance responsibilities.
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Training provided as needed.
Ideal For
Parents, students, community members, and supporters who want to make a direct impact through service.
How to Become Involved
Become a Board Member
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Submit an interest application.
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Meet with board leadership.
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Attend an informational meeting.
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Review board expectations and responsibilities.
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Be nominated and approved by the Board of Directors.
Join a Committee
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Complete a committee interest form.
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Identify areas of expertise or interest.
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Meet with the committee chair.
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Begin participating in committee projects and meetings.
Volunteer
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Complete a volunteer registration form.
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Select areas of interest and availability.
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Attend orientation if required.
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Sign up for events and productions throughout the season.
Shared Mission
Regardless of role, every participant helps Oklahoma Ballet Theatre fulfill its mission of providing outstanding dance education, inspiring performances, and meaningful arts experiences that enrich communities throughout Oklahoma. Together, board members, committee members, and volunteers create the foundation that allows the organization to grow and serve future generations of dancers and audiences.