The Production Fund Costumes labor and materials. We are fortunate to have Joanne Middlebrooks, a professionally trained costumer, on staff.  Each costume must fit the individual dancer in a way that the dancer and the costume move as one. For a production such as The Nutcracker there are over 100 costumes. For the Spectrum concert the Company will need 38 new costumes and 14 refitted costumes. Whenever possible, materials are purchased in Jacksonville's stores however most of the specialized costume materials are ordered from suppliers throughout the country. Mrs. Middlebrooks' skill turns yards of fine fabrics into costumes that reflect The Florida Ballet commitment to quality on the stage. Shoes. The professional company is provided with shoes for rehearsals and performances. The ensemble is provided with shoes for performances. Pointe shoes for the women cost between $50 and $80 a pair. Dancers usually go through a pair of pointe shoes per week of rehearsals and may need more than one pair for a performance. The men's ballet slippers cost between $15 and $20 a pair. The men's shoes usually last twice as long as the women's pointe shoes but they may need several pair of different colors for performances. Technical performance staff and materials. Every performance has unique necessities. The Nutcracker requires endless props and falling snow; Dracula requires a flying apparatus with the theatre staff to operate the rigging; the story of Beauty and the Beast centers around the rose bush accented by the falling rose petals at the conclusion; many of our ballets require chairs that reflect different time periods, there are different types of beds featured in Romeo & Juliet, Taming of the Shrew and Dracula. All of the technical aspects and the beautiful lighting designs for The Florida Ballet productions are supervised by Nick Ciccarello. In the theatre, Mr. Cicarello heads a team of professional technians that moves the lights, sound and scenery throughout performances. Your support to The Production Fund makes the magic happen on stage.  Your tax deductible contribution helps brings all the elements together for an unforgettable theatre experience! The Education Fund A Level Training Center Student In School Education Enhancement. The Florida Ballet's programming for in-school performances compliments subjects students are studying in the classrooms. Each program is designed appropriate for the grade levels and emphasizes a creative approach to academics. History, Math, Science come alive through Dance. Young people leave the performance energized.   Professional Training Program.  The Florida Ballet Training Center is patterned after the professional schools in Europe and larger cities of the U.S.  The training of a young dancer, much like training a young athlete, can be expensive.  It is the mission of the Training Center to keep the playing field level between our graduates and those from similar programs around the country.  Support for the Training Center underwrites equipment, special events and allows us to keep a daily schedule of classes with a effective student to teacher ratio.   Scholarships.  Florida Ballet partners with several Social Service agencies to identify talented young people with limited financial resources.  The application process is thorough, including an audition, submission of a valid financial statement and letters from both the parents and the student.  The result can change the life of a young person and make a dream come true! Your tax deductible contribution can help bring the Arts to Jacksonville students, or help a young dancer achieve his or her dreams.  Thank you!