Nevada Ballet Theatre names new leader

Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) recently announced that Roy Kaiser has been selected as the company’s Artistic Director following a national search led by Management Consultants for the Arts. Kaiser is the fourth Artistic Director in the company’s history.

Entering its 46th Season, NBT is one of Las Vegas’ largest and longest running arts institutions and Resident Ballet Company of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. The company consists of 35 professional dancers and an affiliated Academy that trains 450 students. In addition, its extensive education and outreach program serves over 20,000 students a year, including those from at-risk communities in Clark County. 

“It is with great pride that we announce Roy Kaiser as NBT’s new Artistic Director,” said NBT Board of Trustees Co-Chair and Search Committee Chair Jerry Nadal on Thursday, October 5. “Roy is an extremely well-respected figure in the dance world. Over the course of two decades, he grew Pennsylvania Ballet into one of the nation’s leading companies—demonstrating true loyalty and dedication to furthering our art form. We look forward to working with Roy to cultivate new audiences and elevate our national identity.”

Kaiser’s illustrious career began as a tap dancer with his four brothers that included stints on television and across the United States. After training with the San Francisco Ballet School and School of Pennsylvania Ballet, Kaiser rose through the ranks of Pennsylvania Ballet. While a Principal Dancer with the company, he was appointed Assistant Ballet Master. Following his retirement, he was promoted to the position of Ballet Master, and finally, Associate Artistic Director until he was appointed Artistic Director of Pennsylvania Ballet in 1995. He currently holds the title of Artistic Director Emeritus.

Kaiser will work closely with Executive Director & CEO Beth Barbre, the Board of Trustees, dancers and staff to grow all areas of the organization. In addition to leading the professional company and artistic initiatives including programming NBT’s annual performance season, Kaiser will oversee the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre as well as interface with staff on fundraising, marketing and public relations opportunities.

“This is truly an exciting time in NBT’s history,” said Beth Barbre. “We admire Roy’s experience, proven leadership skills and commitment to our art form. We are confident that he will inspire our dancers, encourage our staff, and bring additional creativity to our organization.”

Kaiser commented, “With its established reputation in the Las Vegas community, its talented dancers and committed board and staff, I am extremely excited about the enormous potential of this growing company. NBT’s future is bright and I look forward to sharing my background and expertise with this dynamic organization and spirited community.”

Kaiser’s announcement came as the company prepared to kick off its 10th Anniversary Celebration of A Choreographers’ Showcase, its critically-acclaimed collaboration with Cirque du Soleil on October 8, 14 and 15 at the Mystére Theatre, Treasure Island. On November 11 and 12 at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, the company will present Classic Americana featuring George Balanchine’s Serenade and two company premieres, Paul Taylor’s Company B and George Balanchine’s Western Symphony.

For more information, visit www.nevadaballet.org.

Photos: Roy Kaiser at Pennsylvania Ballet. Photos by Alexander Iziliaev.