BRAVO
BRAVO
Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization
ABOUT Bravo
Our Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization (BRAVO) is a group of more than 300 ballet enthusiasts whose support is vital to the on-going operation of San Francisco Ballet. Its members donate an extraordinary 13,000 volunteer hours every year to the organization. Over the years, BRAVO members have given more than 350,000 hours of voluntary service to SF Ballet, saving the Company more than $12 million. In 2010, the SF Ballet Board of Trustees named BRAVO a Great Benefactor in recognition of the value of their contributions. In honor of its 50th Anniversary, BRAVO was named Honorary Chair of the 2024 School Spring Festival Dinner.
Learn More about BRAVO's 50th Anniversary
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Throughout the year, dedicated BRAVO volunteers provide:
- Assistance and cost-saving clerical support to SF Ballet’s marketing, public relations, development, artistic, and administrative staff;
- Hospitality support at fund-raising and stewardship events, donor recognitions, and other events;
- Assistance with SF Ballet School projects (such as parent orientations) and with their community outreach and education programs;
- Staffing for the SF Ballet Shop.
During Nutcracker and the repertory season, volunteers:
- Chaperone student performers in the Opera House;
- Staff Club Nut for young performers between Nutcracker shows;
- Provide retail assistance in the SF Ballet Shop;
- Assist with Nutcracker Family Performances and related events.
For major special events, volunteers:
- Assist with preparation, guest check-in, and hospitality for the Nutcracker Luncheon, Opening Night Gala, Fashion Show, and the Spring Festival Dinner.
- Chaperone student performers at the Spring Festival (showcasing SF Ballet School students).
While BRAVO members are busy all year round, they are most needed in December and January. During the Nutcracker season, more than 40 volunteers are needed for each performance. The Opening Night Gala follows in January when up to 60 volunteers are required.
MEMBER MEETINGS
BRAVO members have an opportunity to meet other dance enthusiasts when they volunteer and when they attend bi-monthly General Membership Meetings. SF Ballet dancers and high-level staff are guest speakers at these meetings, giving BRAVO members a unique opportunity to increase their knowledge of the Company and the world of dance.
HOW TO JOIN BRAVO
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Complete an online application and provide two personal or professional references (non-family members) who may be contacted.
- Have a clean background search of the California Megan’s Law Database
- Attend an introductory meeting for prospective volunteers.
After your application is completed, you will be contacted about attending an introductory meeting for prospective volunteers, typically on a Saturday morning in September or February. The meeting gives you a chance to learn about BRAVO, gives us a chance to meet you, and helps us both confirm that volunteering for SF Ballet is right for you. If you have any questions, or if you do not hear from us soon after submitting your application, please email us at bravo@sfballet.org.
Complete our online application to become a BRAVO volunteer.
2024–2025 BRAVO BOARD
Pirkko Lucchesi, President
Julie Hawkins, Vice President
Patricia Knight, Secretary
Bill Brockett
Martha Debs
Giovanna Jackson
Steve Merlo
Herm Sinoy
Lacy Steffens
Image Credit: BRAVO Volunteers 2024 // © Lindsey Rallo
