Our Story

Serving Greater Baton Rouge for over half a Century

Since 1960, Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre (BRBT) has nurtured and trained hundreds of award winning local dancers and choreographers while continuing to bring world-class professional artists to the Baton Rouge stage. Named Artistic Directors in 1976, Molly Buchmann and Sharon Mathews continue to guide the artistic vision of the organization. Among their many contributions, Molly and Sharon created the BRBT original, A Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou,  in 1992. Since its inception, this treasured production has continued to thrill children and adults alike as one of the most highly anticipated events of the holiday season. 

Quality Performances

BRBT presents an annual professional performance season that includes three outstanding mainstage productions at the River Center Theatre for the Performing Arts. BRBT hosts a professional touring company each fall. The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou sets the familiar holiday classic in 19th-century Louisiana. Each spring, BRBT presents a full-length classical ballet or a mixed bill of contemporary ballet and cutting edge modern dance.

Dance Education

A member company of Regional Dance America / Southwest since 1981, BRBT maintains Honor Company status in this national organization of adjudicated ballet companies held to the highest standards of artistic quality and dance education. BRBT provides training opportunities to aspiring artists and makes a significant impact with dance in public education.

Community Outreach

Through the years, BRBT’s community outreach programs have continued to expose new audiences to the art of dance, regardless of physical or socioeconomic limitations. These programs bring dance into the community, creating affordable and accessible opportunities for everyone to experience the exciting world of dance.

Awards and Honors

BRBT has been an Honor Company in the Regional Dance America Southwest Region since 1981.

  • 2015-2016 Community Fund for the Arts Merit Award
  • 2015 Women in Dance Leadership Conference Honorees, Molly Buchmann & Sharon Mathews
  • 2014-2015 Community Fund for the Arts Merit Based Award
  • 2013-2014 Community Fund for the Arts Merit Based Award
  • 2010-2011 Community Fund for the Arts Merit Based Award
  • 2007 John W. Barton, Sr. Excellence in Non-Profit Management Award presented by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation
  • 2007 Stanford Group Award for Financial Excellence in the Arts
  • 2004 Governors Arts Award for Outstanding Arts Organization
  • Honor Company Status in Regional Dance America – Southwest Region

Board of Trustees / Advisory Council

The BRBT Board of Trustees manages the fiscal oversight of the organization.  Members represent all areas of industry, including healthcare, education, finance and media. 

2024-2025 Board of Trustees:

  • President: Kim Morgan
  • Vice-President: Heather Herman
  • Secretary: June Klimash
  • Treasurer: Dianne Lindsay
  • Parliamentarian: Anne Marks
  • Past President: Susan Puyau
  • Guild President:  Katie Bodin
  • Immediate Past President: Susan Puyau

Members:

  • Julie Gerdes Becnel
  • Cheryl Brumfield
  • Decarla Cain
  • Gabrielle Kees
  • Hannah Gale Keller
  • Meredith Kolb
  • Robin Patty
  • Sarah Perkins
  • Jennifer Perone
  • Robbie Phillabaum
  • Norma Rutledge
  • Cindy Schwartzenburg
  • Denise Westphal

Advisory Council

The Council is comprised of community leaders who advise the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre Board of Trustees in efforts to enhance public understanding of BRBT’s activities and contributions to the local and national arts communities.

  • Marvin Borgmeyer
  • Cordell Haymon
  • Marlene Krousel