Artistic Director, Shari True
Shari True founded Ballet Midwest in 1985 which then merged with Lincoln City Ballet in 1992. The new company was renamed Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company (LMBC) and True stayed on as artistic director. Offering high quality artistic and educational opportunities for young dancers is her passion. Under her direction, the Company has provided educational outreach programs such as the annual LMBC Summer Camp and Backstage at the Ballet.
True is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with degrees in elementary education and dance. She was a member of Orchesis Dance (ensemble), UNL Flag and Dance Corp, and the Nebraska Dance Ensemble in Classical Ballet. Her professional dance experience includes being on staff of the Ballet West Summer Dance Camp in Colorado and the St. Louis Ballet. True has taught master ballet classes in Denver, Dallas, and Kansas City. In 1980, she started her own dance academy in Lincoln, now called True Dance & Co., providing instruction in classical ballet, jazz, pointe, and tap to many Lincoln area youth.
Her artistic achievements include writing and choreography for The Crystal Slippers, an original ballet that premiered in Lincoln and went on to be performed by the Chamberlain Ballet Company in Dallas, Texas. She also choreographed Carmina Burana for Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra in 2002. Lincoln audiences have also seen her choreography in Pinewood Bowl productions of Hello, Dolly! and Carousel.
Shari may be contacted at shari.true@hotmail.com
Artistic Staff
Artistic Director: Shari True
Executive Director: Audrey Poehlman
Conductor: Bob Kruger
Technical Director: Daniel Anderson, Stratum Productions
Stage Crew: Jaylin Wiese, Paul Watson, Jeremiah McDowell
Props Master: Tania O'Hare
Head Costumer and Costume Builder: Maralee Maldavs, JEM Creations
Assistant to the Costumer: Emily Maldavs
Hair and Make-up Designer/Assistant Costumer: Donna Himmelberger
Lighting Designer: John Himmelberger
Stage Manager: Melanie Rudy
Assistant Stage Managers: Elizabeth Brunke, Kayci Johnston
Rehearsal Assistants: Betsy Andersen, Emily Maldavs
