The first two programs, including 20th century classics that helped establish the company's reputation, will be performed at the 1,600-seat Calvin Simmons Theatre near Lake Merritt. "Nutcracker" will return to its traditional home at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Oakland.

Season plans were disclosed in the Oakland Ballet Association's quarterly newsletter, and details will be announced by the company Friday.

The 40-year-old dance company, struggling to pay a lingering debt, decided last spring to cancel the 2004-05 season. It launched a "Keep Us Dancing!" fund-raising campaign and eventually raised more than $500,000 to cover debt and set up this fall's season.

The season opens Oct. 14-16 with Eugene Loring's "Billy the Kid," last performed by the company nearly a decade ago, and excerpts from Bronislava Nijinska's "Les Noces" and "Les Biches." The program will also include an expanded version of Michael Lowe's "Double Happiness" and the premiere of Donald McKayle's tribute to singer Ella Fitzgerald, with a jazz vocalist and musicians.

The second program Nov. 25-27, the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, will include the first West Coast performances of Scott Rink's "Sorcerer's Apprentice," with a score by Scott Marshall based on Paul Dukas' popular music, and Ronn Guidi's "Peter and the Wolf." Dudley Brooks' comic "A Short Solo" will round out the program.

The move to the smaller Calvin Simmons Theatre, across the street from Laney College and the Oakland Museum, is a response to audience requests for a more intimate setting to perform the regular repertoire, the company's newsletter said.

Season subscriptions are now on sale; single tickets go on sale Sept. 1.