Choreographer Application Information

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Who Can Apply

While the Rhode Island Women’s Choreography Project was initially founded to address the imbalance between male and female choreographers, we support and welcome applications from any artist who feels underrepresented, regardless of their gender identity. You must have the legal right to work in the US.

One feature that makes RIWCP different from other dance festivals is that choreographers do NOT have to have prior experience to apply. We look for a strong vision and an ability to think critically about the quality and depth of work to be presented. Applicants will be asked to submit a written choreographic proposal and a 60 second to 2 minute video clip of planned movement. Past performance reels are not accepted. Our goal in this application process is to lower the barrier to entry and provide an opportunity for any artistic voice that wishes to set a new work. There is no application fee.

Selection Process

The Selection Process

All complete applications will be reviewed by the RIWCP Director and a selection panel. Piloted in 2023, RIWCP utilizes a selection panel composed of leaders in the RI dance community, established female choreographers, and select RIWCP board members in order to eliminate individual biases and ensure that the greatest variety of styles and backgrounds are represented. Each application is reviewed by a minimum of three panelists. Review criteria includes: interest in the proposal topic, viability of the written proposal to translate to dance, and whether the movement sample matches the intent of the written proposal. Panelists are encouraged to review each application individually and panelists have the option to leave anonymous feedback for the applicant.

After the review period is completed, the RIWCP Director will use the panelists’ recommendations to inform the selection of the choreographer cohort. Six choreographers will be chosen for 2024 with at least three being current RI residents. There will also be a small waitlist of choreographers in the instance of illness, injury, or schedule conflict. Every application will receive notification of acceptance, waitlist, or denial.

April 12, 2024
Choreographers receive a list of dancer applicants

Project Timeline

January 2, 2024
Applications for Choreographers open

February 18, 2024
Choreographer applications due

March 4, 2024
Choreographers receive status notification

End of May, 2024
Choreographers receive a tentative cast list and mentor pairing (if applicable)

June, 2024
Casting is finalized and tentative rehearsal and tech schedules available

February 19 - March 1, 2024
Selection Panel review period

Project Timeline

Eligibilty

Open to any artist with the legal right to work in the US

New for 2024: After two choreographic residencies (consecutive or nonconsecutive), artists will be ineligible to apply as choreographer for two application cycles. For example, if you were an RIWCP choreographer in 2019 and 2022, then you will be eligible to apply again in 2025. Going forward, for every two residencies awarded, artists must take a two application cycle break.

You may apply to participate as a dancer during this time. There is no limit to the amount of times an artist can participate as a dancer. Dancer acceptance relies heavily on the style of dance and schedule of the participating choreographers of any given year.

Required Submission Materials

Resume (1-2 pages only please)

Headshot

Movement photo

Movement sample: a 60 second to 2 minute sample of the choreography you envision for this piece specifically. Videos longer than two minutes and past performance reels will be rejected.

Choreographic proposal: thorough and descriptive proposals are the most successful during selection panel review. Please include as much detail as possible including but not limited to: number of dancers, props, multimedia usage, and any other needs. Note that the time limit for each piece is approximately 10-12 minutes.

A detailed availability for the 3 week residency period. Due to the condensed rehearsal period, casting decisions and choreographer acceptances will be dependent on availability as well as rehearsal space availability.

New for 2024: RIWCP rehearsals will take place in studios throughout Providence. At this time we can confirm two of the rehearsal spaces: Providence Ballet Theatre (194 Oxford St, Providence) and Ballet RI (825 Hope St, Providence). Rehearsal hours will be based on studio availability, but will not be earlier than 9:30am or extend past 6:00pm. Choreographers do not need to be available for the entire rehearsal day.

For commonly asked questions, please visit our FAQ page.

If your question still has not been answered, contact us here.

Required Submission Materials

Choreographic Residency Overview

Prior to the start of the residency, we will have a virtual orientation meeting to go over project details, have a chance to meet the other participants, and ask any questions. Choreographers participating in the mentorship program will have a virtual introduction to their mentor facilitated by a member of Team RIWCP. After the initial meeting, the mentor/mentee pair will be responsible for scheduling additional meetings.

RIWCP rehearsals will take place in studios throughout Providence. At this time we can confirm two of the rehearsal spaces: Providence Ballet Theatre (194 Oxford St, Providence) and Ballet RI (825 Hope St, Providence). Rehearsal hours will be based on studio availability, but will not be earlier than 9:30am or extend past 6:00pm. Choreographers do not need to be available for the entire rehearsal day.

The 3-week rehearsal period culminates in public performances presented at Ballet RI’s Black Box Theatre in Providence, RI on Saturday August 24 and Sunday August 25. The technical rehearsals will take place on Wednesday August 21 and Thursday August 22 during the regular rehearsal day. Each choreographer will have a 45-minute technical rehearsal to set the lighting design and cues. Artists should anticipate shorter rehearsal blocks on these days to accommodate the tech schedule. All RIWCP 2024 participants will need to plan to be available for the entire day and evening of Friday August 23: there will be a full show run with lights during the day, and the open dress rehearsal will be in the evening. Saturday August 24th there will be two performances and one additional performance on Sunday August 25th.

Key Choreographic Residency Dates 2024:

RIWCP 2024 Participant Orientation Meeting (virtual) - July 2024
Mentor/Mentee Introductory Meetings - July 2024
Performance tickets go on sale - Friday July 26
RIWCP 2024 begins: Monday August 5
New for 2024: All artist Meet and Greet: TBD
Technical/lighting rehearsals: Wednesday August 21 and Thursday August 22
RIWCP full show run-thru: Friday August 23 - daytime
Open Dress rehearsal: Friday August 23 - 7:00pm
Public performances: Saturday August 24 and Sunday August 25
Encore Stream: Monday August 26 through Monday September 9

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