Applicant GUIDELINES

WHO CAN APPLY: Northeast Ohio artists who live, work, or demonstrate a strong connection to the city of Akron. (individuals/companies/collectives are welcome to apply)

• This application is for artists at all stages of their career (including college/undergraduate artists)

  • Must be 18 years or older

  • All cast participants must be 18 years or older, no exceptions.

• Choreographic Fellows must reside & work within Northeast Ohio, as their fellowship includes free rehearsal space at the National Center for Choreography-Akron from December 2024 - May 2025.

HOW WE SELECT WORKS: Applications are reviewed by the Cleveland Dance Fest Advisory Board, which includes members of The Movement Project and prominent dance artists in the northeast Ohio dance community. TMP is dedicated to providing an adjudication process that focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. The individuals of our board represent a wide range of communities, demographics and cultures.

WHEN SELECTIONS ARE MADE: Artists will be notified by October 28th, 2024 of their application status.

Performance Dates

• 1-2 choreographic fellows will be selected (Fellows may be asked to perform in 1 or both concerts)

  • Show 1 (Friday May 2nd, 2025)

  • Show 2 (Saturday May 3rd, 2025)

• The concerts will be held at The Linda B. Kersker Auditorium at Firestone Community Learning Center.

• August 26th, 2024

  • APPLICATION OPEN

• September 30th, 2024 (due by 11:00 pm)

  • APPLICATION DUE

• October 28th, 2024

  • ARTISTS NOTIFIED OF APPLICATION STATUS

• November 22nd, 2024

  • Public announcement of fellows & concert line-up

• December 2024 - May, 2025

  • Choreographic Residency at NCCAkron

• May 2nd & 3rd, 2025

  • Tech/Performances (specific times TBD)

*specific times above subject to change. Note: Additional due dates will be indicated in your contracts for program info, marketing materials…

Submission requirements

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: We are looking for artists producing work that challenges perspectives, is diverse in thought/action and is reflective of themselves and people in their community. We encourage artists to submit proposed work that is challenging, explores complex topics, is relevant, and shows a strong understanding of dance composition.

SUBMISSION CHECKLIST: Artists applying must provide the following items on their application.

1. Select Application Type

   • Small Group (2-4 dancers)

     • Works created during fellowship should be 15-25 minutes in length

     • Note: The selected artist is responsible for securing cast/dancers.

   • Large Group (5 or more dancers)

     • Works created during fellowship should be 15-25 minutes in length

     • Note: The selected artist is responsible for securing cast/dancers.

2. Description of the proposed work you would like to develop as a choreographic fellow.

3. Provide 1-3 samples of choreography (must be past completed works. Rehearsal or performance footage will be accepted.)

4. Optional: If applicable, artists can provide footage from a current work in progress to submit for this proposal.

5. If selected as a choreographic fellow, in what ways would it impact you as an artist and in your creative process?

6. Please share your thoughts on the importance of engaging with your community as an artist. In what ways do you hope to make an impact within your community by participating in CDF | Akron Concert Series as a choreographic fellow?

7. What is your connection to Akron as an artist and community member?

8. Artist Bio (250-500 words)

9. Artistic Statement (250-500 words)

Frequently Asked Questions

Application Fees

Applications will not be adjudicated until the application fee is paid and all supplemental materials have been submitted. (Application fee is non refundable)

• Choreographic Fellowship Application Fee: $30

Compensation

• $1,500 stipend

• Free studio space at The National Center for Choreography - Akron (NCCAkron). Rehearsal schedules will be coordinated in November 2024. Rehearsals must be scheduled during the 2 week sessions listed below.

  • December 2nd - 14th, 2024

    • December 11th (3:30 - 5:00 pm)

      • Meeting with NCCAkron, TMP, Choreographic Fellow(s)

  • January 13th - 25th, 2025

    • January 22nd (3:30 - 5:00 pm)

      • Meeting with NCCAkron, TMP, Choreographic Fellow(s), & cast

  • March 3rd - 15th, 2025

    • March 12th (3:30 - 5:00 pm)

      • Informal Public Showing

  • April 21st - May 3rd, 2025

• Marketing support

• Professional development/mentorship

• Digital/photo documentation of choreographic fellowship rehearsal process and completed work

• present a new work alongside NE Ohio dance companies & artists (Artist Line-up coming soon!)

• present completed work at Cleveland Dance Fest 2025 in Cleveland early November 2025 (specific date TBD, an additional stipend between $300 - $500, and additional free studio space leading up to the performance)