Choreographer Application Information

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Who Can Apply

While the 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 CP different from other dance programs 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 anonymously by the CP Director and a selection panel. Piloted in 2023, CP utilizes a selection panel composed of leaders in the RI dance community, established female choreographers, and select CP 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 CP Director will use the panelists’ recommendations to inform the selection of the choreographer cohort. Six choreographers will be chosen for 2025 with at least half 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 , 2025
Choreographers receive a list of dancer applicants

Project Timeline

January , 2025
Applications for Choreographers open

February , 2025
Choreographer applications due

March , 2025
Choreographers receive status notification

End of May, 2025
Choreographers receive a tentative cast list and mentor pairing (if applicable)

June, 2025
Casting is finalized and tentative rehearsal and tech schedules available

February - March , 2025
Selection Panel review period

Project Timeline

Eligibilty

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

UPDATED: 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

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: concise yet descriptive proposals are the most successful during selection panel review. It should include details such as: number of dancers, props, multimedia usage, and any other needs. Note that the time limit for each piece is approximately 10-12 minutes.

UPDATED: CP 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 the CP Director. After the initial meeting, the mentor/mentee pair will be responsible for scheduling additional meetings.

CP 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 ____ in Providence, RI on ____ and ____. 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 CP participants will need to plan to be available for the entire day and evening of for tech and dress rehearsals. Performance information:

Key Choreographic Residency Dates 2025:

CP 2025 Participant Orientation Meeting (virtual) - July 2025
Mentor/Mentee Introductory Meetings - July 2025
Performance tickets go on sale -
RIWCP 2025 begins: Monday August 5
New for 2025: All artist Meet and Greet: TBD
Technical/lighting rehearsals:
Dress rehearsal:
Preview night:
Public performances:
Encore Stream:

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