06/18/2026
Call for Choreography Proposals, NKU “Dance 27: Dream”
On April 30-May 2, 2027, Northern Kentucky University’s Theatre and Dance Program will produce “Dance 27: Dream” a dance concert featuring NKU students in the newly renovated Corbett Theatre.
Extending this invitation to the dance artists in our community, Dance 27: Dream seeks to bring talented professionals to the NKU campus to create new works with, and on, our students. This concert will serve as a platform to celebrate the artistic achievements and creative journeys of our alumni and regional artists, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
The goal of the dance concert is to engage the students in professional level work that will enrich their education as performing artists. The dances produced in the concert will develop the student’s dance technique skills, diversify their dance perspective and knowledge, provide opportunities for their creative growth as artists, and provide a model for professionalism in the field of dance.
• Priority consideration will be given to the presentation of new work and to artists who are seriously committed to choreographing for students and focusing on the student’s development as artists
• Collaborations with composers, musicians, visual artists, and/or writers are encouraged
• Dances are encouraged to be between 5-15 minutes in length unless otherwise arranged
• A single day group audition to cast dancers will be held at NKU on Saturday, September 12, 2026
• Rehearsal period will fall between January 11 and April 23, 2027
• Connecting to the theme of “Dream” is encouraged but not required. The
theme is a part of the program’s “USA 250 American Snapshots”
• Casting of each piece will be done in conjunction with the Artistic Director
Application timeline:
• Applications will begin to be reviewed: Monday, June 29, 2026
• Send materials to [email protected] Subject: “Dance 27 Proposal”
• Participants will be notified of their status via email by September 1
o Please note that while we strive to include as many choreographers as possible, space and time limitations will affect the number of pieces in the concert
• Choreographers will receive honorariums after the concert
Application requirements:
1. Name and contact information
a. email, address, and phone
2. List connection to NKU (if applicable)
a. year of graduation, program, or year(s) as faculty
3. Link to video of recent work, within the last 3 years (This requirement is waived if you are current NKU Faculty)
4. Bio of the choreographer (This requirement is waived if you are current NKU Faculty)
a. one page or less, should include training and previous choreographic experience
5. Description of the work. Include as much information known at the time:
a. dance genre
b. subject matter
c. number of dancers
d. length in minutes
e. new (preferred) or restaged
6. Production ideas. This should include as much information known at the time in the areas of:
a. set, costume, lighting, sound/music (preferably Copyright free, resources can be provided)
7. Rehearsal schedule starting January 2027
*Rehearsal schedule is required to be set by day of audition for casting purposes
a. For example:
i. weekly, day and time, or date(s) of longer workshop sessions
ii. number of weeks
iii. hours per week (no more than 4 per dance)
Once selected, choreographers will be required to sign an agreement stating they will:
• Adhere to deadlines and communicate responsibly about the concert and rehearsal process, replying to emails within 2 business days
• Provide materials such as bios, project description, etc. for programs and media
• Help promote the concert and encourage attendance
• Model professional behavior with peers and students, guiding them in the creative process and setting clear expectations for your piece
• Be prepared with information requested by the Production Team, encouraging collaboration (costume, lighting, sets, sound, stage management) and/or attending Production Meetings as needed (Bi-weekly, Fridays at 1:00pm)
• Be present for all technical rehearsals related to their piece in the concert
• Participate in the concert casting audition on Saturday, September 12, 2026
• Dates to be available:
o Casting Auditions September 12
o Choreographers Concepts presented November 13
o Provide information requested for Production Meetings such as music,
costumes, sets, lighting, etc. TBD
o Costume design approved by January 22
o Music due to Sound Designer February 26
Final edit March 27
o Designer watch (overall draft of piece) March 27
o Spacing rehearsals (30” slot) April 25
o Tech week rehearsals (evenings, 75” slot) April 26-29
o Performances April 30 -May 2
Questions?
Please email: [email protected]
Jeri Deckard Gatch (She/Her)
Teaching Professor, Theatre & Dance, Dance Area Coordinator Artistic Director: “Dance 27: Dream”
School of The Arts, Theatre & Dance Program Northern Kentucky University
