Open Call: Mare Nostrum Elements’ Emerging Choreographer Series #14 Offers Paid Opportunity for NYC Choreographers
Company:
Mare Nostrum Elements
Mare Nostrum Elements (MNE) is seeking choreographers for the 2027 edition of the EMERGING CHOREOGRAPHER SERIES (ECS #14) presented in partnership with LaGuardia Performing Arts Center-CUNY in Long Island City, Queens.
ECS is an intensive crash-course in self-producing; offering rehearsal space, compensation, career development consultations, and dramaturgical mentorship to selected choreographers. During the course of the program, choreographers will create, develop, and premiere a new 10- 12-minute work at CUNY’s LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) in Long Island City. The program is free of charge—no application fees, no production fees, and no rental costs will be charged to the applicants or selected choreographers.
MNE ECS is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Choreographers of all styles, genres, training, and method are encouraged to apply.
We support works of all dance genres including but not limited to contemporary, dance-theater, experimental, ballet, modern, folk, hip-hop, tap, flamenco, percussive, traditional, and fusion. BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, people of all faiths, race, ethnicity, age, ability, sex, and gender are encouraged to apply. As an organization we are constantly learning and growing in the ways we can operationalize equity and accessibility into our program design and work.
ECS BENEFITS:
- $1,000 choreographic fee for selected choreographers
- $18-per-hour rehearsal fee plus a stipend of $300 for tech, dress, and two performances provided to each dancer
- Up to 35 hours of free rehearsal space between designated venues and stage-time.
- 1-hour of tech and a dress run at LPAC with full crew and professional lighting
- Two fully produced performances in the Mainstage Theater at LPAC
- Professional lighting designer and tech crew (stage manager, ushers, box office staff, stage runner, etc.)
- One work-in-progress feedback showing with peers and industry leaders
- Three professional development sessions with industry professionals
- Intimate cohort structure for brainstorming, feedback, and resource sharing with peers
- Guidance, marketing, and logistical support throughout the process.
- At least FIVE high-resolution photos of the final performance.
- Unedited professional wide-angle video footage from the performances
- 1-on-1 dramaturgical mentorship from MNE Staff
- Networking opportunities with leading industry professionals, presenters, and theaters
- Invitation to join ECS Forward - a community of ECS alumni choreographers, with dedicated alumni opportunities from MNE to hone your work beyond the program.
ECS 2027 Important Dates: - Mon, September 21st: Round 1 Choreographer Applications Open
- Wed, September 30th 11am - 12pm EST: Application Q&A #1, via Zoom (optional)
- Sat, October 3rd 1pm - 2pm EST: Application Q&A #2, via Zoom (optional)
- Sun, October 11th at 11:59pm EST: Round 1 Choreographer Application Deadline
- Sun, October 25th 11am - 7pm at LPAC: In-Person Round 2 Presentation & Interview
- Friday, November 6: All Applicants Notified of Application Status
- Sun, November 15th 12pm - 2pm EST: Virtual Choreographer Orientation
- Sun, December 6th 12pm - 5pm at LPAC: In-Person Dancer Auditions (optional)
- Sun, January 10th 1pm - 2pm EST: Virtual Full Cast Orientation (with Dancers)
- Mon, January 11: ECS 2027 Rehearsals Begin.
- Sun, February 7th 2pm - 6pm at LPAC: In-Person Professional Development #1
- Sun, February 14th 2pm - 6pm at LPAC: In-Person Professional Development #2
- Sun, February 21st 2pm - 6pm at LPAC: In-Person Professional Development #3
- Sun, February 28th 2pm - 6pm at LPAC: ECS 2027 Photoshoot
- Sun, March 21st 10am - 8pm at LPAC: In-Person Feedback Showing (with Dancers)
- Sun, April 4th 2pm - 6pm EST: Virtual Production Meeting & Check-In
- Wed, April 21st - Fri, 23rd at LPAC: Tech Days (Time TBD)
- Sun, April 25th 12pm - 5pm at LPAC: Dress Rehearsal
- Mon, April 26th at 7pm at LPAC: Performance #1 + Reception
Tue, April 27th at 7pm at LPAC: Performance #2 + Q&A
PLEASE NOTE: ECS is an intensive program that requires choreographers to attend weekly meetings as well as mandatory orientations, feedback showings, tech & dress rehearsals and performances. Choreographers are expected to be available for ALL dates and prioritize ECS.
For more info about the application process, our eligibility criteria, and to apply please email us at ecs@mnelements.org
Requirements: Must be living in NYC during the program timeline, not enrolled in a degree granting/education program, and able to commit to all mandatory dates.
Application Instructions:
