Commissioned Artists

• This application is intended for NE Ohio artists, as selected artists will receive free rehearsal hours at our studio, as well as a TMP mentor.

  • Artists residing outside of NE Ohio OR artists who do not need rehearsal space DO NOT QUALIFY for this application type. (please apply via the professional concert series app).

    • See application for a listing of NE Ohio counties.

  • Selected commissioned artists are responsible for securing cast/dancers.

    • All cast members must be 18 years or older.

    • The Commissioned Artist Application prioritizes works created and performed by local artists. We strongly encourage applicants to select Northeast Ohio–based dancers. If you need assistance connecting with local artists, TMP is happy to share contacts and resources.

Each piece selected will be compensated based on size of cast & type of applicant.

• Each year TMP works to secure and increase artist support through fundraising and grant efforts. We value the work CDF artists share with the community and we are here to continue pushing the field to financially support artists. In addition to financial support, TMP is working to provide as many resources in an effort to reduce costs for CDF artists.

COMMISSIONED ARTISTS COMPENSATION & RESOURCES

• Below are the price ranges for the following cast sizes. Depending on types/number of artists selected, our budget for paying artists may fluctuate, possibly allowing us to provide higher stipends. (Artists can expect at a minimum the base stipends listed below for each type.)

  • $150 - $250 (Solos)

  • $300 - $400 (Small Group Piece)

    • between 2-4 dancers

  • $500 - $600 (Large Group Piece)

    • 5 or more dancers

• 20 total hours of free rehearsal space bookings ($300 value) at TMP studio.

  • August 1st - November 8th, 2026

  • Artists will be paired with a TMP Choreographic Mentor who will provide support and feedback during the creation of your new work.

MASTER CLASS TEACHING ARTIST COMPENSATION

• If you are interested in teaching a master class at the festival, please indicate so and fill out the appropriate boxes in your application.

• Artists will receive a $75 stipend for their class.

RESOURCES & BENEFITS PROVIDED BY TMP

• professional video footage & photos

• marketing & promotional support

• exclusive CDF artist rehearsal space booking at TMP studio leading up to CDF (reduced specialty rate)

• dressing room (large open space with chairs & tables) & warm-up space (large dance studio)

• marley stage floor, professional lighting wash & stage manager

• tech rehearsal (spacing & run with sound)

• designated place to display your marketing material in the lobby

• $10 ticket price to attend as many performances at CDF (lead artists & cast)

• Free master classes to all!

• Free lunch for each cast member at the artist lunch!

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT GOAL

• As an artist-led and community-centered festival, we believe in the power of collective support. Each year, we invite artists to help us build the audience and energy behind the work we present. This isn’t a hard requirement, but a shared goal to help us foster deeper community engagement. Every ticket sold brings someone into the space to connect with your work and celebrate local artistry.

The following items are required for submitting a complete application.

• PART 1 - Complete Application Form

  • PDF version of Commissioned Artists Application Form.

• PART 2 - Email Support Materials

  • Resume or CV

  • 2-3 high quality photographs of the proposed work or artist/other work (suggested 300 dpi).

• PART 3 - Pay Application Fee

  • May submit up to two applications.

    • $35 fee - First application

    • $15 fee - Second application

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSED WORK & SAMPLES - REQUIREMENTS

• Provide 3 samples of choreography

  • Must be past completed works.

  • Rehearsal or performance footage will be accepted.

• Description of proposed work to be commissioned.

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

• Select Application Type

  • Large Group Pieces (5 or more dancers)

    • Length of work (final commission): 8-10 minutes (must not exceed 10 minutes)

  • Small Group Pieces (2-4 dancers)

    • Length of work (final commission): 8-10 minutes (must not exceed 10 minutes)

  • Solos (1 dancer)

    • Length of work (final commission): 5-8 minutes (must not exceed 8 minutes)

• Technical Capabilities: Cleveland Dance Fest operates in a festival format, which means technical time and capabilities are limited. Please review the guidelines below when proposing your work.

  • Pre-Recorded Sound:

    • All tracks must be fully edited prior to submission for tech and performance.

    • No manual fades or live mixing will be available.

    • If your work includes multiple pieces of music, we strongly prefer they be combined into one continuous track. If this is not possible or compromises the integrity of the work, please clearly indicate your sound needs in advance of technical rehearsals.

  • Live Sound: Live sound is permitted; however, due to the festival format, set-up time will be limited.

    • Please simplify your live sound needs as much as possible.

    • Artists are responsible for providing any necessary equipment.

  • Projection: Projection is not available as part of the festival.

    • Works requiring projection will need to be adapted for performance without it.

  • Props: Props are permitted.

    • Please ensure they are festival-friendly, with minimal set-up and strike time.

FOOTAGE SPECIFICATIONS

• Rehearsal footage of work samples is acceptable. We ask that all footage is of high enough quality that our adjudication panel can clearly see the work.

• All work samples must be completed at time of submission.

• Selected commissioned artists are responsible for securing cast/dancers.

  • If selected, final cast names must be submitted by September 1st and rehearsal footage with full cast performing must be submitted by November 2nd.