*LINK Choreographer Residency, the new chapter of our Choreographic Fellowship

Link choreographer residency

Through an open application process, TMP will select one Northeast Ohio–based choreographer for the 2026 LINK Choreographer Residency. The selected artist will receive free studio space at the National Center for Choreography – Akron, opportunities for peer exchange and feedback, and support to create a new work. The residency culminates in two public performances, offering audiences in both cities access to fresh, innovative voices in dance. In addition, choreographers lead master classes in Akron Public Schools, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of artists.

• January - July 2026 - Choreographic Residency at NCCAkron

  • Rehearsal schedules will be coordinated in January 2026 and must be scheduled during the sessions listed below.

    • January 20 - February 13, 2026

      • Meeting with NCCAkron, TMP, LINK Artist (Date/Time to be scheduled.)

    • March 2-15, 2026

      • Meeting with NCCAkron, TMP, LINK Artist & Cast (Date/Time to be scheduled.)

    • April 20-May 17, 2026

      • Informal Public Showing (Date/Time to be scheduled.)

    • July 6-19, 2026

• January - May 2026 - Master classes at Akron Public Schools

  • 2 master classes will be scheduled based on school and artists availability.

• End of July/Beginning of August 2026 - The Movement Project’s SummerWorks 2026

  • Venue: Sandefur Theatre at The University of Akron

    • Tech/Performances (specific dates/times TBD)

• Early November 2026 - The Movement Project’s Cleveland Dance Fest 2026

  • Venue: Playhouse Square

    • Tech/Performance (specific dates/times TBD)

link Artist resources & Compensation

• $2,000 stipend

• Free studio space at NCCAkron

• Informal showing

• Marketing support

• Professional development/mentorship

• Digital/photo documentation of rehearsal process and completed work

• Present a new work to Akron & Cleveland audiences along side The Movement Project and artists from across the nation.

  • SummerWorks 2026 (Akron)

  • Cleveland Dance Fest 2026 (Cleveland)

**The National Center for Choreography - Akron supports the research and development of new work in dance by exploring the full potential of the creative process. In addition to offering studio and technical residencies to make new work, activities focus on catalyzing dialogue and experimentation; creating proximity among artists and dance thinkers; and aggregating resources around dance making. For more information visit nccakron.org.

Applicant & Submission GUIDELINES

WHO CAN APPLY

• Northeast Ohio artists who live, work, and demonstrate a strong connection to the cities of Akron and Cleveland.

  • Must reside within Northeast Ohio, as residency includes free rehearsal space at the National Center for Choreography - Akron.

• Individuals, companies, collectives are welcome to apply.

• 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. (The selected artist is responsible for securing cast/dancers.)

WHAT 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.

• Work that is challenging, relevant, and shows a strong understanding of dance composition in their dance form.

• Open to all dance forms. (Due to floor limitations, we’re unable to accept tap works for this residency at this time.)

SUBMISSION Checklist

Artists applying must provide the following items on their application.

1. Select Application Type

   • Solo

     • Solo may be performed by the LINK Artist or set on another dancer.

     • Anticipated length of work created during residency: 8-15 minutes in length

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

   • Small Group (2-4 dancers)

     • Anticipated length of work created during residency: 15-20 minutes in length

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

   • Large Group (5+ dancers)

     • Anticipated length of work created during residency: 15-20 minutes in length

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

2. Description of the proposed work or areas of interests you would like to develop during the residency.

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

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

4. Application Narrative Questions:

   • If selected as a LINK Artist, how would this opportunity impact you as a choreographer and support your creative process?

   • Why is community engagement important to you as an artist, and how do you hope to make an impact within your community?

   • How do you currently engage with Akron and Cleveland, and how might this residency help you deepen those connections?

5. Artist Bio (250-500 words)

6. Artistic Statement (250-500 words)

7. Support Materials (Resume/CV, 2-3 high quality photographs of the artist or their work.)

Application Fee

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

• Application Fee: $30

Application timeline

• November 1st, 2025 - Applications open

• December 1st, 2025 - Applications close (by 11:00 pm)

• January 5th, 2026 - Artists notified of application status

  • Rehearsal dates & meeting/informal showing dates will be scheduled with the artist in January.

• Mid-January 2026 - Public announcement

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

questions & Inquires?

Email us at apps@themovementproject.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Informal Showings at NCCAkron with artists Christine Howe (2025) and Matthew Roberts (2024).

Link Choreographer Residency Application

COMPLETE APPLICATION BELOW

Due December 1st, 2025 by 11:00 pm 

1. Fill out the application form below (Application Part 1)

2. Email the following support material to apps@themovementproject.org (Application Part 2)

a. Resume or Company CV

b. Please provide 2-3 high quality photographs of the artist or their work (suggested 300 dpi).

3. Pay application fee. (Application Part 3)

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

  • Application Fee: $30

Artists will be notified by January 5th, 2026 of their application status.