Professional Concert Series


Important Information & Application Overview

Direct all questions & inquires to cdf@themovementproject.org

  • 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.

    PROFESSIONAL CONCERT SERIES ARTIST COMPENSATION

    • 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

    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

    • 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 WORK - REQUIREMENTS

    • All works submitted MUST BE COMPLETED AT TIME OF SUBMISSION, no exceptions.

    • Excerpts from larger works are permitted. If you have questions in regards to the length of your work, please inquire at cdf@themovementproject.org.

    • All applicants must adhere to time limits below at time of submission:

      • Large Group Pieces (5 or more dancers)

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

      • Small Group Pieces (2-4 dancers)

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

      • Solos (1 dancer)

        • Length of work: Between 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 is acceptable but only if the piece is complete. We ask that all footage is of high enough quality that our adjudication panel can clearly see the work.

    • All works submitted must be completed at time of submission. NO EXCEPTIONS. INCOMPLETE WORKS AT TIME OF APPLICATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

      • If an unfinished work is submitted, you will receive an email letting you know that your application has not been accepted due to incomplete piece at time of submission. (Excerpts from larger works are permitted)

    • Cast in video submission does not need to be the cast performing in CDF.

      • If selected, final cast names must be submitted by September 1st and rehearsal footage with full cast performing must be submitted by October 19th.


Professional Concert Series Application

COMPLETE APPLICATION BELOW

Due April 6th, 2026 by 11:00 pm

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

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

  1. Resume or Company CV

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

    **Submitting more than one application?

  • If you would like to submit more than one work or more than one application type, you will need to complete separate applications for each piece submitted.

  • Check that all permissions give access to cdf@themovementproject.org.

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)

    • All applicant’s may submit up to two applications.

      • Professional Concert Series Application Fee

        • $35 application fee (first submission)

        • $15 application fee (second submission)

Artists will be notified by April 27th, 2026 on their application status.