This is designed to help you investigate the choreographic process, the role of the performers/dancers, technical and performance qualities, the collaborators, and the audience members.

Imagine that you are the Artistic Director for a dance company, and the National Endowment for the Arts is accepting proposals for dances by up and coming choreographers. Conceive of a dance using the guidelines listed below. All components within the list must be addressed in your submission. You may arrange the components as you see fit. Cover all of the information in “Deliverables” for each topic, and be creative in your submissions!

Note: This is a conceptual project, which means you do not have to choreograph an actual dance. This project calls for you to conceive of a dance and submit a formal document as if you were proposing your work for an upcoming performance.

1. Artistic Director: Concept, Choreographer, & Choreographic Process (25 points)
   • Deliverable: Write a short paperpresenting your concept & choreographic process (MLA Format – 1″ margins, 12 point font, double spaced).
     • Concept
       • Idea/Theme – what is the intent or main idea of your piece?
       • Title of Dance (should be italicized)
       • Dance Genre(s)
       • Music Genre & Title – find the music (if you decide to use music). Why did you choose this music? How does it further the concept?
       • Length of Dance
     • Choreographic Process
       • What type of choreography/movement aesthetic will you set on your dancers (pedestrian, abstract, realistic, historical, etc.)?
       • How did you decide what movements to use for your piece?
       • Would you collaborate with your dancers or make all of the decisions yourself?
       • What choreographic elements of space would you use?
       • What choreographic elements of time would you use?
       • What type of energy would you use?
2. Performers: Technical Skills & Performance Qualities (15 points)
   • Questions to consider:
     • How many dancers do you need?
     • What type of dancer(s) are you looking for at the audition?
     • What technical skills (if any) should your dancer(s) possess?
     • What performance qualities should they have?
   • Deliverables:
     • Create a flyer or blurb for an audition post, including: how many dancers you need and the technical skills and performance qualities desired. Also include contact information, date of audition, etc.
3. Performance Details: Stage, Set, Lighting, Costumes (15 points)
   • Questions to consider:
     • What type of stage space would be best in conveying the concept (proscenium, theatre in the round, thrust, black box, alternative venue, etc.)?
     • How can you enhance the choreography through costuming, sets/props, and lighting (types of lights, colors, patterns, etc.)? What will provide context to the audience in order to help communicate the concept?
     • What “look” will help the audience understand the concept?
     • Consider the concept/character, time period, mood, movement aesthetic, etc.
     • Think about mobility, material, color, texture, etc.
   • Deliverables:
     • Create a sketch or submit a picture of potential costume(s). Identify the colors, textures, etc. you plan to incorporate.
     • Create a sketch or submit a picture of the potential stage space with your added props, set, and lighting.
4. Audience Members & Viewing Details (15 points)
   • Questions to consider:
     • Who is your target audience?
     • What do you hope the audience takes away from their experience at your concert?
     • How are you going to bring in an audience in to the performance?
     • How might you reach people?
   • Deliverables:
     • Create a performanceflyerthat will reach your target audience reflecting the concept and performance elements, including: title of the performance, ticket price, venue, date, time, and contact info.
5. Additional Points (30 points)
   • Creativity (15 points)
   • Writing Details, including spelling, grammar, formatting, etc. (15 points)