Dance Tempe: Residencies & Performance 

Call for Dance Artists

 

DEADLINE:

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:59pm

 

Description

Tempe Community Arts is seeking three local dance artists for residencies in Tempe high schools. This Fall, each selected artist will complete residencies in two schools, leading workshops and rehearsals throughout the Fall semester. The pieces created in the residencies will premiere as part of the Dance Tempe Convention and culminating showcase at Tempe Center for the Arts on February 2nd, 2027. Selected resident artists will also present work with their own professional companies in the showcase and will help lead the convention day leading up to the performance. Dance artists with experience in facilitating, placemaking, choreographing, performing, and/or dance education are encouraged to apply.

 

Expectations

Dance Tempe has two components: 

1. High School Residencies

        a. Rehearsals: Two hours weekly per school from October – December (rehearsals occur during adv. dance class periods)

        b. Workshops: One workshop taught to every class period at each school

 

2. Convention/Performance Day

        a. Convention Day: Lead multi-school workshops, partake in a Q&A discussion, direct tech rehearsals for all three of your pieces

        b. Showcase Performance: Present the two high school pieces you created in the residencies as well as a piece presented by your professional company

 

Selected artists are expected to:

Residencies (Oct 2026-Jan 2027)

· Lead a demo class before residencies begin

· Be available during school hours for workshops and rehearsals

· Lead residencies as an individual (no affiliated company members are allowed to complete any aspect of the residency)

· Teach one full day of workshops to all dance levels in selected schools (~5 classes per school, ~45 minutes each)

· Rehearse with and set a piece on the advanced class at each school, to premiere at Tempe Center for the Arts (2-4 minutes in length; to be set over 10 rehearsals throughout the Fall semester)

· Complete the high school pieces by January 30, 2027 

· Be available for 3-4 convention-day planning meetings throughout the residency period

· Upon selection, complete fingerprint clearance process (required for working in the school district)

Convention/Performance Day (Feb 2, 2027)

· Be available the evening before the show (Feb 1) for professional piece tech rehearsals

· Lead morning workshops, participate in student Q&A, run tech/dress rehearsals, assist students throughout the day

· Include costuming and lighting design for both high school pieces and professional piece

· Present their own professional work at Tempe Center for the Arts (6-8 minutes in length)

 

Qualifications

Applicants who meet the following qualifications are encouraged to apply:

· Experience as an educator, performer, and choreographer in the field of dance

· Experience teaching and/or choreographing with professional-level dancers and high-school level dancers

· Experience using creative skills in social practice, creative place-making, community engagement, and dance education

· Live in Maricopa County from August 2026 – February 2027

· Did not get selected as a Dance Tempe Resident Artist last year (2025-2026)

 

Compensation

$3,000 (with additional funding for performers in your professional work)

Compensation Breakdown:

 Residencies: $2,000

                           $1,000 – School 1

                                      $250 for the day of workshops to all class levels at the school

                                      $750 for 10 rehearsal hours

                           $1,000 – School 2

                                       $250 for the day of workshops to all class levels at the school

                                       $750 for 10 rehearsal hours

 Convention/Performance Day: $1,000

                           $500 – Dance Tempe Convention Day on February 3, 2027

                                       $250 for morning workshops to other schools

                                       $250 for participating in Q&A and leading tech rehearsals for your pieces

                           $500 – Choreographic fee for professional piece

Additional funding: $250 stipend for each dance artist performing in your professional piece (up to 6 dancers)

 

Timeline  Jul. 22 – Application deadline

Aug. 18 – Selection panel 

Late Aug. – Artists notified & begin fingerprint card process; Onboarding meeting #1

Early Sept. – Lead demo class at Edna Vihel Arts Center

Late Sept. – Scheduling meeting with high school teachers and Ellen 

Oct. 15 - Jan. 30 – Residency/rehearsal period (10 rehearsals total)

Early Dec. – Planning meeting #2

Dec. 16 - Jan. 2 – Winter Break

Mid Jan. – Planning meeting #3

Jan. 30 – Latest date to finish residency pieces

Feb. 1 – Professional piece tech rehearsals at Tempe Center for the Arts

Feb. 2 – Convention/Performance Day at Tempe Center for the Arts

 

Applications will be reviewed and selected by a panel comprised of staff from Tempe Community Arts, Tempe Arts & Culture Commission, and Tempe Union High School District. 

 Info Session / Application Mentorship:   July 16th at 12pm (45 minutes in length)   Sign up for the Zoom link or for the meeting recording by filling out this form.    Or, schedule a one-on-one meeting with Ellen Sickenberger regarding this call by clicking here. 

  For Questions, Contact:   Ellen Sickenberger, Community Arts Coordinator    Ellen_Sickenberger@tempe.gov   (480)316-1389