ECS BENEFITS:
$1,000 choreographic fee for each selected choreographer, paid no later than June 1, 2027.
$18-per-hour rehearsal compensation for each dancer, plus a $300 stipend for tech, dress rehearsal, and two performances, paid no later than June 1, 2027.
Up to 35 hours of free rehearsal space and stage time at designated venues.
One hour of technical rehearsal and a full dress run at LPAC, with a professional crew and lighting.
Two fully produced performances in LPAC’s Mainstage Theater.
A professional lighting designer and technical crew, including a stage manager, stage runner, ushers, and box office staff.
One work-in-progress feedback showing with peers and industry leaders.
Three professional-development sessions led by industry professionals.
An intimate cohort structure that supports peer brainstorming, feedback, and resource sharing.
Guidance and marketing, production, and logistical support throughout the process.
At least five high-resolution photographs of the final performance.
Unedited professional wide-angle video footage from the performances.
One-on-one dramaturgical mentorship from MNE staff.
Networking opportunities with leading industry professionals, presenters, and theaters.
An invitation to join ECS Forward, MNE’s alumni community, with dedicated opportunities to continue developing work beyond the program.
ECS EXPECTATIONS:
1. Commitment: ECS is an intensive program that requires choreographers to attend professional development and planning meetings as well as mandatory orientations, tech & dress rehearsals, feedback showings, rehearsals, and performances. Choreographers are expected to be available for ALL dates and prioritize ECS. A detailed timeline is provided below.
2. Create a new work, fully ready for stage performance, with duration between 8-12 minutes
3. Announce your participation in the program and advertise the process and performances through social media platforms as well as word-of-mouth & 1:1 outreach
4. Participate in a 3-day takeover on MNE & LPAC’s IG Stories (guidance/support provided)
5. Guarantee at least 20 audience members’ presence at the performances.
6. Collect dancer-availability and share a rehearsal schedule (MNE will assist with booking).
7. Provide weekly dancer timesheet using MNE provided form.
8. Provide requested deliverables on-time such as artist statements, marketing materials, final music tracks, piece descriptions, cast list, dancer bios and headshots, rehearsal schedule, etc.
9. Respond to emails promptly, within 48-hours, and in general no later than 72-hours.
10. Follow space guidelines and rules at all ECS connected venues
11. Arrive at least 10 minutes before scheduled commitments and ECS rehearsals
12. Credit MNE and ECS in all future advertising and program material when performing the piece created during ECS
13. Assume all risks and responsibilities for property and personal wellbeing, as well as that of dancers/personal guests while inside all ECS venues. MNE and the venues are not liable for lost or stolen property, or incurred damage or injury.
14. Be responsible for dancer’s professionalism and behavior during ECS commitments.
15. Limit props & sets to small items that the choreographer is able to transport to each rehearsal & commitment. MNE will not be able to offer storage space during the program.