Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ - Application & Selection Process
1) What happens during the Round Two Zoom Interview of the application process?
Round 2 Zoom interview will be with the ECS Selecting Panel, made up of industry professionals and ECS Alumni. You will present the proposal information and be asked questions about your proposed work. The panel will also have a chance to give you feedback if time allows. This Zoom interview will be about 20-minutes.
You will be asked to prepare the following:
- A verbal description of the piece (including brief synopsis and ideas for music, props etc).
- Up to 1-minute excerpt solo version of the piece you intend to develop during the program.
2) Can I apply with a collaborator/partner?
No. Although we have supported team choreographers in the past, due to budget constraints, we will need to be strict on the number of participants and can only accept solo choreographers.
3) Do I need to have dancers to show my new work movement material?
No. You will demonstrate your own movement in the Choreographer Application video submission. If you are unable, email us about other options. For the application process we want to see a solo demonstration of material even if your piece is conceived for a group.
4) How many people are you looking for?
Usaully, we are looking to select up to 6 choreographers from the application process.
5) Who will be on the selecting committee?
The selecting committee will consist of professionals in the industry with significant experience in choreography and self-producing as well as ECS Alumni choreographers. Past selecting panelists included Christine Dakin, Raja Feather Kelly, Nicole von Arx, Sidra Bell, Elisa Monte, Archie Burnett, Brenda Bufalino, Christian Von Howard, Joya Powell, Miki Orihara, Mike Esperanza, Ephrath Asherie, Anabella Lenzu, Sekou McMiller, and Noah Racey.
6) When will ECS participants be announced?
Usually, ECS participants will be announced no later than 10 days after the final selecting panel interview.
7) Is there an age requirement for ECS choreographers? Can choreographers be enrolled in college?
The minimum age requirement to apply for ECS is 18 years old. However, those enrolled in a college/degree granting program or an intensive study curriculum of any level/discipline between January and May are not eligible to apply for ECS. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your specific situation do not hesitate to reach out to us via email.
FAQ - ECS Program
1) How will dancers be chosen?
Choreographers are encouraged to reach out to colleagues, dancers, and friends in their network. For all choreographers in need of dancers, ECS can provide support in posting a virtual open call and provide logistical help for casting.
2) What happens at the weekly ECS meetings? Are they held in-person or virtually?
ECS meetings will be dedicated to career/professional development seminars and work-in-progress showings with peer feedback. This year, there is a hybrid structure of in-person and virtual sessions (Zoom), as noted in the comprehensive ECS timeline. Usually, most meetings take place at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) in Long Island City or MNE’s Office in Woodside, Queens.
3) Are dancers required to attend ECS meetings?
Dancers are required to attend the virtual orientation meeting. They will be paid their hourly rehearsal stipend for this commitment. They are also highly encouraged to attend those Sunday meetings that focus on peer feedback. Tech/dress is mandatory for dancers.
4) Where will the Emerging Choreographer Series program take place?
Usually most activities take place at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) in Long Island City, Flushing Town Hall in Flushing-Queen and El Barrio Performance Space in Manhattan.
5) When and how will rehearsals be booked?
Rehearsals will be scheduled according to the availability of choreographers, dancers, and assigned rehearsal venue. Rehearsal bookings will be secured and all schedules finalized before rehearsals begin on . Choreographers will be asked to take part in the rehearsal booking process in order to gain experience with scheduling/booking and to fully understand each rehearsal venue's protocols and guidelines.
6) Is there any compensation?
Yes. Each choreographer will receive a lump sum fee (usually $800-$1200). Additionally, MNE will pay each performer $15/hr stipend for rehearsals (upto 45 hours) along with an additional fee of $250-$300 for tech, dress, and performances. Choreographers are welcome (but not required) to use alternate forms of funding to supplement their ECS work.
7) Are choreographers allowed to dance in their work? Will I get paid more if I dance in my own piece?
Yes, it is totally up to you, MNE has no preference on this matter. Choreographers choosing to dance in their own piece will receive an additional stipend of $250 for tech, dress and performances.
8) Can I do additional fundraising for my ECS piece?
MNE encourages and provides logistical help for individual fundraisers to cover additional collaborators and other production expenses. Choreographers can set up campaigns through MNE’s GiveButter platform to receive tax-deductible donations with no commissions charged by MNE. Funds must be used for ECS expenses and will be dispersed according to campaign/banking timing. You can also run your own independent campaigns.
8) How long are the weekly choreographer meetings? Are they virtual or in-person?
Generally 4-5 hours. You must be able to attend all meetings to participate. Meetings are typically held on Sundays and a few on Monday evenings. This year we have a hybrid format. Most meetings are virtual with a few in-person. Please see our ECS 2023 timeline for details.
9) Do I need to attend all weekly meetings?
Yes. Given the collaborative nature of the ECS, attendance and active participation at all Sunday/Monday meetings is a vital component to the learning and growth processes of all participants.
10) What happens if I get a job that conflicts with the program?
We will strive to accommodate conflicts and other commitments in our scheduling process. However, once the rehearsal schedule and all other events are finalized you are expected to fully commit. If commitments that arise after the acceptance of the program will create significant conflicts, you could be asked to leave and forgo payment and the opportunity to present your work. The same rules apply to dancers and we ask that you take this into consideration when selecting your cast.
FAQ - Choreographic Work
1) Are there any stylistic limitations for choreographers?
No. All dance styles, fusions and themes are welcomed. We invite and encourage a wide spectrum of forms and will evaluate classical, ballet, modern, contemporary, hip-hop, tap, percussive, jazz, dance theater, experimental, traditional/folk, etc. or fusion expressions on an equal scale.
2) Can I present a piece longer than 10 minutes?
No. However, you may develop an excerpt or condensed version of a longer work as long as the 10 minute version presented at ECS stands alone.
3) Can I show my piece in public before the end of the program?
No. Your choreography must premiere at the ECS performance in March 2023 and cannot be shown in public, live or virtual, before that date. This includes performances of excerpts, informal studio showings, streaming events, etc.
4) Can I incorporate live music into the work?
Due to COVID-19 safety concerns and unpredictable guidelines, we can not allow for live musicians this year. If live music is integral to your proposed work and/or dance form, please contact us before applying so we can assess your eligibility.
5) Can I use props in my work? Will MNE provide storage space?
ECS limits props 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 at any participating venue or theater.
6) Can I use video/media in my proposed work?
Due to COVID-19’s unpredictable guidelines, we can’t guarantee projections or media options this year. If projections/digital media is integral to your proposed work and/or dance form, please contact us before applying so we can assess your eligibility.
7) Can I use a composer, costume designer, or other collaborators?
ECS budget does not include payment for rehearsal assistants, costume designers, composers, media creators, projection artists, prop masters, makeup artists, etc. You may choose to hire them at your own expense. Please keep in mind that due to COVID-19 safety concerns, no more than 6 people are allowed in rehearsals.
8) Can I use understudies, apprentices, or interns?
ECS commits to remunerate all performing artists involved in the program. Unpaid understudies, apprentices, and interns are forbidden. Please contact us if you have a special case or further questions.
9) Can I use a dramaturg or director?
ECS provides a dramaturg as part of the program. No outside directors or dramaturgs will be allowed. 10) Can I have my personal photographer or videographer for my piece?
No. MNE hires a professional photographer and videographer for the dress rehearsal and performances. Such material will be shared with you at no cost. For logistics, COVID-19 safety, equity, and budget reasons we do not allow any additional video or photo shooting during the ECS.
11) How many dancers can be in my piece?
We highly encourage solos, duet, and trio applications. A maximum of six people (5 dancers + 1 choreographer) will be granted access in all ECS 2023 Venues.
If you have a question for which you did not find and answer, do not hesitate to contact us: ecs@mnelements.org