Small Plates Choreography Festival - NYC

CALL FOR DANCE MAKERS

Applications are open for Small Plates Choreography Festival, a series of two curated dance performances to be presented on November 13, 2026 and November 14, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. at Judson Memorial Church located at 55 Washington Square South, New York, NY, USA

Programming
Small Plates invites applications from dance makers across all genres based in the U.S. We are particularly interested in distinctive, impactful dance works that respond to or reflect our times.

Dance works no longer than 10 minutes will be considered for inclusion in one of two performances. Large group pieces are acceptable, and student-choreographed work will be considered.

We will not be presenting work with video projection elements. If your submission has a video in it, please let us know how you are planning to present the work without the video.

Accepted applicants are expected to perform the piece with which they applied with the same or similar cast and number of performers.

Venue

The venue’s main event space (The Meeting Room at Judson Church) features a spacious 46’7” x 49’4” wood dance floor, with a maximum room occupancy of 300 people. The audience seating will be configured with rows of chairs on three sides with the majority of seating at the front (“downstage”). Performers will enter and exit the performing space through the audience from downstage. There are no wings or backstage area or other ways to enter and exit the stage.

Technical Support

Choreographers will provide three lighting cues with basic looks (no specials) and any sound files relevant to their work within one week of acceptance. Technical rehearsals will take place on Thursday, November 12 between 12:00 noon and 9:00 p.m.. Each artist will be given 15-30 minutes for technical rehearsal. Call time is 5:00 p.m. on performance day.

Post-Performance Reception

Small Plates creates a growth environment by facilitating interface with the audience after each performance. All performers and choreographers are expected to remain on-site after the performances to engage with the audience in dialogue about their work. Please consider this time with the audience and your fellow cast members as part of the performance when considering your travel needs.

Fees

There is a fee for all applicants.

$65 - for artists who have the means to pay the full fee as well as an additional amount.

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/smallplatesdance/65

$50 - for artists who have the means to pay the full fee.

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/smallplatesdance/50   

$35 - for artists without the means to pay the full fee.

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/smallplatesdance/35

Artists will be adjudicated independently of which fee they have paid. All fees collected will directly support the selected artists in their performance. Small Plates is completely self-funded and does not have funds available for fee waivers.

Adjudication

Entries will be adjudicated by experienced dance professionals from across the country, each specializing in different areas of the field. Our mission is to cultivate a unique and impactful performance experience for both artists and audiences. We evaluate every submission on its own merits, without consideration of prior participation in our festivals.

Dates

The deadline to apply is August 1, 2026. You will be notified by email on or before September 1, 2026, with our decision of acceptance or rejection. If your piece is accepted, you will have one week after you receive our acceptance email to submit your program information, technical information, publicity photos, and sound file.

To apply, please complete the entire form on this page and pay an application fee. Incomplete or unpaid applications will not be considered. 

For further information, or for assistance completing this form, please email smallplatesdance@gmail.com.