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DEVICES: Choreographic Intensive & Mentorship Workshop 2023
Hunter College | New York City
A NOTE FROM DOUG
For the past 37 years, I have been exploring and mining a creative process that has yielded a wide-ranging body of work that embraces a nuanced and interweaving sense of musicality, structure, and form. The great collaboration that I have with my company forms the framework of every creative project and with DEVICES I was interested in structuring an intensive that explores these principles. DEVICES creates an open environment that allows huge creative possibilities to emerge, allowing the imagination of every artist in the studio to be expanded and challenged to new places.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
A unique program celebrating its eighth year, Doug Varone and his Company will once again offer DEVICES: Choreographic Intensive & Mentorship. The entire scope of the mentorship is divided into three distinct parts over the course of several months. Up to 12 participants are selected through an application process.
Please note that DEVICES is intended for choreographers who have already begun making work in the field. Current MFA students who have already established themselves as professionals outside of their master’s program are welcome. Undergraduate students will not be considered.
DEVICES: Choreographic Intensive & Mentorship unfolds in three distinct parts:
PART 1: INTENSIVE RETREAT | MAY 28-JUNE 2, 2023
DEVICES kicks off with an intensive retreat from 9:00am - 5:30pm in the dance studios of Hunter College in New York City. Over the course of six days, Doug will share ideas about craft, design and composition.
Key to Doug's process has been the development of finely honed creative games and devices, in which an abundance of material is built quickly then shaped and molded carefully to the specific needs of each dance. A “creation board” of dancers selected by Doug and the Company will be on hand so that participants can create their exercises and studies with dancers versed in this way of working.
Each day will begin with a warm-up class to prepare for the day’s activities. Various devices will be explored daily, allowing participating choreographers ample time to create small studies that embrace each new idea.
PART 2: ONGOING MENTORSHIP | JUNE AND JULY, 2023
Following the conclusion of the intensive retreat, Doug will continue to mentor the participants one-on-one over the summer as they each create a new dance on their own dancers. Doug will be available for studio and video feedback.
PART 3: FINAL SHOWCASE IN NEW YORK CITY | AUGUST 2023 DATES AND LOCATION TBD
The full slate of new dances will be presented in a mini-festival format in New York City.
TUITION
Nonrefundable application fee: $35
Tuition for the program: $1,500
We have a very limited pool of funds available for need/merit-based scholarships. Scholarships will be awarded based on the supplemental application materials that you submit; no additional materials are necessary. If you wish to be considered for a scholarship, you must provide a brief statement of need (submitted with your supplemental application materials), detailing your financial situation and the funds that you have available.
IMPORTANT DATES
February 20: Online application open
April 20: Complete application deadline (including all supplemental materials)
May 1: First tuition installment due
May 15: Tuition balance due
May 28-June 2: Intensive Retreat at Hunter College
Mid-August (Dates TBD): Showcase in New York City
TO APPLY
STEP 1: ONLINE APPLICATION
Please complete the online application HERE. Once you fill out the application you will be emailed with instructions on how to submit your $35 application fee.
STEP 2: SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
After your initial application has been received, you will receive a confirmation email with detailed instructions on how to provide the following required supplemental materials:
1) Personal statements (specific prompts will be provided)
2) Resume or CV
3) Headshot
4) Video work samples (one duet and one group work)
5) Two letters of recommendation
6) Financial aid statement of need if applicable (more information will be provided)
Your application for DEVICES cannot be considered until your initial application and all the supplemental materials have been received.
ACCEPTANCE POLICY
Completing this application does not guarantee acceptance to the program. Applications will only be considered if all requested materials are submitted by posted deadlines. Current undergraduate students will not be considered.
The $35 application fee is nonrefundable. Upon acceptance to the program, tuition will be due in two $750 payments, the first due May 1st and the second and final due May 15th. Because of the competitive nature of this program, refunds will only be considered with documentation of a medical situation which prohibits participation. Current undergraduate students will not be considered.
COVID POLICY
Doug Varone and Dancers has lifted its mask requirements for participation in its workshops and classes. However, participants are encouraged to wear masks by choice and consider receiving booster shots to bolster preventative measures against new variants.
Committed to safety now and into the future, Doug Varone and Dancers policies regarding masks and any other COVID-related issues will be updated as necessary.
A PCR test will still be required before the start of both our DEVICES and Summer Workshop. However, testing throughout these programs will not be required unless a participant presents symptoms of COVID-19.
DOVA MISSION STATEMENT
DOVA, Inc (aka Doug Varone and Dancers) exists to explore the creative vision of choreographer and director Doug Varone and his artistic collaborators. At the core of the organization is a commitment to creating safe environments to work and imagine in, for all its employees. DOVA’s artistic investigations dig deep into the storytelling of human nature engaging in dialogue with diverse audiences and creative communities globally. Sharing these authentic connections through its work and process informs every aspect of the organization, particularly its extensive educational platforms.