McKoy Dance Project invites choreographers and creatives to engage with our work through open calls and festival submissions. Here you’ll find current opportunities to share your voice, showcase your work, and collaborate with MDP’s mission of breaking barriers and elevating diverse perspectives in dance.
Choreographic Opportunities
We commission original works from choreographers whose vision aligns with our mission and artistry.
To be considered for a commission by Artistic Director Derick McKoy, Jr., applicants must send the following materials to opportunities@mckoydanceproject.org:

A choreographic reel (video link preferred)
A written proposal outlining your work idea
Any supplemental materials, such as: work-in-progress rehearsal videos, music samples, and costume sketches or design references
Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis. Selected choreographers will collaborate directly with MDP’s artistic leadership and company members to bring their works to the stage.
Choreographer’s Institute
The Choreographer’s Institute is MDP’s incubator program for emerging choreographic voices. Each year, selected choreographers will receive mentorship, studio time, dancer resources, and feedback sessions with Artistic Director Derick McKoy, Jr. and MDP leadership.
- Submission Timeline: Applications open in late winter/early spring each year.
- Eligibility: Open to emerging BIPOC and/or Queer choreographers in contemporary, jazz, and related dance practices.
- Application Requirements: Full guidelines and submission forms will be posted when applications open.

MDP | Presents: The Choreographer’s Institute 2026
Date: April 26th – May 2nd, 2026
Location: TBA
Application Opening Soon (Deadline March 2026)
Festival Applications
Each fall, MDP presents the Collective Voices Dance Festival, a platform for diverse choreographers to showcase original works alongside MDP repertory.
- Ticketing & Visibility: Participating choreographers benefit from increased visibility, press engagement, and a growing NYC audience base.
- Application Timeline: Festival submissions typically open in late summer.
- Selection Process: Two of the selected festival choreographers are chosen by community (“People’s Choice”) to perform across both nights of the festival.

MDP | Presents: Collective Voices Dance Festival 2025
Date: October 18th and 19th
Location: Mark Morris Dance Center
Applications have closed for this year!
Future Submissions
MDP is continually expanding opportunities for collaboration. Please check back for additional calls for proposals, residencies, and special projects.

