Calls + Submissions

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.

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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:

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.

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Festival Applications

Every season, 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/early fall.
• Selection Process: There is an opportunity for 1 or 2 of the selected festival choreographers are chosen by community (“People’s Choice”) to perform across two nights of the festival.

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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.

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Future Submissions

MDP is continually expanding opportunities for collaboration. Please check back for additional calls for proposals, residencies, and special projects.