• The Dance Workshop co-chairs hold biannual open auditions for anyone who wishes to choreograph. Everyone is eligible who turns in the interest form to the co-chairs by the expressed due date. The co-chairs’ priority is to include as many pieces into the show as possible. Once choreographers have been chosen, the dancer auditions are held. Immediately following dancer auditions, the co-chairs along with the choreographers will cast the dance pieces. In the spirit of inclusion and an aim to honor all levels of interest, all dancers who audition will be cast.

• For those interested in choreographing, the choreographer auditions are mandatory. If the chosen date does not work for a participant, an alternative date will be found. The selected choreographers are required to attend all mandatory choreographer check-in meetings. Both choreographers and dancers must attend the technical rehearsal week, work-in-progress showing, and the performances, unless an excuse is sent in advance. Dancers are expected to attend all rehearsals on agreed upon dates. Furthermore, all participants are encouraged to complete the survey at the end of the semester to provide valuable feedback, which helps Dance Workshop continue to develop and grow successfully.

• Dancers may participate in a maximum of three pieces. If they are choreographing, they may dance in three other than their own at the jurisdiction of co-chairs. This same rule applies to the co-chairs with the exception of the co-chair piece, which does not count towards their one allowed choreographed piece.

FEES

• There are no mandatory fees for Dance Workshop. Some choreographers may ask dancers to purchase costumes or props for the performances. Dancers are in no way required to make any purchases, but may agree to do so.

​​ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend and be on time for all rehearsals unless an academic conflict, illness, injury, or other last-minute situation arises. If you are unable to attend a rehearsal, you must give as much notice as possible to the choreographer. Choreographers may request additional rehearsal time to catch you up if appropriate.

• In the case of a personal emergency or if you choose to drop a piece, you should contact the choreographer to discuss the best way to proceed.

• Work with choreographers to create a schedule that accommodates all cast members.

• Attend the work-in-progress showing, all rehearsals during technical week, and all three shows, unless discussed with the choreographer and co-chairs well in advance (preferably within the first week after casting). These important dates will be given to you by your choreographer early in the semester, or can be found on the Dance Workshop bulletin board in Cossitt Hall, so potential conflicts can be avoided.

AUDITION PROCESS:

• Auditions will be held once per semester and are open to everyone! 

• Dancers are asked to fill out a contact form and will be given a number to wear during auditions. In addition, a Safety Protocol form needs to be read and signed by all participants.

• Auditions will begin with a warmup led by the co-chairs, Communications Ambassador, or other seasoned Dance Workshop participants.

• The co-chairs will teach and rehearse a short dance combination incorporating the different styles of the choreographers’ pieces. Dancers will then be put in groups of approximately ten to do the combination--once with a co-chair, once without--so that the choreographers can see their individual style and energy. The audition will be filmed in order to help choreographers cast their pieces.

• During auditions, dancers will be allowed to voice their preferences for which pieces they are cast in. These preferences will determine which pieces a dancer is cast in should multiple choreographers be interested in casting that dancer, however, they in no way guarantee a dancer is cast in any given piece. 

• The cast list is created within 4 days of the audition and posted on the bulletin board. Dancers auditioning without involvement as choreographers will be cast in at least 1 and at most 3 pieces.

• If more choreographers would like to cast a single dancer than the dancers wishes/is eligible to participate in, co-chairs will reach out to said dancer to the best of their ability to allow the dancer to choose the pieces they would like to join. If the dancer cannot be reached during the casting process, a random selection process will occur.

• If a dancer is unable to attend auditions, they should email a co-chair prior to auditions in order to have their name included in the casting process.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES​

• Choreograph and teach an original piece in a timely manner with sufficient rehearsal time to ensure the quality and completion of work before technical week and performance dates.

• Communicate with all Dance Workshop participants in a respectful and positive manner, and be an active and engaged member of Dance Workshop.

• The opportunity to choreograph comes with the responsibility of providing care and support ensuring the wellbeing of your dancers. Every member of the cast should feel comfortable and included in the process of teaching and mentoring.  

• Attend all choreographer workshops in which the co-chairs, seasoned choreographers, or dance faculty and staff will lead activities in order to encourage creative growth throughout the semester. Choreographer workshops will also provide tools to address consent, inclusion, safety, and originality in dance.

• Conduct rehearsals effectively and efficiently while prioritizing the mental and physical well-being of the dancers. If a dancer is injured, you must respect their need to rest and recover. All overhead lifts must be rehearsed mindfully and with the use of mats and spotters as needed.

• In the case of injury, refer to the Safety Protocol section.

• Choreographers must attend auditions, dancer auditions, the work-in-progress showing, all assigned technical rehearsals, and all shows, unless discussed with co-chairs at least two weeks in advance. Choreographers are also expected to attend all choreographer meetings unless a conflict arises, in which case a 24 hour notice must be given. 

• Communicate with cast within 48 hours after auditions.

• Coordinate the best rehearsal time and space for the choreographer and dancers to meet for rehearsals.

• Relay important information from co-chairs to dancers in a timely manner.

• Turn in choreographer contract, strike money, music, lighting, and program notes by the assigned due dates.

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AUDITION PROCESS

• Choreographers audition at the beginning of each semester. A no-commitment interest meeting is held during a lunchtime. Interested choreographers will sign up for time slots to audition, and are required to fill out an audition questionnaire (online form) and submit it by the required due date. Each choreographer is allowed to audition/choreograph one piece per semester, and they may dance in their own piece.

• As Dance Workshop is at its core a workshop, choreographers are not permitted to audition unoriginal work. Movement plagiarism presented in the audition space will automatically withdraw a choreographer from consideration.

• Choreographers are invited to use their audition time to discuss and explore their ideas with the co-chairs. Bringing multiple ideas is welcome.

• The overall goal of the co-chairs while assembling a show is to create the most well-rounded, dynamic, and inclusive show possible. More specifically, choreographers are chosen based on the quality of the movement and idea they bring to auditions. Demonstration of thought-out, creative ideas, originality of dance style, compelling music selection, size of cast desired, and shown ability to execute ideas are all taken into consideration. Seniority is also considered.

• Prior engagement, both positive and challenging, with co-chairs and other individuals affiliated with Dance Workshop is taken into consideration. 

​ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Help with publicity by designing posters for dancer and choreographer auditions and shows. 

• Manages communications through social media.

• Assist co-chairs with communication, including emailing advisors, choreographers, and dancers; organizing a communication platform with all choreographers; taking minutes during choreographer meetings; and any other jobs that emerge during the process.

• Attend choreographer and dancer auditions. Take notes and share input during choreographer auditions. Lead warm-ups and help teach and lead choreography during dancer auditions. 

• Provide assistance during technical rehearsal week, particularly communicating with choreographers regarding scheduling/timing.

• Depending on Communication Ambassador’s interest and time commitment, they may help with the co-chair piece. This can include participating in choreography, leading rehearsals, and communicating with dancers outside of rehearsals.

SUCCESSION PROCESS

• Application for Communications Ambassador will be released at the same time as the co-chair application. 

• This position has been designed to allow as many people to experience the behind-the-scenes elements of Dance Workshop, thus priority is given to those who have not yet held the position.

• Previous experience as a choreographer or dancer with Dance Workshop is helpful and preferred, but not required.

TERM LIMIT

• Yearly position

• If the Communications Ambassador leaves after a semester, a new application process will be implemented by co-chairs.

ADVISORS​ AND RESOURCES​

• Campus Activities Director: Amy Hill (ahill@coloradocollege.edu)

• Theatre and Dance Department Faculty

• Performing Arts Department

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RELATIONSHIP WITH ADVISORS

• Co-chairs meet with advisors as needed to check-in on progress, as well as bring up any questions or concerns relating to Dance Workshop.

• Communicate with advisors about intended budget for the semester, show title, booking logistics, security, etc. 

• Keep advisors up to date regarding the timeline of the show including auditions, work-in-progress showing, and shows and invite them when appropriate.

• Students are to be informed of the Safety Protocol at the first introductory meeting of all choreographers and dancers, namely the dancer auditions. Dance Workshop co-chairs will ensure that all participants sign a form acknowledging that they have been informed of and understand the Safety Protocol. 

• In the event of any injury during a Dance Workshop related-function (meeting, audition, rehearsal, or performance) Campus Safety must be notified immediately at their emergency line (719) 389-6911. It is the responsibility of whoever is running said function to ensure the call is made.

• If an injury takes place during a Dance Workshop rehearsal, it is the choreographer’s responsibility to inform Dance Workshop co-chairs immediately so that co-chairs are able to follow-up with advisors.

• The faculty Dance Workshop advisor reserves the right to evaluate the safety of any piece to be performed and make changes as they see fit to adhere to safety standards. In the event of an injury or presentation of safety concerns, there must be a conversation between the choreographer(s), co-chairs, and faculty Dance Workshop advisor regarding the Safety Protocol.