Steps Beyond Foundation blooms this spring
The Steps Beyond Foundation, Steps on Broadway’s non-profit arm that connects artists and community through dialogue, performance and artistic collaboration, will curate two interactive events this spring. The Foundation will host “Artists Talk: A Life in Dance—Resources for Those on Stage at Every Stage”, a conversation with representatives from The Actors Fund and American Guild of Musical Artists, on Saturday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m. On April 21 at 8 p.m. the Foundation will present “Performance Lab: New Voices, New Works, New Stories”, showcasing new choreographic voices in all genres.
“Artist Talk: A Life in Dance—Resources for Those on Stage at Every Stage” will provide attendees an intimate environment to connect with representatives from The Actors Fund and American Guild of Musical Artists. The Actors Fund, which also encompasses The Dancers’ Resource and Career Transition for Dancers, has long supported the dance community in managing the unique demands on stage and camera, or behind the scenes in theater, film, radio, music, dance, opera and circus through career development and management, health, wellness and support for injured dancers, as well as emergency financial assistance and scholarships. American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), the labor union for artists who create America’s operatic, choral and dance heritage, will cover topics of advocacy, rights and legal matters pertaining to the dance industry.
Later this spring, on Saturday, April 21, the Foundation will present a curated selection of artists who will create new works for “Performance Lab: New Voices, New Works, New Stories.” With a submission deadline of Friday, March 16, emerging and established dance, theater, and performance artists are encouraged to apply.
Utilizing a recent grant from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, selected choreographers will receive a $100 stipend in addition to discounted rehearsal space and important technical aspects to mount their selected work for a live audience. All works should be a minimum of two minutes and a maximum of 10 minutes, and can be completed works, works in progress, or experimental concepts to be presented in a studio theater setting. Artists can apply at http://bit.ly/LABapplynow — selected choreographers will be notified by March 21.
“The Steps Beyond Foundation is thrilled to have received a grant from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council so that the Performance Lab may grow to provide better services for our artists,” stated Steps Beyond Foundation Artistic Director Diane Grumet. “In providing opportunities for artists to navigate their way through the industry, and providing choreographers a platform to create work, these two events give a well-rounded snapshot of our lives as artists.”
The Artists Talk Series is a collection of special events designed for the larger dance community, as well as for dance students and those interested in a performance career. The series consists of discussions with internationally renowned industry professionals, book signings, film screenings and milestone celebrations. The series fosters a creative and provocative learning environment, and the opportunity to network with dance, theater and music professionals.
To both compliment and demonstrate the Artist Talk Series topics in action, the Performance Lab offers artists an opportunity to showcase their work in various stages of development. This gives both established and emerging artists an opportunity to show their work in a studio setting, implement new concepts into their works, take audiences on a journey from concept to exhibition and participate intimately in the creative process through a post-performance Q&A and artists reception.
To apply for April’s Performance Lab, head to stepsnyc.com/steps-beyond. $15 tickets will be available soon.