About the Showcase:

Performance dates in September 19-20, 2026 at Paul Dresher Ensemble 2201 Poplar St., Oakland, CA 94607

Purpose:

The purpose of the Choreographers Showcase is to provide an opportunity for emerging and established contemporary choreographers to present their work in a performance at Paul Dresher Ensemble theater in West Oakland.

Important Dates:

Applications open until June 14, 2026

Decisions announced June 28, 2026

Commitments due July 6, 2026

Show assignments and theater schedules confirmed August 10, 2026

Performances in September 19-20, 2026 (choreographers will be notified which day they will perform on August 10, 2026)

Application:

To apply, please email the following to: hello@blackboxstudiosoakland.com

Application open now until June 14, 2026

1. Applicant information/Biography

2. Artist Statement

3. Sample footage of past work and/or footage of work in process for Work to be presented at Choreographers Showcase. Footage should represent style and vision for Work being presented at Choreographers Showcase.

4. Proposal for Work presented at Choreographers Showcase: Vision and Intent of work

5. Logistic information for Work being presented:

   • How many dancers included (maximum 6 dancers)

   • How long is the Work (maximum 8 minutes, minimum 3 minutes)

Guidelines:

• There is no fee to apply or participate in the Choreographers Showcase. This opportunity is to help alleviate the expenses of producing choreography for live performances.

• Choreographer Applications will be adjudicated and selected by a panel of Bay Area dance makers. Panel to be announced soon!

• Choreographers chosen to participate will be assigned a performance date/show by August 10th.

• Please help promote the show! Ticket sales generate funds to produce the Choreographers Showcase.

• Choreographers chosen to participate in the Choreographers Showcase will be offered the option for discounted studio rentals at BlackBox Studios between July 27, 2026-September 18, 2026 for $20/hr during peak hours and $15/hr for non-peak hours. Please email hello@blackboxstudiosoakland.com for availability and information.