Organizer Information
New York Live Arts’ Fresh Tracks Residency & Performance program is a long-standing initiative, dating back to 1965. Originally a signature program of Dance Theater Workshop, it is dedicated to bringing new choreographic artistry to the forefront by supporting early-career movement-based artists through creation and professional development.
Title & Description
2026–2027 Fresh Tracks Residency & Performance Program.
This season-long residency is designed for early-career choreographers based in New York City. The program provides a structured environment for the development of a new 15-minute performance work, supported by a dedicated artistic advisor and institutional resources. It aims to teach artists about production, producing, and the professional building blocks required for a career in live performance.
Categories
Choreography, Contemporary Dance, Movement-based Performance, and Interdisciplinary Performance.
Eligibility
- Location: Must be based in the Five Boroughs of New York City from July 2026 to April 2027.
- Career Stage: Must be an early-career choreographer, as defined by the Jerome Foundation criteria.
- Commitment: Must be available for all scheduled activities on the residency calendar; no exceptions are permitted.
- Exclusions: Not open to those who auditioned in 2025, previous Fresh Tracks participants, full-time/part-time students in degree-granting programs, or tenured faculty.
Program Benefits and Awards
- Artist Fee: A $5,000 fee to support the development of the work.
- Studio Space: 60 gratis studio hours for rehearsal.
- Mentorship: Guidance from a dedicated Artistic Advisor and workshops led by renowned professionals.
- Performance: A shared evening of new work in the New York Live Arts theater with professional photo and video documentation.
- Professional Development: Exclusive access to Live Arts' Communications, Development, Production, and Programming staff, plus a Live Core Artist Membership.
Fees
- Application Fee: None.
Application Requirements
- Project Proposal: Clear articulation of the new work to be developed.
- Work Sample: A 5-minute video excerpt (via Vimeo or YouTube link) of the proposed work in its early stages OR a recently completed piece that best represents your choreographic style.
- Interview/Audition: 16 pre-selected applicants will be invited to an in-person interview-style audition on June 30, 2026.
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted via the official Google Form provided by New York Live Arts. Progress is not saved, so materials must be prepared in advance. Apply for Fresh Tracks 2026
Key Dates
- Application Opens: Monday, April 20, 2026.
- Deadline: Monday, May 25, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
- Notification for Interview: Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
- In-person Interviews: Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
- Final Acceptance Notification: Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
Location
United States, New York City (New York Live Arts).
Additional Details
Fresh Tracks is not merely a performance showcase; it is a residency for growth. Selected artists must participate in all workshops, including sessions on Accessibility, Fundraising, and Tech & Production. Performers and collaborators are only required to attend dates marked on the calendar with an asterisk.