Open Water
Choreographic Opportunity
Application is now closed
A rising tide lifts all ships.
Open Water is how we start.
Kindling Productions is seeking one emerging choreographer to join the Season 4 lineup of Rising Tide: A Collaborative Evening of Dance, performing Friday, February 12th, 2027, at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center at Gonzaga University.
Open Water is designed for choreographers who are ready to take the next step. Those who have been working but haven’t yet had access to a professional presenting opportunity in the Inland Northwest.
Through this initiative, the selected choreographer will receive rehearsal space, a performance slot on the Rising Tide stage, and one-on-one mentorship from Kindling Productions Director, CarliAnn Forthun Bruner, throughout the entire creative process, from early concept development through final performance.
Learn more and apply below!
What we are looking for
A distinct choreographic voice
We’re drawn to work that feels intentional, where the movement choices reflect a clear perspective and a genuine investment in the making.
A thoughtful rehearsal practice
We believe how we make work matters as much as the work itself. We’re looking for someone who tends to the people in the room with the same care they bring to the choreography.
Who we are looking for
Emerging choreographers based in the Inland Northwest who have some choreographic experience but have not yet presented work in a professional presenting context in the region. You are ready to make something, committed to a collaborative rehearsal process, and open to support
About the process
Selection Process
Round one
Written application review
Round two
In-person conversation with Kindling producers
Round three
Teach a class — open to the Kindling community
Finalists are invited to teach a movement class open to the Kindling community. We think of this less as an audition and more as an opportunity to spend time together, to see how you move through a room and how a room moves with you.
Selection Timeline
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Applications open: June 2nd, 2026
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Applications close: June 30th, 2026
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First round selections notified: July 8th, 2026
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Panel interviews with community members: Week of July 13th, 2026
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Final round candidates teach a class: Week of August 3rd, 2026
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Selected choreographer announced: August 12th, 2026
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Dancer Audition for Rising Tide Mid September
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Mentorship Check-In #1: September 2026
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Mentorship Check-In #2: October 2026
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Mentorship Check-In #3: November 2026
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Mentorship Check-In #4: January 2027
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Performance: Friday, February 12th, 2027
What you receive
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A performance slot at Rising Tide Season 4 at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center
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Participation selecting dancers for piece at the Rising Tide audition
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A choreographic stipend
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Access to Kindling Productions’ production support, including lighting design, marketing, and photographer/videographer documentation
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Four dedicated mentorship check-ins with CarliAnn Forthun Bruner, spanning concept development through final rehearsals
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The selected choreographer will have four one-on-one conversations with Kindling’s Producing Director across the production process. These are dedicated time for your choreographic thinking, separate from any production logistics, and we hope you’ll come ready to reflect on the work as it unfolds.
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These conversations are meant to feel collaborative, not evaluative. CarliAnn’s role is to listen, ask questions, and offer perspective when it’s useful, not to direct or assess. Your creative process is your own, and these check-ins are simply a space to think alongside someone who is invested in your success.
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application details
1Choreographic pitch
A description of the work you’d create for Open Water. Tell us what you want to make and why it feels important right now. This is not a contract, we understand and expect that the concept may evolve significantly throughout the process. We are looking for a starting point and a sense of your creative instincts.
2Creative process philosophy
How do you approach making work? What do you believe about the act of choreographing? How do you begin? How do you develop material? How do you know when something is working?
3Rehearsal process statement
How do you like to structure rehearsals? How do you care for the people in your process, especially when things get complicated? How do you create an environment where dancers feel supported and do their best work?
4Two work samples
Video documentation of recent or representative work. Links preferred. This does not need to be a professional production — we are looking for your artistic voice, not production value.
5Letter of reference
Optional — A letter from a collaborator, performer, or colleague who can speak to your work and the way you show up in a room.