Conversations on Performance
International seminar for theatre and dance artists and critics in the performing arts
May 29 to June 6, 2023
Seeking: Theatre and Dance Artists and Critics in the Performing Arts Aged 25 to 35 Years Old
+ Young theatre and dance artists: directors, playwrights, choreographers, performers, designers and anyone with a performing arts practice
+ Young critics: performing arts critics, specialized journalists, or academics enrolled in a graduate program interested in contemporary artistic practice
Conversations on Performance is an international 9-day seminar taking place from May 29 to June 6, 2023 as part of the 17th edition of Festival TransAmériques (May 24 to June 8, 2023 in Montreal / Tio’tia:ke, Canada).
Open to a maximum of twenty young professional artists and critics aged 25 to 35, this project takes the form of a seminar held in English and based on eight shows presented during FTA, with workshops and conversations with the Festival’s artists and the wider arts community in Montreal / Tio’tia:ke. Participants are encouraged to expand their ideas about contemporary theatre and dance, confront their artistic realities and critical thinking, and to share their expertise with their peers. A cultural project coordinator will serve as a consultant during the project.
For its third edition, Conversations on Performance will be open to English-speaking artists from outside of Canada for the first time!
Objectives
+ Encouraging emerging artistic practices by circulating ideas and intermingling disciplines and diverse creative contexts;
+ Enriching the professional and artistic approach of participants by discovering the practice of other artists, as well as contemporary dance and theatre performances from Canada and elsewhere;
+ Stimulating contact with other artists and critics, and the sharing of ideas.
Festival TransAmériques
One of North America’s most distinctive performing arts festivals, Festival TransAmériques is a driving force for the promotion of contemporary theatre and dance. FTA delves deep into artistic disciplines, probing their limits in its quest for bold, outstanding artistic voices. Its policy is a pact with the present: it provides essential support to artists by presenting and co-producing contemporary theatre and dance. Featuring shows from all over the world, FTA mirrors political and social movements of our era, as echoed in works of art that reinterpret the world we live in, that shed a new light on our times.
Partners
+ Goethe-Institut Montréal
+ The Saison Foundation
Eligibility Criteria
+ At least two years of professional experience as a theatre or dance artist, or a critic in the performing arts
+ Good spoken english
+ Age range between 25 and 35
Special attention will be given to candidates who have demonstrated over the course of their short careers a desire to reflect in depth about their chosen art form and to further advance that particular discipline.
Activities
During 9 days, from 10 AM to 10:30 PM
+ 8 FTA shows
+ Discussions on FTA shows and related topics with an emphasis on critical analysis
+ In-depth conversations with FTA artists
+ Visits of cultural venues and arts institutions
+ Optional additional shows outside the FTA program
Conversations on Performance is a demanding seminar that implies an intense daily schedule. Participants must demonstrate engagement and commitment.
sample documents
Practical Information
$276 CAD / participant
Included:
+ 8 FTA shows
+ 9 days of activities with a professional mediator including a minimum of:
- 3 discussions with programmed artists;
- 10 hours of review-and-critique periods;
- 1 workshop with programmed artists;
- Opening cocktail with other young professionals;
- Welcome dinner;
- End-of-seminar brunch.
Not included:
+ Daily meals
+ International transportation (if applicable)
+ Local transportation
+ Personal expenses
+ Accommodation*
+ Tickets for shows outside of the seminar’s schedule
* Special rate available at university residences
If you are selected, it is your responsibility to secure the funding necessary for taking part in the project. FTA will provide an official letter of acceptance to help in your search for funding.
For Quebec and Canada residents: please contact us for more information on funding opportunities.
For international applicants: see the list of our international partners below to identify the partner you can apply through, or apply directly at FTA by sending us your application.
Every submission requires the following:
+ Cover letter (1 page) providing answers to the following questions:
- What is your motivation to participate in Conversations on Performance?
- What will you bring to the program, and how will you benefit from it?
- How is your work informed by the privileges you have or by the artistic, social or political issues you want bring forward?
+ Resume – please include your age
For all candidates outside of Japan, please submit your files at the latest on January 30 to [email protected] and indicate Conversations on Performance Application in your email title.
In specific cases, it is possible to submit your application orally or by video. Please contact us to discuss modalities.
The selection will be made by February 17, 2023. Only those selected will be contacted.
Terms for international support
All applicants from countries not listed below need to submit their application directly to [email protected].
For all details concerning participation fees and submission of applications, please consult the Saison Foundation website.
For all details concerning registration fees and submissions, please consult the Goethe-Institut Montréal website.
Contact
Caroline Gagnon
Coordinator of the Cultural Program
Goethe-Institut Montréal
514 499 0159 + 107
[email protected]
Information and questions
Emjay Cromp (They/Them)
Mediation and Audience Outreach Assistant
514 842 0704 + 24
[email protected]
