About the Pilot Program
Applications to the ODC Pilot Program are open now! The ODC Pilot Program was created in 1990 to nurture the development of emerging and mid-career local choreographers. It is an opportunity for artists to invest in their choreographic practices and production skills. The program is overseen by ODC Associate Choreographer and School Director, Kimi Okada.
The ODC Pilot Program provides comprehensive mentorship by professional choreographers and ODC staff, along with a framework for shared production responsibilities over an eleven-week period (over 15 weeks for Pilot 74, including holiday breaks), concluding with a premiere of the participant’s original choreography in ODC’s Studio-B performance space. Now in it’s 74th season, 2024’s Pilot Program will take place from November 2023 through March 2024 and will primarily serve BIPOC women choreographers. 6 artists are chosen to participate. Participation in the program is free, and all choreographers are required to attend the following in-person events:
Pilot 74 Cohort
Clairey Evangelho
Raychel Hatch
Jenni Hong
Lily Gee
Amber Gott
Addison Norman
Pilot 74 2023 -2024 Schedule
- Weekly Cohort meetings: Fridays, 8:30-10 AM, beginning Friday, November 10 – February 23 (excluding the week that includes Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day, and the weeks of December 25th, and January 1st
- Composition Kick-Off Class: Sunday, November 12, 4-7PM
- First Showing: Sunday, December 9, 3-6PM
- Individual rehearsals with Mentor: Saturday, January 13th 3-6, OR Sunday, January 14th 1-5 (1 hour with mentor for each artist, exact schedule TBA)
- Second Showing: Sunday, January 28th 1-4pm
- TBD: scheduled individual time with mentor at rehearsal
- Tech rehearsal: Sunday, February 25, 1-8PM (exact schedule TBA)
- Dress Rehearsal: Saturday, March 2 at 5 PM
- Performances: Saturday, March 2 at 8 PM, Sunday March 3rd at 4 & 7 PM at ODC Studio B. Studio Theater
- Post Performance Debrief Meeting: TBA
Selected ODC Pilot Program artists receive:
- Stipend of $600, payable in two installments
- 12 hours of free rehearsal time at ODC, and 50% off after 12 hours (all rehearsals upon availability)
- Sessions with choreographic mentors: 1 group composition class, 2 group showings, 1 individual rehearsal and additional session TBD
- Production mentorship by resident ODC staff
- Small group stipend for marketing costs and reception
FAQs
- How can I receive more information on the program and/or help on my application?
- How is Pilot Organized?
- Eligibility requirements?
- What do participating choreographers receive as part of the experience?
- How long does my choreographed work need to be?
- What is the performance Space?
- What kind of tech is available?
- Marketing, equipment, and videographer costs?
- Does ODC have a dancer audition for Pilot?
- Do I get comps for the show?