Born out of a desire to support more independent artists during a time when performance opportunities are limited, the RBC Pilot Episodes initiative opens the door for choreographers or creators to have their first experience working with members of TDT’s ensemble. Co-facilitated by choreographer Tedd Robinson and TDT’s Artistic Director Andrew Tay, the project puts an emphasis on artistic risk taking, allowing artists to experiment without the pressure of having to create a finished work. Three artists will be selected through an open call to participate in December 2021, joining seven creators whose projects last Winter were postponed to this upcoming season.

Before filling out the application, please carefully review the project details and eligibility requirements found below. Email info@tdt.org if you have any questions about the project or application process.

APPLICATION FORM

Project Details

Each choreographer or creator selected for the project will be given one week to explore their ideas on five of TDT’s company dancers.  In addition, there will be several planned sessions with artistic facilitators Andrew Tay and Tedd Robinson. These “meet ups” will take the form of shared meals or casual hangouts, and will serve to encourage discussion and artistic reflection outside of the more formal studio working periods.

Over the course of the project, there will be showings and interviews streamed online in which audiences can learn about the choreographers’ journeys and discoveries.

Originally scheduled for the 2020/21 Season, TDT has committed to supporting all of the projects that had to be postponed to this upcoming season, featuring artists: Ralph Escamillan, Syreeta Hector, Brian Solomon, Sylv Myst, Mafa Makhubalo, Atri Nundy, and Camille Rojas. More details about the participating artists can be found on the RBC Pilot Episodes webpage.

The Pilot Episodes program is made possible by the generous support of the RBC Foundation.

Who should Apply?

  • Independent artists who do not currently receive operational funding.

  • Choreographers or artists from other disciplines who work with the body as part of their practice.

  • Artists interested in questioning their methods and how they are approaching choreography and performance.

  • Artists interested in recognizing their habits and biases, who want to discover new tools for creation as well as hone their skills working with dancers and collaborators in the studio.

  • Artists who may not normally have the chance to create work on an ensemble cast.

  • Priority given to artists based in Toronto or who have access to accommodation in the city and are willing to travel (the project does not provide travel or accommodation fees).

Dates of Project

In the application form, please specify which weeks you are available:

  • December 6 – December 10, 2021

  • December 13 – December 17, 2021

What is Offered:

  • $1100 as an artistic fee for the week.

  • Five days to create work and experiment on five of TDT’s company dancers (Monday to Friday).

  • Possibility to participate in company class or workshops during the week.

  • Support throughout the process by Andrew Tay and Tedd Robinson, as well as personal consultation in the form of shared meals or hang out sessions.

The Selection Process:

  • A selection committee consisting of Artistic Director Andrew Tay, company dancer(s), and a member of the Toronto Dance community (not affiliated with TDT) will evaluate the applications.

  • Priority will be given to artists whom have never worked on the TDT ensemble.

  • The selection committee will consider the overall programming of the RBC Pilot Episodes project in their decision making, including factors such as gender parity, diversity of backgrounds and approaches when selecting artists.

  • Please note that the availability of the applicant will also be a factor taken into consideration.

TDT has health and safety protocols in place related to COVID-19 that each artist must agree to. The studio is cleaned and disinfected before the beginning of each work day. The office staff respect physical distancing and adhere to COVID-19 guidelines in order to minimize the possibility of viral transmission.  Full details concerning the buildings safety protocols will be given to the selected artists for this project.