Open Call 2026

Composers and Choreographers

Application Open: Monday, December 15

Application Closes: Thursday, January 15 11:59PM CST

Notifications: February 10, 2026

The Come As You Are (CAYA) Fellowship Program invites 3 composers and 3 choreographers to premiere a newly-composed dance work. This paid fellowship provides collaborative and intensive training with No Divide KC, Owen/Cox Dance Group and The Coterie with professional mentors, dancers and musicians.

6 selected fellows will be paired to form a composer/choreographer team. Each Fellow team will have the opportunity to select a piece of writing provided by The Coterie’s Project Pride teen participants. Each Fellow team will interpret their selected writing for music and dance.

Come as You Are is in partnership with Owen/Cox Dance Group and The Coterie Theater.

2025 CAYA Fellowship Dates and Details:

December 15 - Submissions open

January 15 at 11:59PM CST - Submissions close

February 10 - Fellows announced

April at 1:30PM CST - Introductory meeting (virtual)

April 1 - Fellows and pairs begin collaboration

April 20-25 - Week-long intensive (in-person)

April 26 - Final scores due

April 27 - May 1 - Rehearsals

May 2 at 5:00-7:00PM CST - Come As You Are Concert

2025 Come as You Are Theme:

Come as You Are will feature dance works written for the purpose of engaging children and their families. Selected works will prioritize social-emotional learning and address the program's longstanding themes of vulnerability, privilege, and accessibility in the concert space.

Performing Forces:

5 Performers Total: You can use any Combination of the following forces (For Example: Piano and 4 dancers or Piano, Soprano and 3 Dancers, etc.):

Dancers:

4 Dancers

Musicians:

2 singers

1 percussionist

1 Piano (non-prepared)

Fixed electronics

IMPORTANT:

It is not necessary to use a total of 5 dancers/musicians. Works for smaller ensembles are accepted.

To be performed without a conductor

Modest production (basic theatrical lighting, set/scenery and minimal costuming/props)

10-15 minutes in length

Fellowship Stipend:

$1,200 stipend

Fellows must attend the week-long intensive (April 20–25) and the Come as You Are concert (May 1) in-person. Fellows are encouraged to attend rehearsals (April 27-May 1). Transportation and lodging are the responsibility of the fellows.

Come As You Are is an event designed for intergenerational audiences with activities and performances for all ages. Additionally, it is accessible to people with physical, hearing, vision, cognitive and psychological disabilities.

Complete this form to submit as either a composer or choreographer. Direct any questions to info@nodividekc.org