Overture 2023/24 call out: professional development programme for emerging dance artists
9 May 2023New Adventures, Matthew Bourne’s award-winning dance-theatre company, is recruiting a new cohort of emerging dance teachers and community dance artists for its Overture programme. This is an exceptional professional development opportunity for dance practitioners working across England.
I feel part of a community now.
Sara Marques, Overture Cohort 2022/23
Who are we looking for?
14 dance artists, who use a variety of styles and have been working in community or education settings for less than five years. We hope to find a group of artists whose work spans both urban and rural settings and who represent the diversity of contemporary England.
We actively encourage people of all backgrounds to apply for our training opportunities and wish to ensure that there are no barriers to access. We are particularly interested in those from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups, disabled artists, and those with parental or caring responsibilities.
If you have any access requirements including support regarding parental or caring responsibilities, please talk to us via leah@new-adventures.net.
You don’t fit into Overture, Overture fits into you, it lets you bring your whole self, take you where you’re at, and gives what you need without even asking for it.
Holly Smith, Overture Cohort 2022/23
What we offer
Over the course of nine months, the selected artists will meet for two residential weekends at the Company’s base at Farnham Maltings, Surrey, connect for digital sessions, and visit New Adventures on tour with Edward Scissorhands. Each weekend will comprise of practical workshops and skills-sharing as well as inspirational guest speakers from within the sector sharing their practice and expertise.
Workshops in areas such as personal development, advanced community dance skills, business development and networking aim to provide the cohort with a range of skills to support them to the next level of their careers.
This course is fully funded and free to attend. All travel expenses, accommodation and per diems are also provided.
Key Programme Dates
(timings subject to change)
Thursday 31 August 2023, 6.30pm-8pm (Online)
Saturday 30 September and Sunday 1 October 2023, 10am-5.30pm (Farnham)
Saturday 4 November 2023, 10am-2pm (Online)
Thursday 7 December 2023, 6.30pm-9pm (Online)
Saturday 13 January 2024, 11am-9.30pm (London)
Thursday 15 February 2024, 6.30pm-9pm (Online)
Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 March 2024, 10am-5.30pm (Farnham)
Saturday 23 March 2024, 10.30am-1pm (Online)
Whether you are a community dance practitioner, a qualified teacher or a dance entrepreneur, Overture is you for you! If your application was unsuccessful first time around, keep re-applying until you get a Yes! Perseverance is key.
Adam Roberts, Overture Cohort 2022/23
How to apply
Please apply via this form. We encourage the questions to be answered in a video format but also accept written answers.
How to nominate
If you know someone who would benefit from this opportunity, please send their name, contact number and email address to leah@new-adventures.net. Tell us who you are, and in a couple of sentences why you are nominating the individual.
Access and support
We are happy to support applicants in applying and are open to receiving applications in alternative formats such as a voice note. If you would like support or to discuss other application methods, then please contact us by phone on 07821 110170 or by email to leah@new-adventures.net.
