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Playhouse Square's 2026 Dance Showcase Artist Application

Thank you for your interest in Playhouse Square's 2026 Dance Showcase,
Presented by Terry & Sheldon Adelman.

This year's Showcase will take place:
Friday, September 4, 2026
Connor Palace Theatre
7:00 pm

Northeast Ohio Dance Artists and Companies are encouraged to apply to participate in our 2026 Dance Showcase. Please review the instructions below before completing the application.


Eligibility:
  • Applicants must be professional or collegiate level dance companies or individual artists.
  • No youth dance groups will be accepted - all performers must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Works may be solo, small group, or large group pieces.
  • Submitted works must not exceed more than fifteen (15) minutes.
Submission Requirements:
  • Performance or rehearsal footage of the complete work being considered is required. Marketing reels, promotion videos or teaser clips will not be accepted.
  • Video footage must be of high enough quality that our adjudication panel can clearly view all dancers in the space, with clean audio and minimal visual obstruction.
  • Incomplete works or works-in-progress will not be accepted.
  • The piece can be an entire work or an excerpt from a larger work. If you are applying to perform an excerpt but are providing a video of the whole piece of work, please include the exact starting and finishing times of the video that you would like the selection panel to consider in the description of the piece (not exceeding the 15-minute time limit).
  • Please note that Dance Showcase is a family-friendly event, pieces should be appropriate for all ages to enjoy.
  • Companies or Individual artists may submit more than one piece for consideration however, a separate application must be completed for each piece.
  • Please complete the application form with information exactly as you would like to see it appear in print should you be selected for the 2026 Dance Showcase.

Application period will be open Monday, April 6- Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

Adjudication & Acceptance Process

All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of adjudicators comprised of representatives from Playhouse Square as well as guests from the dance community nationwide so as to provide an outside, unbiased opinion. This panel will evaluate submissions based on artistic excellence, clarity of choreographic intent, performance quality, and how the work contributes to a dynamic and engaging Dance Showcase program.

Playhouse Square is dedicated to providing an adjudication process that focuses on creating a space where all individuals—regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or background—can share a sense of belonging. At Playhouse Square, we celebrate the richness of our diverse community through performances, education, and the stewardship of our district. On and off our stages, we strive to hold a mirror up to our local and global communities, where all individuals feel seen, heard, and represented.

Notification & Next Steps
  • Applicants will be notified of the panel’s decision via email by July 3.
  • Selected artists and companies will receive an official invitation to participate in the 2026 Dance Showcase and will be asked to confirm their participation within a specified timeframe.
  • Upon acceptance, participants will be required to submit additional materials, which may include:
    • Final performance details and technical requirements
    • Artist names and production photos
    • Signed participation agreement
  • Participation is contingent upon timely completion of all required materials and adherence to Playhouse Square policies and performance guidelines.
Additional Notes
  • Submission does not guarantee selection.
  • Playhouse Square reserves the right to determine final programming order, performance length adjustments (if necessary), and overall showcase structure.