REDCAT is accepting proposals for original contemporary performance works for the stage to be presented in the 22nd annual New Original Works (NOW) Festival, which is designed to support the development and presentation of contemporary performance in the Southern California region. The interdisciplinary program of dance, theater, music, and multi-disciplinary works will take place at REDCAT in November 2025. The festival features a flexible schedule to accommodate shared programs of short works. REDCAT provides development support through technical assistance, access to the theater with its sound and lighting inventory, as well as an honorarium.

The NOW Festival takes place in the REDCAT theater located in the Walt Disney Concert Hall complex. Projects are selected through a proposal process helmed by Deputy Director and Chief Curator, Performing Arts with Administrative Manager in collaboration with a panel of artists and festival alumni, with an emphasis on projects in development and/or early career artists. The proposals and work samples will be evaluated based on the viability of the proposal, the quality and integrity of the work of the artist/ensemble/collaborators, the appropriateness of the project to a festival of new, contemporary works (and to the festival format), and the artist’s/team’s ability to successfully execute the project. 

Eligibility

• Applicants must be based in the Southern California region for application consideration.
• Applicants may reapply to NOW Festival five years following their presentation as a lead artist.  

Program Structure

• NOW Festival is in its 22nd edition. NOW Festival  is a mixed-bill program of short works, preceded by a residency at REDCAT. Program activities include an in-person meet and greet, professional development workshops, designer runs, tech questionnaire completion, and three production meetings in addition to technical and dress rehearsals.
• Performances will be held across 3 weekends. Each selected artist performs in one of the weekends, 3 times total, Thursday-Saturday evenings. Each evening is shared and totals about 90 minutes with an intermission and pause.
• Projects selected are meant to be performed on a stage in the theater.
• Final works should be no longer than 20-22 minutes each.
• Three works are performed each evening. Every performance is in-person, with Saturday performances also shared over livestream.
• Each project receives an honorarium for their performance as well as  residency time. In addition to this honorarium, projects receive in-kind services including marketing, technical and staff support, photo and video documentation, headshots, access to existing in-house light and A/V equipment during tech and performance days, professional development workshops, rehearsal space, complimentary tickets, and mentorship.
• The residency component will occur on the REDCAT stage in July-August, with some rehearsal slots offered in September-October schedule dependent.

What qualifies as a new work?

A work that has not been presented in its full form as a ticketed event. Work previously been shown in casual workshops or in-progress showings is admissible.

What is the timeline of the program?

• Application due: March 14
• Finalist Selection: May
• Participant Notification: June
• Residency begins: July
• Public Announcement: August
• Performances: November

Who is reviewing my application?

Applications are reviewed by REDCAT staff and guest artists. Due to the volume of application received, we are not able to provide feedback if not selected.

What are reviewers considering as they review my application?

• Compelling artistic practice that has a considered approach to content, form, and performance elements.
• Proposed work clearly articulates what questions it is asking and why; providing a thoughtful mode of investigation.
• Project details how NOW Festival participation will be a significant driver in the evolution of their artistic practice.

What is an ideal work sample? 

Work samples from the proposed work are strongly suggested, but not required if unavailable. Projects are encouraged to submit a work sample that gives a good sense of the proposed work’s content, form, and/or performative elements and the team’s unique artistic practice. Ideally, the work sample is continuous video, rather than a collection of excerpts or a trailer. Work samples are solely accepted via an online platform, such as Vimeo, SoundCloud, YouTube, etc. If the video is longer than 3-5 minutes, list the timecode of where the readers should start watching. Be sure to include a password should the video be protected.

Can I apply as a team or collaborative?

Yes! Teams are welcome to apply to NOW Festival, and should include the collaborative/team name within the application in the Billing section. The naming convention noted will be the naming convention used within marketing and program billing.

What does it mean to be the lead applicant?

This will be the main contact we will reach out to for NOW Festival correspondence including application decisions. This individual will also be the contracted individual, and receive the honorarium payment. 

What is the finalist stage?

A select number of artists will be determined as finalists by the panel, and will have brief 30-minute conversations with Katy Dammers, Deputy Director and Chief Curator, Performing Arts and Rolando Rodriguez, Administrative Manager to review questions about their application and viability of their participation in the NOW Festival program. Finalists will be notified via email of their advancement, and those not reaching the finalists stage will also be notified of the determination. 

Are there any theater rules I should be aware of?

We do not allow glitter, fog machines, live animals or elements that could risk the safety of artists or audience. All scenic and technical elements are subject to approval by the Technical Director and REDCAT Production Team.