Submissions are now being accepted for the
17th Annual RADFest
March 5-8, 2026

The categories of submission are:

🔹 ShortWorks Series
A showcase of short-form live performances with a maximum length of 12 minutes, presented in the Cori Terry Theatre.

🔹 Michigan Made Showcase
A curated presentation of works created or performed by Michigan-based artists, celebrating the region’s creative talent. Works may be up to 12 minutes in length and are presented in the Cori Terry Theatre.

🔹 Young Artist Series
A platform for emerging artists 18 years old and under to present original works. This series supports the next generation of creators in the early stages of their careers. Works may be up to 10 minutes in length and are presented in the Cori Terry Theatre.

🔹 Alternative Space Series
Presented in the Judy K. Jolliffe Theatre, this series offers a flexible black box setting for experimental or site-sensitive works that engage audiences in innovative ways. Works may be up to 30 minutes in length.

🔹 Durational Performance
Hosted at the Black Arts & Cultural Center, this category welcomes performance and installation-based works that emphasize endurance, transformation, and immersive experience. There are no time limitations.

🔹 Screendance Series
A curated collection of dance works created specifically for the screen. The premiere screening is scheduled for KP Cinemas, with additional showings throughout RADFest weekend.

Submit to the Screendance Series Here: https://filmfreeway.com/MidwestRADFest

APPLICATION TIMELINE

Call to Artists opens: July 1, 2025
Call to Artists closes: September 1, 2025
Selected Artists announced by: October 27, 2025

There is a $35 fee for all submissions. If the cost of the application presents a financial barrier, please see below for information on how to apply for a submission fee scholarship.

AWARDS

Wellspring/Cori Terry is proud to showcase the diverse creativity and innovative spirit of artists through RADFest 2026, featuring:

1 Durational Performance Artist, 2 Alternative Space Artists, 12–15 Young Artists, 7–10 Screendances, 20–24 ShortWorks Artists, 7–10 Michigan Made Artists. RADFest continues to celebrate boundary-pushing work, uplifting voices from Michigan and beyond.

Selected artists presenting live in the Short Works, Alternative Space, Durational Performance, and Michigan Made Seres will receive an honorarium of $200–$250.

Selected Screendance filmmakers who are able to travel to Kalamazoo and attend the premiere screening at KP Cinemas on March 6, 2026 will receive a modest stipend to help offset travel expenses.

All artists will have the opportunity to apply for our “Host an Artist” program for complimentary accommodations and/or receive a discounted rate at Home2 Suites in downtown Kalamazoo.

Selected artists receive full technical and production support, as well as the opportunity to apply for additional funding by teaching a master class.

Additional Benefits include:

Professional photo and video documentation
Free promotional and media coverage
Access to professional development opportunities, including master classes, lectures, discussion panels, networking events, and discussion groups
Free or discounted admission to performances and concerts throughout the festival

SELECTION PROCESS

RADFest (Regional Alternative Dance Festival) is a four-day, juried festival held at the Epic Center and various downtown venues in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Dedicated to showcasing “alternative” dance, RADFest celebrates artists creating work that is emerging, experimental, and boundary-pushing in form and content.

Through performance, film, installation, and discussion, the festival provides a platform for innovative voices in contemporary dance. It fosters a vibrant exchange between artists and audiences, encouraging risk-taking, exploration, and dialogue.

A panel of five professionals—choreographers, arts administrators, and activists—carefully review all submissions. Selected works are evaluated on artistic concept and originality, structural integrity, choreographic innovation, pacing and flow, and overall performance quality.

PERFORMANCE SPACES/ DETAILS

The festival takes place in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan, centered at the Epic Center, a vibrant arts hub that houses three beautiful performance spaces where festival concerts are held. Additionally, the Screendance Series is presented at KP Cinemas, offering a dedicated venue for dance works created specifically for the screen.

Please review SPACE DETAILS for information on all performance spaces.

ELIGIBILITY & PERFORMANCE LENGTH GUIDELINES

The Michigan Made Showcase is open to works that meet at least one of the following criteria: the piece was created in Michigan, choreographed by a Michigan resident, or performed by artists who currently reside in Michigan. Works submitted to this showcase may not exceed 12 minutes in length.

The Young Artist Series is open exclusively to choreographers and dancers who are 18 years of age or younger. Submissions in this category must not exceed 10 minutes in duration.

Pieces submitted to the Alternative Space Program may be up to 30 minutes in length.

The Durational Performance does not follow traditional time constraints. The performance length for this program is flexible, based on the nature of the work.

VIDEO LINK SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

UPDATE FOR 2026 - Please note: There are updated requirements for video submission links. Feel free to email jennifer@wellspringdance.org. RADFest accepts video submissions via downloadable links only. Please use Vimeo, YouTube, or Dropbox. Share your work sample and make the video downloadable through Sept. 15, 2025, so that we can assure a quality and a blind showing of your work during the panel process.

While in-progress work samples are accepted, it is strongly recommended to submit a video link featuring the most complete version of the work.

All video submissions must be edited to present only the content intended for the adjudication panel. Please do not submit full-length videos with instructions to “watch from timestamp.” Skipping through footage may disrupt the viewing experience and impact the panel’s ability to fairly assess the work.

The work sample must be presented as a single, edited video link representing the intended piece. Multiple links for a single work will not be accepted.

Preview Application

Submit to RADFEST