CATEGORIES INCLUDE

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

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.

Dance Film 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.

Young Artists 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.

Submit to the Dance Film Series Here: https://filmfreeway.com/radfest

NOTIFICATION TIMELINE

• Short Works Series and Alternative Space notified December 2026

• Durational Installation and Dance Film Series notified December 2026

• Young Artists Series notified January 2027

There is a $35 fee for all submissions. If the cost of the application presents a financial barrier, please complete the following form to apply for a submission fee scholarship: https://forms.gle/tPLVVY3BkpnUKdHFA

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Wellspring is proud to showcase the diverse creativity and innovative spirit of artists through RADFest 2027. Selected artists presenting live in the Short Works Series, Alternative Space, and Durational Installation Performance will receive a small honorarium.

Selected Dance Film filmmakers who are able to travel to Kalamazoo and attend the premiere screening on March 5, 2027 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 with Greater Kalamazoo community members.

Selected artists receive full technical and production support, as well as the opportunity to apply to teach a master class for an additional small stipend.

Additional benefits include:

• Professional photo and video documentation

• 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) provides professional, experimental, and emerging dance artists the opportunity to present their work, live and on screen. Through a juried process, artists will share their work at various venues of downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan.  

A panel of 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. Traditionally, the Dance Film 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 such as images of spaces and performance area dimensions.

ELIGIBILITY & PERFORMANCE LENGTH GUIDELINES

The Short Works Series may be up to 12 minutes in length.

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

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

Pieces submitted to the Dance Film Series may be up to 12 minutes in length.

The Young Artists 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.

VIDEO LINK SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Please provide only the direct video link (no additional text) in your submission. Work links must be sharedvia Vimeo, YouTube, or Dropbox, and the video must remain downloadable through each category’s submission deadline, to ensure a high-quality and blind viewing process for the adjudication panel. The work sample must be presented as a single, continuous video as it would be performed at the festival. Multiple links for a single work will not be accepted.

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.

FINANCIAL HARDSHIP SCHOLARSHIP FORM

For waiving or reducing the 2027 submission fee.

Application deadline: Please refer to your submission form for your specific Financial Hardship Application deadline.

Please reach out to Wellspring at wellspring@wellspringdance.org with any questions about the submission process or festival.