Informal Showings

The OFA Dance Program is piloting a new initiative to allow more opportunities for undergraduate student-led dance groups to share their work in a community setting. Informal Showings are designed for works-in-progress, open rehearsals, or sharings that do not require technical elements. Students and student groups may apply for the opportunity to confirm two advance dates which may be used for a run-through rehearsal and a showing, or for two showings.

Groups are encouraged to use this as an opportunity to employ Liz Lerman's Critical Response Process (CRP) to gain helpful information for developing a work.

Who can apply

All officially recognized undergraduate student-led dance groups may apply for an informal showing at the Harvard Dance Center which is facilitated by the Office for the Arts (OFA) Dance Program. Please note that groups whose dance tradition/style requires hard-soled shoes may be assigned a showing in Studio 2 instead of Studio 1, and chairs will be provided.

To be eligible to receive a residency, student-led dance groups must have sent a representative to attend the Disability Inclusion Workshop led by Harvard’s University Disability Resources (UDR) office taking place on Monday, September 8, 6-7:30pm, at Smith Campus Center, or agree to review the presentation at a scheduled time if awarded.

The OFA Dance Program prioritizes:

Undergraduate student-led dance groups.
Proposals that are in alignment with the OFA Dance Program's mission and which reflect the Dance Program's values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ).
Proposals which demonstrate a clear front of house plan and staffing.
Proposing Informal Showing dates with at least 3 weeks in advance or more for proper planning.
Residency proposals which demonstrate how an informal showing at Harvard Dance Center would uniquely support their goals.

About Informal Showings

Informal showings are meant to create sustainable structure for students to share their work within limited space and staff capacity. Showings must not exceed 60 minutes, allowing for 30 minutes on each end for warm-up/cool-down, and audience management. Students must run all aspects of their own showings including front-of-house and rsvp tracking.

What is provided:

Two confirmed advanced two-hour reservations in HDC Studio 1 or 2
Risers up to 50 seats in Studio 1 or up to 40 chairs in Studio 2
An alternate studio will be reserved for the same time frame for “back stage” warm-up/cool down
Advance front-of-house training on ushering and emergency protocols
General studio light (no theatrical lights provided)
General aux cable/bluetooth sound system (no soundboard use provided)

What is NOT provided or permitted:

Light/sound booth access or use. External lights are not permitted
Soft good set-up
Must not be advertised as a performance or show in any promo.

Spring 2026 Application, Dates and Deadline

If you're interested in an Informal Showings in the Spring 2026 semester, please submit the application below. Times will be approved pending studio availability. Dates proposed should be no less than 3 weeks in advance to ensure proper front of house planning and staffing.