What kind of work is eligible for The Place Prize?
Dance works in a contemporary idiom. We don't mean contemporary dance as a description of a style. We mean any dance which is a fresh reaction to the way the world is now.
Who can enter?
Any UK-based professional contemporary dance artist (apart from previous winners of The Place Prize). Entrants have included recent graduates, emerging artists, classical dancers who have choreographic ambition and senior, established choreographers. The overall standard is extremely high – but it’s those with the strongest ideas for a new work which stand out.
What do you mean by professional?
We mean artists who earn a living at least in part through making dance. But really, in the end, it's not money that matters - it's attitude. The entrant must not be a full or part-time undergraduate or foundation course student in a degree-granting programme or equivalent for the duration of the entry process and competition. Neither the dancers nor other collaborators may be a full or part-time undergraduate or foundation course student in a degree-granting programme or equivalent between the beginning of the desiginated rehearsal period and the conclusion of the competition. Postgraduate students are eligible.
Why is entry anonymous?
We are looking for the strength of a choreographic idea, not personality or previous achievement. The entries will be assessed unattributed.
Why is entry by video?
Video is a means for entrants to show the commissioners the stimulus for their choreographic idea. We believe video is a more effective medium than written application.
Can I apply again if I was previously unsuccessful?
Yes, previous entrants – whether their entry was commissioned or not – may enter again in the new edition of the competition, with a new proposal. Previous winners of The Place Prize may not enter. You may only make one entry per person for each edition.
Can I enter a piece that has already been created and, if shortlisted, use the rehearsal space to re-rehearse it?
No. You must apply with an idea to create a new piece of work. You may have undergone a period of research and development in relation to the new work but it must not have been produced or performed in a finished state.
I'm busy over the summer. If commissioned, could I make the work at another time?
Yes, but we cannot provide a studio. Your work must be ready in time for scheduled technical rehearsals.
What will happen to those pieces which are not selected for the final?
They will belong to the dance-makers who may present them again at The Place and elsewhere, or may develop them into longer works. Some are likely to be shown again under different circumstances at The Place at a later time. Producers from overseas will visit the competition, and may extend performance invitations as a result. All the above is also true of works selected for the finals at the conclusion of those performances.
How will you prevent a finalist inviting all their friends to a performance and voting for them?
They would win £1,000, true, but they would have to spend £1,500 on tickets to swing it, so what would be the point? Only ticket holders who watch the entire performance are eligible to vote. Anyone involved in the production of a finalists' piece (anyone credited on the programme) is not allowed to vote in the Finals. The Place Prize staff are also not allowed to vote.
Does a winner have to spend the prize on dance?
No. The commission fees must be spent on creating a work for the competition, but the audience voted prizes of £1,000 and the £25,000 for the winner are cash for any purpose.
Is The Place Prize awarded at a ceremony?
The Prize will be awarded at a public ceremony shortly after the last performance of the finals at the The Place.
What do I do if I’m unsure whether I’m eligible to enter, or I think that the entry criteria are unfair?
Contact us – we’ll be happy to discuss your specific issues and decide if we can accept your entry. Email or call 020 7121 1040.
Adam Linder's "Foie Gras", Place Prize winner 2008
Cathy Marston's "D)US(T" Place Prize semi-finalist 2006
Rosemary Butcher's "Hidden Voices" Place Prize finalist 2004