APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED: Apply by Monday, January 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET! 

Calling Choreographers! Applications for WestFest Dance Festival's TOP FLOOR program are now open! Application Deadline Extended: January 12, 2026. 

WestFest: Top Floor 2026 presents two programs of visionary artists at The Kitchen's Westbeth location: a historic 3,000+ square foot loft space with 25 windows overlooking the Hudson River. Stepping away from our traditional proscenium venue, this year’s program invites artists to share work for an immersive three-sided audience within a loft environment. Complete with old wood floors and soaring ceilings, the space will be professionally lit to create an intimate and atmospheric performance experience. Selected artists will present an up-to 8-minute piece—new or adapted—across three shared performances.

THE VENUE: Top Floor will take place in the historic 4th-floor loft at The Kitchen’s Westbeth location (163B Bank Street).

Please note the following considerations:

-Thrust-style seating with audience on three sides

-Limited but intentional set lighting

-No wings; offstage entrances and exits; no hidden crossover 

-Performance area: 19 ft wide × 25 ft deep

-Uneven hardwood floors (no marley)

Upon acceptance, artists will have an opportunity to view the performance space.

This venue is different from Top Floor's typical home—expect a distinctive, intimate, and atmospheric setting.

THE PROCESS & TIMELINE: 

Each artist will have the opportunity to show a new or adapted work (8 minutes max) in two nights and one matinee of shared performance. 

Tech Rehearsal: 30-minute tech slot assigned between Mon-Tues, March 16-17 (Exact time shared upon acceptance) 

Dress Rehearsal: Wednesday, March 18 (Exact time shared upon acceptance) 

Performances:

Program A: Thurs, March 19 at 7 PM, and Sat, March 21 at 4 & 7 PM

Program B: Fri, March 20 at 7 PM and Sun, March 22 at 4 & 7 PM

SELECTED TOP FLOOR ARTISTS WILL RECEIVE:

-FREE production costs

-Professionally captured and edited photos

-Performance video

-Dedicated social media post and promotions on all WestFest platforms

-$250 performance stipend in appreciation of your work 

APPLICATION:

Regular Submission Deadline EXTENDED - January 12, 2026: $35

Click HERE for more information and to apply!

With any questions, reach out to info@westfestdance.com.