MANCC’s Free to Rep program provides subsidized research and development time for one U.S. based repertory company and three to four choreographers annually who have not previously worked together. The primary goal of the three week program is to encourage artistic exploration in a supportive environment void of the usual time and financial constraints surrounding many commissioning structures. Free to Rep enhances the artistry of repertory companies as well as participating choreographers in a mutually beneficial residency.

Free to Rep provides choreographers the chance to work with companies that were previously inaccessible to them, and to focus on creative research with outstanding professional dancers in a process-driven environment. Most importantly, there is no pressure on the choreographers to premiere a new piece at the residency’s end. Participating choreographers are either at an early point in their repertory development or aesthetically challenging to the participating company’s repertory. Participants will not be hampered by an agenda – there are no requirements for teaching, conducting community events, or performing. Their primary focus should be creative research with the dancers of the participating company.

MANCC believes that encouraging companies to expand their artistic palette benefits dancers and the company as a whole. As they work with new choreographers, dancers gain exposure to new techniques, vocabularies and creative processes that add to their talent as performers. Companies can expand the depth and breadth of their repertory, and potentially attract new audiences who are engaged by different aesthetics. In the best-case scenario, the company may subsequently commission the artist, although this is not the intention of the program.

2008 Free to Rep with Limón Dance Company 

2007 Free to Rep with AXIS Dance Company

2006 Free to Rep with Philadanco