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Nightswimming's Pure Research 05

Call for Submissions New Deadline March 1, 2005 -­‐-­‐ Please post or forward

There are few places in Canada where in-­‐depth theatrical research can be explored without the pressures of developing and/or performing a new work.

Nightswimming's unique Pure Research program provides space, money and resources to artists who are pursuing a provocative theatrical question.

Now in its third year, Pure Research is designed to foster theatrical experiments which are not specifically linked to the creation of new work. In the spirit of inquiry, we assist artists in discovering what they need to explore, in order to further their work. We want you to tell us what you don't know, and how you might be able to answer your questions through a Pure Research workshop.

What does that mean?

If you have a theatrical question, and can pose it in terms of an experiment, then we're interested. We will supply studio space for up to three days, a $1000 fee for the lead researcher and a small budget (up to $2000) for cast and materials.

Recent Pure Research workshops included: * Voice, Music and Narrative Theatre by Martin Julien (experimentation with the influence of live vocal musical sound on theatrical narrative); * Beneath the Poetry: Magic not Meaning by Kate Hennig (an exploration of voice for the theatre, investigating alternative models of illuminating text in rehearsal); * Singing to Speaking by Guillaume Bernardi (examining the moment of transition from speech to song); * Hello! Sound, Voice and Connection by Heather Nicol (in which a visual artist worked with actors to explore improvised vocal texts and abstract sound).

All Pure Research projects are documented and the results posted on Nightswimming's website. Researchers are required to submit a full report within one month of completing their experiment. Nightswimming staff will be present to observe and to offer assistance as required.

The Details: * Submission Deadline: March 1, 2005 * Pure Research projects will be held in Toronto in October 2005 * You must be available during this period. * Please read carefully the submission criteria below. * Visit http://www.nightswimmingtheatre.com for more information.

Pure Research Submission Process

We need a concise but detailed proposal outlining: * your question and what you want to learn from it * how you intend to conduct the experiment -­‐ this is the most important section of the application * practical details such as time, people and equipment required * any relevant support material such as text or prior research

We are particularly interested in: * exploring poetic or stylized text in any form or genre * integration of sound, movement, technology and text * artists who view research and development as a long-­‐term process, rather than simply as a short-­‐cut to production * an artistic spirit of inquiry

What to send us: * a cover letter introducing yourself and defining the application: preferred dates, amount of time requested, budget, specific goals * a project description of no more than two pages * a list of collaborators, if known * c.v. of principal artist * videos: only to introduce us to physical artists. Please provide a brief explanation of where and when the video was shot * do not send press clippings, photos, programs, press kits or folders

Also: * be honest about what you know, what you don't know, what you want, and what you'd like to achieve * Remember that it is not a developmental workshop for a new piece of theatre * all applicants will be informed of results by mail in June 2005 * please provide a self-­‐addressed, stamped envelope if you want your material returned * before making our final decisions we will contact those whose submissions intrigue us; we may ask shortlisted applicants for further information or a more detailed proposal * applications from artists outside Canada are welcomed, but the realities of our budget means we will focus on Canadian submissions * note: applications will not be accepted by email or fax

Please send applications to: Brian Quirt, Artistic Director Nightswimming 55 Mill Street, #310 The Case Goods Warehouse, Toronto, ON, M5A 3C4, Canada

Thanks for your interest in Pure Research. We look forward to reading your application.

Nightswimming is a dramaturgical company dedicated to exploring the boundaries of dramaturgy and performance. We commission and develop new works of theatre, dance and music. For more information, or if you have questions about applying, contact us at http://www.nightswimmingtheatre.com.