The Artist Residency Programme (ARP) will be awarded to one recipient on an annual basis. The 2023-24 ARP will be specifically for an Established Artist.*

The recipient will have free tuition and access to:

1. One session (6 classes) with John Gordon (On-Camera Scene Study)
2. One session (6 classes) with Shaun McComb (On-Camera Scene Study)
3. One session (3 classes) with Jonelle Gunderson (Movement + Character Embodiment)
4. Three hours of business coaching with Cynthia Chan

Applications will be accepted for the 2023-24 Residency until April 30, 2023 (6:00pm EST)

Short-listed candidates will be granted an interview mid-May and the recipient of the 2023-2024 ARP will be notified by June 15, 2023..

The 2022-23 ARP will begin July 1, 2023 and end June 30, 2024.

ARP Information Package:

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APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Completed ARP Google Application Form including headshot + resume/artistic CV.
2. Short letter from your Talent Agent listing what roles you are usually sent out for AND why they have you as a client on their roster.
3. Reference letter from a member of the artistic community.
4. Personal essay (500-1000 words).
5. Video submission – maximum 3 minutes demonstrating a sample of your art form.

What is the selection process?

• Applications due by April 30, 2023 (6:00pm EST)
• Selection committee (Cynthia Chan, John Gordon, Shaun McComb, Jonelle Gunderson, Peter Bailey and Christian Lloyd) will review applicants from May 1-15, 2023.
• Short-listed candidates will be contacted for an online interview by May 15, 2023.
• Interviews will be held on May 26, 2023.
• ARP Recipient will be notified by June 15, 2023.

* Who can apply to The Dirt’s ARP?

This year’s ARP will be award to an Established Artist. For the purposes of this application process, we define ‘Established’ to mean any combination of the following:

• do you have at least five professional credits in film/television or theatre?
• did you graduate from a conservatory program?
• did you start your own theatre company and have been performing shows? (i.e. have fringe credits)
• have you played a principal role in a production that wasn’t a student production?
• do you have representation?
• are you actively studying different techniques to enhance your career?

** If you are in the first 3-5 years of your acting career and cannot answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions, please wait for the next cycle (ARP for an Emerging Artist 2024-25) to apply

What should I focus on in the Essay and Video portion of the application?

Essay (min. 500 words, max. 1000 words):
Please tell us your story, why you want to study acting at The Dirt + why you are applying for the ARP.

Video Submission (max. 3 minutes):
Please show us a sample of your art form (i.e. demo reel, monologue, dance, musical performance, scene you directed).

What will the selection committee be looking for when choosing the Residency recipient?

• Applicant is curious and embracing of The Dirt’s philosophy towards acting and artistic pursuits.
• Special consideration for people who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Colour).
• Consideration of how studying at The Dirt for a year will impact the applicant’s artistic future.

What are the goals of creating the ARP?

• encourages people to apply who otherwise felt that they weren’t able to
• promotes equity, diversity and inclusion in our Dirt community
• allows The Dirt to be able to give back to the acting community
• gives The Dirt a way to connect with a wider artistic community
• for a list of past recipients please click here

How do I apply?

Click here. The online application form will prompt you to upload all required documents. *Video submission can be sent via WeTransfer to info@dirtunderneath.com

Who can I contact for more information?

Cynthia Chan (Dirt’s Administrative Director) – info@dirtunderneath.com

** On March 23 @6:30pm Cynthia will be interviewing Sze-Yang Lam (2022-23 ARP recipient) about his experiences. Please click here to register for the online Speaker Series.