The Artist Residency Program (ARP) will give one award each year.

The recipient will receive 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. Voice Classes (Group Study) with Peter N. Bailey
4. One session with Victoria Urquhart (Grant Writing 101 Workshop)
5. Three hours of Business Coaching with Cynthia Chan

Applications for the 2027 Residency will be accepted from January 1 to April 30, 2027, at 6:00 PM EST.

Short-listed candidates will be interviewed in late May or early June, and they will be notified by June 15, 2027.

The 2027 ARP will start on July 1, 2027, and finish on June 30, 2028.

ARP Information Package:

---

Click here to see a list of past ARP recipients.

Application Requirements

1. Completed ARP Google Application Form with headshot and resume.
2. Reference letter from a member of the artistic community.
3. Personal essay (500-1000 words) answering two questions.
4. Video submission #1 – up to 3 minutes showcasing your art.
5. Video submission #2: max 2 minutes answering one of four questions.
6. [optional] A short letter from your Talent Agent outlining the roles you typically audition for and the reason they represent you.

Selection Process Explained

• Applications will open in early January and are due by April 30, 2027 (6:00pm EST)
• The committee (Cynthia Chan, John Gordon, Shaun McComb, Peter Bailey, Christian Lloyd) will review applications from May 1-15, 2027.
• Selected candidates will be contacted for an online interview by May 16, 2027.
• Interviews will take place on Zoom in late May or early June 2027.
• ARP Recipient will be notified by June 15, 2027.

Eligibility for The Dirt’s ARP

We accept applications from both new and experienced artists, including those with little or no acting experience.

For beginners, the ARP provides a special chance to learn through a complete program taught by experienced professionals.

If you’re an experienced actor feeling stuck creatively, the ARP can help you find your passion again and try new methods.

Whether you’re starting out or trying to overcome creative challenges, the program creates a supportive space to help you grow as an artist and enjoy acting again.

Key Focus Areas for Essay and Video

ESSAY QUESTION #1:

Share a recent creative experience that pushed you artistically, whether it was in acting (like in a class or performance) or another art form. What made this experience difficult or life-changing for you? Think about what you learned about your skills, your creative process, or yourself as an artist during this experience. [250-500 words]

ESSAY QUESTION #2:

If you are selected as the ARP recipient, what improvements would you like to see in your acting after studying at The Dirt for one year? [250-500 words]

VIDEO SUBMISSION #1 (max. 3 minutes):
Please share a sample of your art (e.g., demo reel, monologue, dance, music, or a directed scene). Include different scenes to showcase your acting range.

VIDEO SUBMISSION #2 (max. 2 minutes):
Please answer one of the following four questions:

1. An Actor You Admire

What have you learned from watching the performances of an actor you admire? Share a specific quality, choice, or approach that has influenced the way you think about acting.

2. A Core Belief About Acting

What was a core belief you held when you first started acting? Has that belief stayed the same, evolved gradually, or changed dramatically since you began? Explain how and why.

3. A Scene That Stayed With You

Think of a scene from a play, television show, or film that has stayed with you. What made it memorable, and what do you think made the scene work?

4. Your Dream Role

Name your dream role and briefly explain what draws you to it. You can think of a character type or archetype (i.e. villain, hero in fantasy thriller). What is it about the character that interests or excites you?

Criteria for Selecting 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).
• The Dirt will give special consideration to emerging artists (actors in the early stages of their career).
• Consideration of how studying at The Dirt for a year will impact the applicant’s artistic future.

Goals of Creating the ARP

• Welcomes applications from artists who may not have previously felt that this opportunity was accessible to them.
• Supports equity, diversity, and inclusion in The Dirt community
• Offers a chance for The Dirt to support the acting community
• Helps The Dirt connect better with the artistic community
• to see past recipients, click here

How do I apply?

Click here to access the online application form, where you can upload the required documents. *Video submissions can be sent via WeTransfer to info@dirtunderneath.com.

** WE WILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS BEGINNING JANUARY 2027 **

Contact for More Info

Cynthia Chan – Business Coach and Administrative Director info@dirtunderneath.com