Tips to Getting a Residency – The Performer's Guide

A residency for performers refers to an extended period of time where an artist or group of artists live and work in a specific location, typically a theater, venue, or institution. During the residency, the performers are given the opportunity to create and develop new works, collaborate with other artists, and engage with the local community. Residencies can range in length from a few weeks to several months, and can be funded by grants or sponsorships. The goal of a residency is to provide performers with the time, space, and resources to focus on their creative process and ultimately produce new and innovative work.

Benefits to participating in a residency:

👍 Time and space for creative development: Residencies provide performers with the opportunity to focus on their work without the distractions of daily life. By dedicating a significant amount of time to their craft, performers can experiment, take risks, and develop their skills and ideas.
👍 Collaboration and networking: Residencies often bring together artists from different disciplines and backgrounds, providing opportunities for collaboration, learning, and networking. This can lead to new ideas, partnerships, and future projects.
👍 Exposure and promotion: Residencies can help performers gain exposure and promote their work. Many residencies provide opportunities for public performances, exhibitions, or presentations, allowing performers to showcase their talents and connect with audiences.
👍 Access to resources and support: Residencies often provide performers with access to resources such as equipment, materials, rehearsal space, and technical support. This can be especially valuable for performers who may not have access to these resources on their own.
👍 Community engagement: Many residencies include community outreach and education programs, allowing performers to share their skills and knowledge with local audiences. This can help build relationships with the community and promote the value of the arts.
👍 Reflection and growth: Residencies provide performers with the opportunity to reflect on their work, identify areas for growth, and develop new skills and techniques. This can lead to personal and professional growth, as well as the creation of innovative and impactful work

Difficulties of Residencies:

👎 Isolation: Residencies often require performers to spend extended periods of time away from their usual social and professional networks. This can be isolating and may lead to feelings of loneliness or disconnection.
👎 Pressure to produce: The expectation to produce work during a residency can be daunting, especially if performers feel like they are under pressure to create something impressive or groundbreaking.
👎 Limited resources: While some residencies provide performers with ample resources and support, others may have more limited resources, which can be frustrating and challenging.
👎 Homesickness: Being away from home for an extended period of time can be difficult, particularly if performers are in a new or unfamiliar place.
👎 Creative blocks: Even with dedicated time and space for creative development, performers may experience creative blocks or lack inspiration during their residency.
👎 Financial strain: Residencies can be expensive, particularly if performers are required to cover their own expenses such as travel, accommodation, and meals. This financial strain can be a significant barrier for some artists

There are many different types of residencies available for performers, each with their own focus, structure, and duration. Here are a few examples:

✅ Artist-in-residence: An artist-in-residence program typically provides artists with time and space to focus on their creative process, often in a specific location such as a museum, university, or community center.
✅ Performance residency: A performance residency provides performers with the opportunity to develop and rehearse new work, often culminating in a public performance or series of performances.
✅ Research residency: A research residency is focused on the exploration of a particular theme or topic, often with the goal of producing written or visual works.
✅ Collaborative residency: A collaborative residency brings together artists from different disciplines to work together on a shared project or idea.
✅ International residency: An international residency provides performers with the opportunity to travel to a new country or culture to work on their craft and gain new perspectives.
✅ Community-based residency: A community-based residency involves working directly with a local community, often through outreach or education programs, to create new work or engage in meaningful dialogue.
✅ Virtual residency: A virtual residency is conducted entirely online, allowing performers to collaborate and create from anywhere in the world

The process for attaining a residency can vary depending on the specific program and organization. However, here are some general steps to follow when pursuing a residency:

🪜 Research residencies: Start by researching different residency programs that align with your artistic goals and needs. Look at the program’s focus, location, duration, and application requirements.
🪜 Review application requirements: Once you’ve identified residencies that interest you, carefully review their application requirements. These may include a resume, artist statement, work samples, and letters of recommendation.
🪜 Prepare application materials: Based on the application requirements, prepare your application materials well in advance of the deadline. This may include updating your resume and artist statement, gathering work samples, and securing letters of recommendation.
🪜 Submit your application: Submit your application materials before the deadline, paying close attention to any specific submission instructions.
🪜 Wait for a response: After submitting your application, you may need to wait several weeks or months to hear back from the residency program. During this time, be patient and continue pursuing other creative projects.
🪜 Acceptance and preparation: If you are accepted into a residency program, make sure to carefully review the terms of the residency and prepare accordingly. This may include making travel arrangements, securing necessary equipment or materials, and preparing for the creative work you will be doing during the residency.
🪜 Participate in the residency: During the residency, be present and engaged, make the most of the resources available, and take advantage of opportunities to collaborate, network, and engage with the local community