NW New Works 26/27 Application
26/27 Northwest New Works Applications are Now Open!
Application Deadline: December 6, 2026 | 11:59pm PST
Festival Artists Notification: February 2027
Festival Show Dates: June 3 — 5, 2027
Questions or feedback? Email us at nwnw@ontheboards.org
On the Boards is soliciting proposals for new original dance, theater, music, and interdisciplinary performances to be featured in the 2027 Northwest New Works festival.
Since 1983, the NW New Works Festival (NWNW) has been a vibrant celebration of artists from all performance disciplines, showcasing the dynamic arts community of the Pacific Northwest. This festival supports artists in developing their practices, while creating and presenting new works.
The 2027 NWNW Festival will be curated by artists Alyza DelPan-Monley, Akoiya Harris, and Amy O’Neal. This season’s festival will feature six new works performed on the Merrill Theater stage at OtB over three days, June 3–5, 2027.
The Details
Who can apply
Artists or artist collectives who reside in the Northwest. This is an informal geographic region, and we encourage artists to self-define. Please note that the festival does not provide, cover, or support travel, accommodations, or international visas. We do not accept applications from other non-profit organizations or commercial entities.
Please be aware that artists must be available for rehearsals in Seattle starting on Saturday, May 29, 2027.
All works must be performance-based. On the Boards has a tradition of presenting dance, theater, music, and interdisciplinary works, and supports a broad definition of such mediums. That being said, we will not accept applications for projects that are primarily visual art, exhibition, or installation-based. Works proposed must be new, no more than 20 minutes in length, and must be appropriate for production as part of a festival. Projects may not involve minors, fire, thrown glitter, broken glass, aerial, or other elements that could risk the safety of artists or audience.
What selected artists receive
The application is an open call, and six works will be chosen by the three curators from the applicant pool. Applicants will be notified in February 2027. On the Boards will provide festival artists with existing in-house lighting and sound equipment, staff support, an honorarium of $1,500, an expense stipend of $500, professional development sessions with OtB staff, and up to 20 hours of rehearsal time at On the Boards.
Selection criteria
• Compelling artistic practice, adding to the fabric of NW performance
• Proposed work has relevant artistic goals and advances the artist's practice
• Participation in the festival advances artistic development and/or the festival's new work goals
The space
The six selected works will be performed in the Merrill Theater, a 300-seat proscenium theater with raked seating and a sprung floor with black marley. Festival rehearsal time in the Merrill Theater is not guaranteed. Rehearsals may take place in the Studio Theater, our smaller blackbox space.
Marketing release
If your project is selected and you accept the invitation to participate in the 2027 NWNW Festival, On the Boards will use the information and materials you provide as part of this application (including but not limited to text, images, video, social handles, and other project details) in our marketing and communications to announce the 2027 festival lineup and promote your work. By submitting this application, you are consenting to this use. Best effort will be made to confirm the accuracy of this information with you before we use it publicly.
Questions or feedback? Email us at nwnw@ontheboards.org