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LabWorks FAQ

New Victory LabWorks Participants

Who is involved in New Victory LabWorks?

Each season, a group of individual artists is selected (via an application process) to be New Victory LabWorks Artists. New Victory LabWorks is for NYC-based artists of color creating original work for kids and families. We welcome and uplift all artists of color, including those who identify as LGBTQIA+ and who identify as disabled. New Victory LabWorks supports adventurous performing arts for family audiences. As an artistic home for artists of all disciplines, New Victory LabWorks explores, devises and reimagines what theater for families can be.

LabWorks artists and alumni include New York City-based arts professionals, including artists, practitioners, educators, presenters and producers from a broad range of experience, who are invited to participate in professional development and networking events throughout the year.

How many LabWorks Artists are selected to participate each year?

Four artists are selected each year to participate in New Victory LabWorks.

Program Resources

What space(s) will I have access to?

At this time, space is not a guaranteed element of the program.

The space provided will depend on the nature of the work, the artist’s needs, timing and availability. Space will be located in New 42 Studios or the New Victory Theater unless the New Victory otherwise specifies another similar venue. Most spaces have tables, chairs, a piano or keyboard and a ballet barre. Other modest amenities may be available upon request. Please note that the New Victory does not have an in-house scene or costume shop or resident actors, designers, etc. Rehearsal spaces have limited lighting and sound capabilities and cannot support rigging for aerial work.

What type of rehearsal schedule can I expect?

At this time, in-person rehearsals are not a guaranteed element of the program.

If available, rehearsal schedules can range from one to three weeks, generally Monday-Saturday from 10am – 6pm, not to exceed 42 hours in any given week. Spanning from August – June in a given year, specific schedules will vary based on the needs/availability of each artist and the availability of space.

Is there a stipend?

LabWorks Artists receive a $15,000 stipend. This is not a commissioning or producing fee, and there are no separate travel or housing stipends.

Is housing or relocation assistance provided?

No. The program is solely for artists based in New York City. Housing, travel or relocation assistance will not be provided. The stipend is not sufficient for living expenses.

Is the building ADA-accessible?

Yes. Please let us know if you have any specific requests or needs, and we will do our best to accommodate.

Will I be able to present my project at the New Victory Theater?

LabWorks is a process-oriented developmental platform. There will be an opportunity for an Invited Rehearsal (for purposes of project feedback), but participation in the LabWorks program does not guarantee presentation in a future New Victory season.

What is the time commitment required?

LabWorks Artists must attend monthly meetings with other cohort artists, individual meetings, professional development events and networking opportunities over the year.

Application

Who is eligible to apply?

NYC-based artists of color of all experience levels, working in all genres of live performing arts with interest and excitement around making work for kids and families.

Do you accept applications from individual artists or companies?

New Victory LabWorks is designed to support individual artists. Payment can be made to an individual or a company, but an individual artist will be accepted into the program.

Can I apply if I am under the age of 18?

No, all applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

How do I submit my application?

When available, you can submit your application online. Supporting materials should be submitted via your personal Dropbox link or Google Drive folder when prompted in the application. All supporting application materials should be included in one Dropbox folder. Please make a folder specific to your LabWorks application, and wait to remove any materials from the folder until six months after the application deadline.

Can I send physical materials as a part of my application?

If you have physical materials such as paper copies, CDs, DVDs, etc., please email LabWorks@New42.org.

Can I still apply if I’ve never created a performance for kids and family audiences?

Absolutely! Artists do not need to have prior experience creating work for young audiences. However, you must demonstrate an enthusiasm for work for kids and family audiences, and the work you would focus on developing during your time in LabWorks must be specifically with kids and families in mind.

If I am not selected, can I reapply in a future year with the same application?

You can apply multiple times, but significant changes should be made to your application from season to season.

Which phase of development should my work be in?

Your work and any projects you focus on may be in any development phase (initial concept to workshop). Do you have an idea you’ve wanted to explore but lack the time or resources? Apply! We’d love to hear about it. If your projects have received a full production or premiere, but you would like to continue their development, please indicate this in your application and describe the next phases of development.

Who reviews LabWorks applications?

Our application review panels will review all applications. Panels comprise New Victory staff members, Youth Corps members, industry professionals and previous LabWorks Artists. All applicants will receive a notification of final decisions. No phone calls, please.

What happens after I submit my application?

After all applications are reviewed, a select group of applicants will be contacted to interview with members of the New Victory Artistic Programming staff. All applicants will receive notification of final decisions. Unfortunately, due to the large number of applications we receive, we cannot offer individualized feedback at this time.

For any other questions regarding your application or the New Victory LabWorks program, email LabWorks@New42.org. No phone calls, please.