AUDITION

GRIDLOCK Dance is seeking dynamic and virtuosic dancers to fill paid contract positions. Prospective dancers must show an interest in an investigative process that includes an open mind and a willingness to work in a collaborative group environment. 

Movers of all gender identities and expressions aged 18+ with strong backgrounds in modern and contemporary dance are encouraged to audition. Experience or interest in contact improvisation and partnering is preferred. There is no fee to audition. 

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REGISTRATION:

https://forms.gle/gNjtiL7Ss2rbxrdo7 

WHEN: 

Sunday, June 26, 2022

2:00-5:30pm

WHERE:

Joe’s Movement Emporium 

3309 Bunker Hill Rd

Mt Rainier, MD 20712

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AUDITION SCHEDULE:

2:00-2:30pm: Introductions, Overview, Q&A

2:30-3:00pm: Warmup 

3:00-4:00pm: First Round

4:00-5:00pm: Second Round

5:00-5:30pm: Review of Next Steps (Scheduling Brief Interviews)

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ABOUT GRIDLOCK DANCE:

Led by Madeline Maxine Gorman, GRIDLOCK Dance is a contemporary dance company based in Washington, DC. The mission of GRIDLOCK Dance is to uncover societal thorns and inspire everyday awakenings through collaborative performances and art making. We explore societal issues through the combination of contemporary movement with projection, music, spoken word, humor, and audience engagement. In particular, GRIDLOCK examines the relationships between mass media, mental health, and movement. Our company values are: 

• Curiosity: We value exploring the unknown, uncovering new ideas, and reinventing our art with each performance

• Collaboration: We value creating collaboratively and building a company with people from all walks of life

• Communication: We value open dialogues, transparent processes, and of course, color-coded Google calendars

• Concinnity: We value our commitment to the company, but we also ensure it’s harmonious with the rest of our lives (aka real life comes first, not a part-time gig)

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PAYMENT: 

Our ultimate goal at GRIDLOCK Dance is to hire our dancers full-time. As we work toward that goal, we’re committed to paying our dancers as best we can. All GRIDLOCK Dance company members are paid $20 an hour for rehearsals and performances, and can attend our weekly class at Joe’s Movement Emporium for free. 

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COMPANY SCHEDULE: 

The selected dancers must be available for class and rehearsals on Sundays from 2:00-5:30pm at Joe’s Movement Emporium. Specific engagements are in process and availability will be discussed. One-year contracts will be provided (June 12, 2022 to June 12, 2023) and renewed at the discretion of the Artistic Director. 

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ABOUT THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR:

Madeline Maxine Gorman (she/her) is a talkative and loud person. That’s due in part to bad hearing, but mostly because she has always been passionate about conveying important messages. A Maryland native, Max navigates the world as a queer, disabled, and neurodivergent person. Described as a “raw talent” and “a treasure that can push her and the dance community in the right direction” (Charm City Dance), she experiments with the pervasive undercurrents of mass media, mental health, and movement as the Artistic Director of GRIDLOCK Dance.  

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Most recently, GRIDLOCK was commissioned by Joe’s Movement Emporium to present Veritas in 2021. Through interactive technology and misinformation, Veritas mirrors how voyeurism, escapism, and sensationalism influence understandings of truth in everyday life. In 2019, Max’s self-produced and sold-out show ADDICT raised more than $4,000 for a new homeless shelter in Baltimore, specifically serving women affected by addiction. An ADDICT excerpt was voted Audience Favorite in the Ascending Choreographer’s Festival. 

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In addition to her evening-length shows, her shorter works have been featured in the BIDA Choreographer’s Showcase, SPRINGBOARD Performance Series, Peabody Dance! Festival, and Joy of Motion’s Dance Project Showcase, among others. Some pandemic-impacted achievements include presentation in Dance Place’s New Releases Showcase and at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. 

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As an educator, Max has taught a diverse range of populations, including pre-professional dancers, seasoned movers, college football players, and theater actors. Most recently, Max partnered with On Our Own of Maryland, a behavioral health nonprofit, to create and conduct workshops on arts advocacy and movement for self-care to young adults with mental health and substance use struggles. 

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Max graduated as commencement speaker from Towson University with her B.F.A. in Dance and B.S. in Mass Communication.

Where is the audition held? How do I get there?

The performance is being presented by Joe's Movement Emporium in Mt Rainier, MD. 

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Metro Directions
Take the red line train to Rhode Island Ave. Then take a short bus ride on the 82, 84, 86, or T-18 bus. Walk up 34th Street to the first stop sign and make a left on Bunker Hill Road, Joe’s is immediately on your left.

Green line:

Take the train to West Hyattsville. Take a short bus ride on the F1 or F2 bus.

ALL BUSES STOP AT 34th STREET AND RHODE ISLAND AVE IN MT RAINIER. Walk up 34th Street to the first stop sign and make a left on Bunker Hill Road, Joe’s is immediately on your left.

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Driving Directions
From the Maryland Beltway:

Exit at College Park/Route 1 South. Continue on Route 1 and take a right on 34th St at the roundabout. Go to your first stop sign and make a left on Bunker Hill Road, Joe’s is immediately on your left.

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From Washington, DC:

Head East on Rhode Island Ave. After Eastern Ave., go 3/4 of the way around the traffic circle. Make a right on 34th St (going up the hill). Go to your first stop sign and make a left on Bunker Hill Road, Joe’s is immediately on your left.

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Parking Directions
Park in Joe’s lot to the right of the building for FREE, meter parking is available on Bunker Hill Road, 34th Street, and Rhode Island Avenue. 

Is the audition indoors? What kind of COVID-19 safety precautions are in place?

The performance is held inside a studio at Joe's Movement Emporium. There is limited capacity for the audition due to COVID-19 safety protocol. Masks are required. 

What should I expect? What should I wear?

You can expect a brief warm-up led by the Artistic Director followed by learning choreography that will be performed in groups. Depending on size, there may be a cut halfway through the audition. Pants and socks are recommended for floorwork.