CURRENT OPPORTUNITY

Boys Don’t Dance Participatory Project

Aberdeen Performing Arts in association with Marc Brew Company are looking for disabled* and non-disabled dance artists based in North East Scotland to lead on a participatory project with young people.

The project will involve two lead dance artists working with a group of young disabled and non-disabled participants to create a short piece inspired by Marc Brew Company’s Boys Don’t Dance, which will be performed as a curtain raiser during the show’s run at Light the Blue Festival.

Boys Don’t Dance is a poignant dance theatre show by acclaimed disabled and queer director, choreographer and dancer Marc Brew, reflecting on his journey as a boy who defied society’s expectations to embrace his love for dance. The show has been commissioned by Imaginate in partnership with Aberdeen Performing Arts.

We’re looking for inspirational dance artists with a background and/or interest in creating inclusive work with young people (tentatively aged 10 – 16). Choreographic experience is not essential, however you must have the confidence to co-lead a group of young dancers of varying levels of experience and abilities through a collaborative co-creation process.

When?

The project will be delivered from January – June 2026, connecting with Boys Don’t Dance during its creation period, previews and production at Light the Blue Festival in Aberdeen.

What You’ll Do

Across the project the lead artists will:

Attend a rehearsal day during Boys Don’t Dance creation period in Paisley followed by a toolkit session with Hayley Earlam, MBC Rehearsal Director and Engagement Manager (w/c 26th January or w/c 2nd February – 1 day during this period, tbc)
Meet the young participants and attend a preview performance of Boys Don’t Dance at the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen (Friday 13th February, confirmed)
Deliver introductory sessions with the participants to connect the group and explore the themes of Boys Don’t Dance (w/c 16th February and w/c 23rd February – 1 session per week, tbc)
Collaborate with the participants to create a short performance inspired by the themes of Boys Don’t Dance (w/c 20th April – w/c 25th May – 1 session per week, tbc)
Support the participants to perform their piece as a curtain raiser to Boys Don’t Dance at the Lemon Tree as part of Light the Blue (Saturday 6th June, confirmed)
Artists must be available for the confirmed dates above. TBC dates will be scheduled with the successful artists.

Fee

Lead artists will be offered a fee of £1,750 for the project, calculated at 2 x £200 day rate (rehearsal day/toolkit session and final performance) plus 9 x £150 half day rate (show visit and introductory/creation sessions).

Travel and accommodation will be covered for rehearsal day/toolkit session in Paisley, and reasonable expenses will be offered for travel to Aberdeen if based elsewhere in the North East.

Artists will be required to join the PVG Scheme or be subject to a PVG update, at Aberdeen Performing Arts’ cost.

*By using the term ‘disabled’, we include anyone who identifies as learning disabled, D/deaf, disabled, neurodivergent, as well as people living with chronic illness, mental health conditions, or other related experiences. We recognise that language preferences vary, and you do not need to identify with the term ‘disabled person’ to apply.

How To Apply

To apply, complete our online application form by Monday 1st December at 11pm. The form will ask you to provide contact details, upload your C.V. and answer the following:

Tell us about your relevant experience in dance/movement and working inclusively with young people (max. 300 words)
What interests you about the project? (max. 300 words)
What does working collaboratively and inclusively with young people looks like to you? (max. 300 words)
What is your general availability for the project dates (including if you have any preferred or no-go days for weekly sessions)?
Do you have access requirements which would enable you to deliver the project successfully?
If you would prefer to apply by audio or video, please send a file of no longer than 5 minutes via WeTransfer or similar to lightthebluefestival@aberdeenperformingarts.com responding to the questions above. Please also send your C.V. and let us know where you’re based.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application. Shortlisted artists will be invited to an informal meeting w/c 8th or w/c 15th December.

If you have any questions, feel free to get in contact via lightthebluefestival@aberdeenperformingarts.com.

Find out more about Light the Blue Festival. 

Deadline: Monday 1st December at 11pm.