As part of our 2026 programme MWYHAU | AMPLIFY, Richard Chappell Dance (RCD) will commission two early to mid career choreographers based in or from Wales to create works for performance alongside RCD repertoire through an open call. Building on our past commissioning programme Supporting Acts, MWYHAU | AMPLIFY tests new ways for dance to be championed in Wales, co-designed by a network of companies, venues, community groups and artists. Engaging with the priorities highlighted through consultation with artists and the Dance in Wales review, the programme will explore new models for commissioning, participation, audience growth and working in partnership across scale. MWYHAU | AMPLIFY has been shaped to empower dance makers to continue their learning in artistic values, strategic development, climate justice, fundraising, technical theatre and financial monitoring. It will upscale each artist’s practices to think boldly about the development of their artistic voices in accessible and sustainable ways.
Through an application and interview process, we will select two artists. The first commission will be for February-March 2026, through a residency and performance at Theatr Brycheiniog. The second commission will take place in September-October 2026, through a residency at Theatr Clwyd and a performance at Taliesin Arts Centre. At least one commission will centre specifically on the use of Welsh Language, with Welsh literature, spoken word or recordings being a requirement for either the performance or the choreographer’s creation process. Each artist will lead two days of participatory work with RCD partners in the regions that they will present work in. Please see the ‘Key dates’ section for further information.
MWYHAU | AMPLIFY will uplift artists through a wide ranging package of support and RCD is looking to collaborate with makers who have ambitions choreographic practices and voices. The programme has been funded by Arts Council Wales.
Who are we currently recruiting for?
Two choreographers/dance artists based in, or from, Wales.
What is the eligibility criteria for applicants?
-Applying artists will need to show significant expertise and artistic excellence in their practices, demonstrating their ability to create impactful work for audiences. This can be within any dance genre and can be demonstrated through one or more professional creations.
-Experience in creating and premiering at least one work for theatre contexts is desired, but not essential. We recognise the challenges to achieving this in current funding landscapes. Within the application form, artists will be encouraged to demonstrate how they are ready to create independently for a mid scale venue if this is the case.
-MWYHAU | AMPLIFY has been co-designed by multiple cultural organisations and place based partnerships. Applicants must be able to demonstrate high levels of appetite to engage with local people during their creation residencies. Ideal applicants will have enthusiasm for developing unique experiences for local people within their participatory work, as well as authentic ways for how these experiences will inform their creation processes.
-MWYHAU | AMPLIFY is design to uplift the independent dance sector in Wales. Artists must currently have an independent, freelance practice and a high appetite to deepen their work in Wales. Artists must be Welsh or currently based in Wales and must be at an early to mid stage in their careers.
-To make the most of MWYHAU | AMPLIFY’s mentoring, Artists will need to demonstrate a proactive receptiveness to learn from the programme’s experiences for their future work.
-For the Welsh Language commission, applicants must be practicing Welsh speakers.
How will the commission work?
The Choreographer will receive a commission fee, in-kind mentoring, residency support and programming. Richard Chappell Dance will support each choreographer to shape their programme, whilst planning 2 participatory workshop days for the choreographer to deliver. Due to the resources available to RCD for each commission, we are looking to support a choreographer/dance artist who is creating a solo work they will perform, or a solo created on a different dancer, or a duet which features the choreographer as a performer. This is to ensure our commission pays for the work at cost. Should an applicant wish to create a work with larger numbers of collaborators, their application should feature information about how the essential match funding will be secured. Please note each work will sit in a mixed bill and will need to last approximately 10-15 minutes. Each work must not be technically complex, as technical rehearsals on performance days must only last one hour and fifteen minutes on stage.
Commission Fee Breakdown
Each commissioned choreographer will be paid a fee of £2,570, which is inclusive of holiday pay on Equity’s Right to Rest rates and paid travel time. This fee is inclusive of single artist costs for one week of creation, two days of participation delivery and one performance. Additional to this fee, RCD will cover all travel and accommodation expenses and provide technical support in kind for performances. Additional funds will be allocated to the choreographer should their work be programmed in additional RCD performances after their premiere date. We are continuing to seek funding to realise this ambitious project, which will include an expansion of delivery timeframes and artist fees. We will keep applicants updated on our fundraising developments throughout the selection and delivery process.
What support will the Choreographer receive?
The Choreographer will receive in kind mentoring from Richard Chappell Dance staff in partnership development, climate justice, fundraising, technical theatre, dramaturgy and financial monitoring. Mentoring will be provided by Artistic Director Richard Chappell, Producing Consultant Chris Ricketts, Climate Justice Facilitator Marla King, Production Manager Charlie Knight and Communications Consultant Lucy White. The support has been designed to be offered throughout the project, and legacy support will be shaped from the choreographer’s reflections and needs after the performance date.
Can you cover access costs?
Yes, access funds are available to be used as required. Please let us know when you are applying if you have any access requirements you would like us to be aware of. This information will not affect the selection process, but will be used in our forward planning for the project and, if applicable, will be taken into account in our methods of communication with you throughout the application process to make it as accessible and convenient for you as possible. Should you have specific questions about access needs and costs, please do get in touch and we can facilitate a conversation.
Conduct
RCD strives to create safe and restorative environments for our artists, participants and audiences. To support these efforts, we have a Code of Conduct which is a mutual agreement between everyone we work with to ensure access, respect, safety and generosity to all. You can find a copy of our Code of Conduct HERE. Within the application process you will be required to confirm your willingness to engage with our working practices.
How do I apply?
Please complete our online google form HERE, or email us on applications@richardchappelldance.co.uk to request a word document version. We would like to hear about your choreographic practice and your appetite to grow and shape it, alongside information about the work you are proposing. We would also like to see examples of your past choreography, or work in progress if you are applying to develop a creation already in development.
We are passionate about our programmes creating more equity across the dance sector and are conscious of the challenges artists face when applying for work to facilitate their practices. This application process has been designed to not be too time consuming for applicants and your writing within the form could range from a few clear and direct sentences, to a longer explanation. We know that word limits can sometimes limit an artist’s honesty when describing their work and force more time to be spent on an application than necessary. We want to hear transparently about your work and needs and the length of answer to each question will not determine the strength of the application.
Please contact us if you want this information in other formats. If you would prefer to create a video application, please send us a video no more than 5 minutes long, containing the information requested in the form.
Interview
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a brief interview (30 minutes) on the 10th December 2025. No preparation will be needed for this interview and we will endeavour to allocate a time during working hours that is convenient for you. The interview will be led by the following RCD and partner staff:
Richard Chappell, RCD Artistic Director
Bethan Cooper, Impelo
Chris Ricketts, Independent Consultant
Divija Melally, Independent Choreographer
Charlie Knight, RCD Production Manager
In the application form, you will be able to let us know if you are unavailable on this date, alongside preferred timings for an interview. The interview is likely to be led in English, but should you wish to speak in Welsh, we will ensure adequate translation capacities for Welsh learners within the panel.
Key Dates
Application Deadline: 12pm, 8th December 2025
Shortlist Interview Day: 10th December 2025
Outcome Notification: 22nd December 2025
Theatr Brycheiniog Residency Commission 1: 16th-20th February 2026
Commission 1 Premiere, Theatr Brycheiniog: 19th March 2026
Theatr Clwyd Residency Commission 2: 16th-20th March 2026
Commission 2 Premiere, Taliesin Arts Centre: 15th October 2026
Who do I contact if I have any questions about the project or my application?
If you have any questions around the MWYHAU | AMPLIFY project or your application, please contact applications@richardchappelldance.co.uk.
We are a company that celebrates difference and diversity of identity, thought and lived experience within all our work. Richard Chappell Dance CIC believes in shaping restorative, empowering and inspiring experiences for artists, which increase the sustainability of careers and practices. We place a strong focus on access and being a part of positive change within the dance sector. We welcome applications from people of colour, disabled and neurodivergent artists, alongside artists of any ages those who have experienced past or recent economic disadvantage.