Melbourne Fringe x Dancehouse 2026

Expression of Interest

Dancehouse is inviting expressions of interest from independent dance artists and choreographers for works under 60 minutes to be presented at Dancehouse as part of the 2026 Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Selected projects will be presented during Melbourne Fringe 2026 from Tuesday 29 September-Sunday 18 October at Dancehouse.

For details on how to apply, read the information below or contact the Dancehouse Program Manager at [email protected].  

Key Dates

Dancehouse EOI Timeline
EOI Open: Thursday 26 March 2026 10am
EOI Close: Monday 20 April 2026 11:59pm
Offers Sent to Artists: From Tuesday 5 May 2026

Melbourne Fringe Registration Timeline
Melbourne Fringe Registrations Close: Friday 22 May 2026

Melbourne Fringe Festival Timeline
Program Launch and Tickets On Sale: August 2026
Melbourne Fringe Festival: Tuesday 29 September-Sunday 18 October 2026
Melbourne Fringe Awards Night: Sunday 18 October 2026

Please note: if selected, artists will be required to provide full marketing materials in time to complete their Melbourne Fringe registration.

What We Offer

Selected projects will receive:

• A four-night performance season at Dancehouse in either the Sylvia Staehli Theatre or Upstairs Studio
• An upfront season fee of up to $1,000
• Melbourne Fringe Registration fee $420
• Door 50:50 split on net box office over $2,500
• 20 hours of free rehearsal time at Dancehouse in the lead up to your season
• Access to affordable rehearsal space for additional development time
• Access to Dancehouse technical equipment and standard rig
• Marketing support from both Dancehouse and Melbourne Fringe
• Front of House and producing support from Dancehouse throughout the season

Who Is This For?

This EOI is open to existing choreographic works, or new choreographic works in final stages of development that are ready to be presented live during Melbourne Fringe 2026.

Applications are welcome from emerging, mid-career and established choreographers.

Artists based anywhere in Australia are encouraged to apply. Interstate or internationally based Australian artists are welcome, but must address touring and travel costs in their proposal. 

Dancehouse prioritises works by First Nations artists, South Asian artists and forms, street dance and artists with disability.

Submit a Project Idea

Please submit your project to Dancehouse using the ‘Submit’ button on this page.

Submitting a project idea is simple. We ask for:

• Lead artist contact details
• A single proposal attachment
  • either:
    a document – maximum 2 pages
  • or
    a video or audio proposal – maximum 5-10 minutes

Dancehouse will confirm receipt of all submissions after the closing date. 

Selection Criteria

Dancehouse is interested in presenting rigorous, ambitious and forward-thinking choreographic work that expands ideas of dance and performance.

Applications will be assessed on:

• Artistic vision and choreographic inquiry
• Strength of concept and development stage
• Suitability for a balanced Melbourne Fringe season at Dancehouse 
• Audience engagement and viability within the Melbourne Fringe context 

Selection Process