Dixon Place

In 2023, Dixon Place (DP) sustained its enduring commitment to serving myriad communities by developing and presenting new original performing and literary works. In a welcoming, professional, accessible venue, artists and audiences were inspired and encouraged to discover new ideas, insights, and artistic forms. DPs policies, practices and programs ensure inclusivity regarding gender, race, sexual identity, disabilities, age, and ethnicity. Foremost priorities are to serve as a safe haven for artists and provide meaningful, culturally enriching experiences for audiences. Dixon Place was open January - December, 2023, presenting 132 live theater, dance, music, and literary events, serving over 500 artists and over 5900 attendees. The following is a breakdown of programs and projects: COMMISSIONING & PRODUCTION PROGRAM Established in 1994, DPs Commissioning & Production Program provides comprehensive support that empowers artists to develop and present courageous new work. Each production receives access to DP facilities for meetings and auditions; artistic fees of $6,000$15,000 per production for writers, directors, designers, choreographers, and performers; 80+ hours of rehearsal time; marketing and administrative assistance; a production manager and full technical support, and a performance run. In 2023, DP commissioned, presented and/or co-presented the following productions: ? The Village by Nora Burns. After the world premiere at DP sold out in October 22, the production was remounted and returned in 2023, February 2-24 and again June 1-23. Set in 1979 NYC, the 10 character comedic play combined show-stopping dialogue and disco dancing with period designs and metatheater. ? Truth and Beauty, by Candace Brown and Soul Project. Through movement and music, 10 dancers and 2 musicians told stories inspiring two things we all search for in our everyday lives: truth and beauty. The sold out production ran May 11, 12, 18, 19, 2023. ? Swimming With Lesbians written and performed by GLAAD Award-winning artist Marga Gomez. Gomez portrayed a multitude of characters in this seafaring comedy aboard the worlds oldest lesbian cruise ship, The Celesbian. The workshop production ran July 10-14, 2023. ? The Picher Project, a new musical by Quentin Madia and Lauren Pelia explored the rise and destruction of the now-abandoned mining town of Picher, OK. 20 actors/singers shared the stories of Picher citizens and the often forgotten experiences of the Quapaw Nation. September 28-October 21, 2023 HOT FESTIVAL The longest running annual LGBTQIA+ festival in the world, HOT has pioneered queer arts and culture in NYC since 1992, offering an artistic haven for so many underrepresented voices in the community. An extension of Pride, the Festival takes place throughout the entire month of July, featuring theater, dance, spoken word, music, and comedy. In 2023, HOT ran July 6-29 and engaged 72 artists.DANCE BLOC NYC FESTIVAL In 2023, the third year of DPs annual dance festival took place November 2, 3, and 4 with six different programs featuring new works in almost every dance form by 22 diverse dance companies. SUBSIDIZED SPACE PROGRAM (SSP) The SSP serves independent theater and dance companies who need affordable space to showcase their new work, a rarity in NYC, especially for artists and audiences with mobility challenges. By providing full front and back of house support, professional services and amenities, and physical accessibility, DP has built relationships with companies and many return annually. In 2023, the program supported New Camerata Opera, Navatman Dance Company, White Wave Dance, Wet Ink Ensemble, Noor Dance, Legacy Arts, and many more. PUPPETRY PROGRAM Since its inception in 2006, DPs popular annual program Puppet BloK (PB) has supported 275+ NYC area artists working in myriad forms of puppetry including Marionettes; Shadow Puppetry; Bunraku; Hand and Rod; Pageantry; puppets ranging in size from fingers to full body puppets; and more. PB takes place on 4 nights with 4 different curators selecting 4 artists/companies to present 10-15 minutes of new work. Each evening includes a talkback designed to assist artists in the development of their work; talkbacks also successfully serve to stimulate and educate audiences about puppetry and the process of creation. PB aligns perfectly with DPs mission by providing opportunities for puppetry artists to develop new ideas, explore new forms, and foster new collaborations. LITERARY PROGRAM In 2023, DPs long running successful series Experiments & Disorders featured 19 early career and established writers presenting new work in fiction, poetry, performance text, and nonfiction on April 18, May 16, July 18, October 17, and November 14. CULTURAL EDUCATION & COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM (CECO) CECO has provided much-needed free artistic workshops and performance opportunities for the underrepresented voices of culturally underserved, low-income elders for 24 years. In 2023, seniors in our community participated in two 4-month workshops in theater, puppetry and visual art, culminating in well-attended free public performances. Through these experiential programs led by teaching artists from Concrete Temple Theatre with great agility and expertise, elder participants discovered their creative voices, developed original work, and performed for supportive audiences. By supporting and nurturing voices rarely heard, CECO strengthens DPs commitment to diversity and inclusion, and nurturing the creative process at every level of artistic pursuit.