JUNE 15 - JULY 4, 2026
at THE SPACE UPSTAIRS
PITTSBURGH, PA
THE PILLOW PROJECT
2026 INTENSIVE IMPROVISATIONAL STUDY
Develop your unique artistic presence, cultivate an informed practice,
and engage in a conscious curiosity for nuanced musicality and physical-poetry
THE PROGRAM
Since 2011, this 3-week immersive professional training program containing 100+ hours of classes and studies has been developed to foster an informed physical awareness, a committed personal practice, and a conscious curiosity in the hands-on experience of creating and engaging in professional work.
Mondays through Thursdays 10am-4pm / Fridays & Saturdays 5pm-11pm
The daily schedule includes:
- 2 hours of technique, body organization, and physical conditioning
- 2 hours of focused work in THE ELLIPSIS CONDITION improvisational study
- 90 minutes of practical labs in poetic communication, live-music labs, hands-on projection work, and company repertoire
-Open studio time for self-directed projects, filming, and practice
All students must be able to participate in all three weeks of the program.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications accepted January 12, 2026 through midnight February 1, 2026. There is no application fee.
Open to artists 18 to 26 years old.
Enrollment to the program is strictly limited to sixteen artists.
Early applications are strongly suggested.
All interested artists should apply by sending the following to study@pillowproject.org
1) A written personal artist statement expressing what most excites you about dancing and why you want to train at with The Pillow Project at The Space Upstairs: What are the mindsets and attitudes you believe would nurture the kind of collective to which you would want to belong? What is a specific goal that you want to accomplish during your time at The Space Upstairs? Example: instead of saying ‘I want to become a better dancer’, identify what you believe will contribute to making you a better dancer. (ie: working on your improvisational vocabulary; learning to be a better witness to others in class, being able to write and speak more thoughtfully about your work, etc.)
2) An accessible online link without the need for a password (YouTube or Vimeo preferred) to a recent video sample (2-4 minutes) of solo improvised movement with any music of your choosing. This video sample can be recorded informally with a phone or computer from any location, and must be submitted without any edits or filters/effects applied to the footage.
3) Include your preferred name/pronouns, contact email address and phone number.
The Pillow Project will review your application for the program and send you a notification of acceptance via email no later than February 8, 2026.
After you are accepted into the program, you will be asked to submit a $100 deposit to secure your spot in The Pillow Project 2026 Intensive Improvisational Study. Non-refundable deposits are applied to your full tuition.
If you have additional questions, please contact info@pillowproject.org or call 412-225-9269
TUITION
Full tuition for the 3-week program is $900
If accepted into the program, a $100 non-refundable deposit will be due no later than March 20, 2026 to secure your spot in the program. This deposit will go toward your tuition.
Full tuition will be due no later than April 12, 2026.
Tuition is not prorated for missed program days.
Housing is not provided.
