First Draft 2026

Join us for FIRST DRAFT 2026!


Featured artists: Eona Carey, Darryl Clark, Robin Davis,
Vernon Gooden, Winifred Haun, Denita Inez, TJ Morris, Regina Perry-Carr, Julia Schaeffer, Dillon Zamora, and Little Fire Artist Collective.

FIRST DRAFT: New Works by Chicago-area Dancemakers

Saturday, February 28 at 7:00pm

Sunday, March 1 at 3:30pm
Location: Ann Barzel Theater at Visceral Dance Center, 3121 N. Rockwell, Chicago

Tickets

$49, general admission
$78, 2 tickets ($39 each)
$140, 4 tickets ($35 each)





Three Other Amazing Events:

1. VIP Event
Sunday, March 1 at 5:00pm
$75, includes show, post-show reception & more


2. Community Dancer Project
Performance: Sunday, March 1
For ages 10 to 90
$95, includes 1 comp ticket to show
Attend two rehearsals to learn a short group work created especially for your talents and abilities, and perform it on Sun., March. Families are encouraged to participate together!

*Dancers only need to attend rehearsals at one location.*
 

Rehearsals in Oak Park

Choreographer: Winifred Haun

Rehearsals: 
Fridays, February 13 & 20 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Location: TranscenDance, 120 Madison, Oak Park, IL

 

Rehearsals in Chicago

Choreographer: Julia Schaeffer

Rehearsals:
Wednesdays, February 18 & 25 from 8:45pm to 9:45pm

Location: Dance on Broadway, 3126 N. Broadway, Chicago

Performance & Tech

Tech rehearsal: Sun., March 1 at 1:30pm

Performance: Sun., March at 3:30pm

Location: Visceral Dance Center, 3121 N. Rockwell, Chicago

3. Master Class
Sun., March 1 at 12:30pm at Visceral Dance Center
For experienced dancers
$65, includes class & show

The purpose of FIRST DRAFT is to give local choreographers and dancers the opportunity to see and present their latest works in a professionally produced context. The public presentation of a nearly completed dance work is an essential step for dancemakers as they develop high quality, new work.
FIRST DRAFT also gives audiences the chance to experience new work, discover new dance artists, and witness the creation of new dances.

FIRST DRAFT 2026 will also present two popular Community events: Community Dancer Project, for community dancers ages 10 to 90, and a Master Class for Advanced dancers. Full details for these events will be available in early January.