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DIY Residency

We are currently accepting applications (thoughout the year) from artists and companies for the DIY program.

D.I.Y. Residency Program, is designed to to nurture emerging artists by providing them with a feeling of home during the residency and beyond.We also instill sustainable models that encourages artists to think, not only as art makers, but also as entrepreneurs. We mentor residents to develop the skills necessary to sustain a lifetime of art making. This residency culminates in a world premiere of a new work by the participating artist.

The foundation blocks of these programs are to provide community artists access to the support and tools you need to manifest you project and enrich our communities landscape. We have 3 different types of programs, all of which have a different focus and structure, but share the same values outlined in our mission. By doing this we hope to provide artist of all skill levels opportunities to participate in our community.

MCVF emphasizes the importance of a healthy collaboration that is mentally and financially beneficial for the Artist and present or. We feel that the biggest obstacles self-producing artists have to overcome when creating and performing new works, is making the finances work in their favor and to have a presentor who provides a culture of feeling grounded and at home in the space which they are developing and presenting their work.

  • We do not believe in the production line mentality of presenting work.
  • We do not practice the call at 6pm out by 10pm model.
  • We provide our artists with adequate time to develop their work to it's fullest capacity so to raise the bar of professionalism for the production.
  • During the run of the show we provide the performers with adequate time get grounded in the space and to relax and to prepare both physically and mentally for the performance.
  • And most of all our artists will have exposure to a community of artists/educators and mentors who work together, supports each others work, witnesses each other process in creation of new work, have conversation about the importance of being creators and artists in community and climate, and establishes relationships that live beyond the duration of the residency program.

A Brief History
Since acquiring the venue in 2006, the MCVF has played an important role in the ecology of the bay Area Queer Arts Community by providing Educators and Activists access to artist in residence programs, arts programming and affordable rehearsal space. In 2006, the Voice Factory developed The D.I.Y. Residency Program that focuses on the creation of new works. To date this program has resulted in the premieres of approximately 70 original works by emerging Queer Artists.

Here are the details of the Residency Programs

  • Our home becomes the Artist’s home during the 8 weeks prior to their show.
  • Artist is guaranteed 8 hours of rehearsal daytime and night rehearsal space per week for 6 weeks
  • Artist does 6 performances of their show. (Thurs-Fri-Sat )
  • Artist has one 8-hour tech rehearsal, 4hour hang and focus and two 3 hour production meetings with our Tech Director
  • MC’s Voice Factory will provide 2 4ft by 2 in height storage space during Artist’s Residency.
  • MC’s Voice Factory will provide a one-night fundraiser/benefit on the 3 week of the Residency. This gives the artists and their community a chance to raise money for production costs and expand their community and buzz around the performance. All funds from the benefit go directly to the D.I.Y. Resident.
  • Artists are required to perform 2 work in progress showings during week 2 and 5 of the residency program.
  • Artist may construct sets in designated areas of the theater during the week prior to the opening of the performance.
  • MCVF will provide 1 wide angle Video Documentation of your performance.
  • MC’s Voice Factory will provide “Hot Tips Press Packet” and templates for Artist to use for press releases and publicity campaigns. Artists are required to do their own press and promotion.
  • MCVF will post performance on our website, in our quarterly newsletter and do 3 email blasts to our community.
  • MC’s Voice Factory will provide lists of places to hand posters and flyer. All materials must include the VF logo and Information.
  • Additionally, VF must proof all publicity materials prior to printing. Artists will receive support/ mentorship from MCVF roster of mentors.
  • Artist pays for the lighting designer, board operator, postcards and poster

How To Apply

  • Send one-page description of the proposed project.
  • One-page resume(s) of participating artist(s)
  • 1 samples of recently completed work by the participating artist(s).
  • In the case of collaborations, one or two samples of each of the collaborators' individual works are acceptable if documentation of the collaboration is not available.
  • Submit the most appropriate documentation of your work, using Audio CD, VHS or DVD video, slides, or photographs ONLY. AUDIO OR VIDEO WORK SAMPLES SHOULD NOT EXCEED FIVE MINUTES, OR SHOULD BE CUED TO A FIVE-MINUTE EXCERPT. Do not submit original artworks. If you want materials returned, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
  • One-page Work Sample Description to briefly describe or contextual the documentation (4 copies).

Send application to:

Mama Calizo’s Voice Factory
1519 Mission Street
San Francisco Ca 94103

Once we receive your application: MC’s Voice Factory panel will review your materials and contact you via email to set up a phone interview and talk about your project. This is an opportunity for both of us to get a better idea of what we need for the collaboration to happen.

If you have any questions about the residency programs, the application process or would like to come and take a tour of MC’s Voice Factory please email: Dwayne at voicefactorysf@gmail.com and Include Residency Applicant in the subject box.