westFEST New Works Festival And INtensive

Frequently Asked Questions

westFEST: New Works Festival and Intensive is a vibrant, immersive celebration of contemporary dance and movement arts in the Mountain West. This year, we’re blending a week-long intensive offering professional-level training, collaboration, and performance opportunities with a weekend festival showcasing innovative works from local and regional artists. 

Whether you're a dancer seeking training opportunities, an artist ready to showcase your work, or an audience member looking to support the arts, there are multiple ways to participate and engage with the festival.

  • To reserve your spot you can either pay in full ( with a non-refundable $100 deposit). 

    Early Bird Registration

    Before May 21 —- Full Intensive (Performance Cohorts) $225, Half Intensive (Classes Only) $100

    Regular Registration 

    May 22- Aug 1st - Full Intensive (Performance Cohorts) $275, Half Intensive (Classes Only)  $150

    Full payment to confirm your registration is required by August 1st.

    Please reach out to Rachel Oliver Young, rachel@thewestsidetheater.com, for any questions or clarifications about registration or payment. 


    REFUND POLICY 

    westFEST’s refund policies were created to offer as much flexibility as possible, while still protecting BBD|WT from risk and instability. 

    The refund schedule for the westFEST Intensive (Performance Cohort) is: 

    • Before July 1: All registration fees, less the $100 non-refundable deposit, are fully refundable for any reason. 

    • After July 1: All registration fees, less the $100 non-refundable deposit, are 50% refundable for any reason.

    • After your first class begins: All registration fees are non-refundable for any reason, including illness or injury. 

    All Final Payments are Due August 1st.

  • We want to expand dance opportunities for our community and don't want the fees to hinder your involvement. If you are interested in participating in the westFEST Intensive but the fee is holding you back, please complete the form below to let us know more about the assistance we can provide.


    If you are planning to apply for financial assistance, please fill out the form to register.  And then complete this form. We will make decisions before July 1st.

  • We do not provide housing.  However, please do reach out to rachel@thewestsidetheater.com if you are looking for housing.  We might be able to hook you up with a home-stay with some of our community, or hook you up with someone else to join forces with.

  • All classes will take place at Westside Theater!

  • Performance Cohorts will be rehearsing at either Westside Theater (Advanced/Professional) or a studio nearby/TBD (Intermediate/Pre-Professional).  

    All tech and dress rehearsals, along with all performances, will take place at Westside Theater.

  • REFUND POLICY 

    westFEST’s refund policies were created to offer as much flexibility as possible, while still protecting BBD|WT from risk and instability. 

    The refund schedule for the westFEST Intensive (Performance Cohort) is: 

    • Before July 1: All registration fees, less the $100 non-refundable deposit, are fully refundable for any reason. 

    • After July 1: All registration fees, less the $100 non-refundable deposit, are 50% refundable for any reason.

    After your first class begins: All registration fees are non-refundable for any reason, including illness or injury.

  • We do not provide housing.  However, please do reach out to rachel@thewestsidetheater.com if you are looking for housing.  We might be able to hook you up with a home-stay with some of our community, or hook you up with someone else to join forces with.

  • Performance Cohors Rehearse in the afternoon and evening August 10-17.


    Performance Cohorts will perform at the festival on August 16th and 17th.

  • The Intermediate/Pre-professional Cohort is open to dancers ages 14 and up with prior experience, this track is ideal for those looking to grow as artists and expand their movement vocabulary.

    The Advanced/Professional Cohort is open to dancers ages 18 and older, this track is ideal for those pursuing a professional dance career or already engaged in professional work. 

    If you do not meet the age minimum but still feel this opportunity is where you need to be, please feel free to reach out to Rachel Oliver Young, westFEST Producer, at rachel@thewestsidetheater.com

  • No, drop-in classes are not available.

  • Levels will be determined at auditions on Sunday by the teachers and choreographers.

  • The Westside Theater fully accessible for wheelchairs and walkers. The lobby and bathrooms are at street level, and the stage/dance space is available without the need for an elevator or stairs. Let us know if we can plan with you for any additional accommodations or needs, rachel@thewestsidetheater.com

  • Nope!  We do recommend that you participate in the Intensive AND perform in Okay…Go! For the full experience, but it is not required.  


    Submit your work here for the Okay….Go! Showcase

  • The only opportunity to submit for westFEST at this time is Okay…Go!  

    However, if you are interested in learning about future opportunities or the ability to rent/revenue share at Westside Theater, please reach out to rachel@thewestsidetheater.com

Stay Tuned for

Performance Details!

Support and Attend the Performances, August 15-17

The weekend-long westFEST New Works Festival includes

  • Performances ranging from short works-in-process to fully realized evening-length

  • Work created by local Missoula artists and visiting artists from around the Mountain West.

  • Contemporary Dance Wyoming

  • Billings-based ARC: A Montana Dance Collective. 

  • Pieces created during the training program, including our very own Bare Bait Dance Company dancers. 

  • And back by popular demand: Okay…Go! A showcase of new works, everything from dance to cirque to spoken word poetry

If you need further clarification or help, feel free to reach out to Rachel at rachel@thewestsidetheater.com with questions.