But, first and foremost, “The Sugar Show is about opportunity,” explains Brown. “Like most places, getting your work onstage (or hung or heard or seen) often depends on whom you know. That’s why most choreographers are former dancers—their employer might produce or at least be a supportive launching pad for their work. For The Sugar Show, you simply apply.”
Applicants including SLC Ballet, Arwen Rogers and Chantal Downing, Monica Campbell and The New Works Theatre Machine will present works aimed at capturing $1,000 and a full weekend of performances during Sugar Space’s next season. Liberty Valentine, one of this year’s choreographers, echoes Brown in her reasons for participating. “The Sugar Show is important because it gives all kinds of performing artists incentive to propel further in their work. It allows for discussion, feedback and direct access to an audience. It also gives the community a chance to view live and original work.”
The Sugar Show: Preliminaries @ Sugar Space, 616 Wilmington Ave. (2190 South), 888-300-7898, Nov. 19-20, 8 p.m., $10-$12 day of show only; Finals @ Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. Broadway, 801-355-2787, Dec. 4, 8 p.m., $12. ArtTix.org, TheSugarSpace.com