Saltwater Road Presents: Theatrical Jazz Virtual Creative Laboratory with Sharon Bridgforth

Overview

Theatrical Jazz Crossroads is an interdisciplinary artist residency and creative laboratory exploring Theatrical Jazz, a Black performance methodology rooted in improvisation, ensemble practice, rhythm, call-and-response, embodied storytelling, and collective composition. Facilitated by acclaimed playwright and performance artist Sharon Bridgforth, this unique offering invites artists, scholars, students, cultural workers, and community members worldwide to participate virtually as witnesses to the residency process. Participants observe portions of the creative laboratory as artists explore movement, language, sound, memory, improvisation, and collective composition in real time. The experience culminates in a public works-in-process sharing and community conversation, inviting both in-person and virtual audiences into the unfolding creative process.

Key dates

• August 10–14: Virtual Creative Laboratory, 9:00–11:00 AM CST
• August 15: Public Works-in-Process Witnessing & Community Conversation
• Submission deadline: August 15, 2026

Eligibility

Open to interdisciplinary artists, performers, scholars, writers, cultural workers, and community-based practitioners interested in improvisation, Black performance traditions, embodied research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and creative inquiry. While grounded in Black performance methodologies, artists of all backgrounds committed to collaborative learning and cultural respect are encouraged to apply. Open to artists based anywhere in the world; any stage of career.

What you'll experience

Through daily live online access, participants will observe portions of the creative laboratory. Rather than a conventional workshop, this experience invites participants into the unfolding creative process itself. Participants gain insight into artistic process, interdisciplinary collaboration, and Theatrical Jazz as a living research practice.

Fees

• Full Week Witness Pass: $200
• Single Day Pass: $45
• Use code SWR2026 for discounted registration through August 8

Location

In-person residency takes place in Montgomery, Alabama. Virtual participation available worldwide.

Facilitators & artists

Virtual Residency Facilitator: Sharon Bridgforth. In-person/Work-in-Progress Facilitator: Marie Casimir. Featured Artists: Rose "Wonderfabulous," Hollerin Space (muthi reed & Angela Davis Johnson).

Registration

Tickets are available now at www.saltwaterroad.org/events. Space is limited. Participants are encouraged to register early to secure access to this unique opportunity.