Are you ready for your close-up? Dive into the glamorous world of the 1940s, embrace the intrigue of crime mysteries, and experience the thrill of a film set! We’re inviting YOU to be an extra in our original noir mystery thriller, *Who Killed Simon Braggart?*
📅 Date: Sunday, September 29th
⏰ Time: 12 - 4 PM
📍 Location: The 418 Project, 155 South River Street, Santa Cruz
Step back in time and join us on set for an unforgettable afternoon where you’ll interact with the stars, enjoy live music, and revel in the atmosphere of a 1940s film premiere. Don your best 1940s attire, mingle at our vintage bar, and add your unique flair to our crowd scenes.
🌟 We’re Looking For:
- Enthusiasts of cosplay and 1940s glamour
- Individuals who enjoy being part of a creative community
- Fans of film and theater, especially mysteries and thrillers
How to Participate:
To join the cast as an extra, please send a photo of yourself in your 1940s movie premiere attire to our Artistic Director, Laura Bishop. Gender queer interpretations, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ individuals are highly encouraged to apply.
📧 Send Your Application to: [email protected]
Include your email and phone number for follow-up.
Perks:
- Enjoy light refreshments on set
- Receive a pair of exclusive tickets to our final dress rehearsal on October 16 to be amongst the first to see the live production of Who Killed Simon Braggart
We value diversity and welcome folks of all body types, ages, genders, and abilities. Gather your friends for a day full of drama, style, and fun!
Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of movie magic. See you on set!
At The 418 Project, we believe in the transformative power of movement arts. Through dance, movement, and expressive arts, we provide a space where individuals can heal, connect with their spirit, and find a sense of safety. For over 30 years we’ve been committed to offering these opportunities to the community at affordable rates and supporting local artists to share their work.Our impact goes beyond just providing a space for movement; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and connection. As one of our longtime donors, Margo shared, "The concept of movement as a way to express, clear, heal, and truly connect with my spirit is vitally important to me."At The 418 Project, we've seen countless individuals explore their identities, expand their thinking, and embrace parts of themselves they may have never met. Movement is one of those art forms that creates such an experience.We’d love to know what programs and classes have impacted you the most! Tell us in the comments
We make it work, but you can help us thrive!
We love dancing in our beautiful permanent home! What would make it better is for ALL dancers to be able to see themselves as we learn our steps. Help us raise money to purchase Mylar mirrors so we can have an even better time moving together.
The 418 Project is launching a GoFundMe campaign with the goal of raising #3,500 to purchase 4 new Mylar mirrors for the lobby dance floor. These mirrors are essential for our practices, performances, and community classes.
We believe in the power of unity and collaboration, which is why we're reaching out to our community to join forces and support our dancers and the arts in Santa Cruz. Together, we can spread the word and make this campaign a resounding success.
Here's how you can get involved:
Donate: Every contribution, big or small, will bring us closer to our goal. Visit the GoFundMe page in @the418project bio to make your donation. All donations of $20 or more receive an invitation to our Thank You Party. Act now and make our home brighter for all.
Spread the Word: Share the campaign on your social media channels and with your friends! Every donation counts, so let’s harness the power of community to reach as many people as possible.
By contributing to this campaign, you'll not only support these upgrades to our dance environment, but you'll also gain access to the Bright Reflections Thank You Party, where we'll celebrate our collective efforts and love for dance. Stay tuned for the date!
Your participation and support mean the world to us, and together, we can create brighter reflections and elevate our dance experiences at The 418 Project.
Let’s celebrate PRIDE, Santa Cruz 🌈As we kick off Pride Month, we celebrate love, diversity, and the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community of artists here at The 418 Project. 🏳️🌈 This is a time to honor the resilience, courage, and history of LGBTQIA+ individuals, both past and present, who have paved the way for progress and acceptance. And this month, there’s lots of opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate together. At The 418 Project, we stand proudly with our LGBTQIA+ friends, family, and community members. 🌟 We believe in creating a space where everyone feels welcomed, accepted, and celebrated for who they are. Throughout the month, we'll be hosting a variety of events, workshops, and performances that showcase the talent, creativity, and stories of the LGBTQIA+ community. On June 8th & 9th we’re partnering with Dual Demons for the first ever K!nk at Pride Convention. We’re kicking off Pride mont with all Queer and Queer-allied educators bringing shibari, k!nk, BDSM, Queer history, movement, dance, lectures, workshops, and much more.And on June 25th we’ll be hosting our 2nd annual Prideteenth event, spearheaded by Da’John DeWitt that is a recognition and celebration of bipoc and LGBT history & solidarity throughout time. Join us as we come together to spread love, promote equality, and uplift the voices of those in the LGBTQIA+ community. 🌈 Let's make this Pride Month a celebration of love, acceptance, and unity! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
What kind of place is The 418 Project to you?
For over 30 years, we’ve been up to big things in Santa Cruz. One of our goals is for you find YOUR place.
Maybe you want to learn, lead, and create?
Maybe you want to get involved, volunteer, and find purpose?
Perhaps you want to get inspired, learn something new, and meet people you’d have never run into in town.
Whatever it is you’re searching for, we want to help you find it. Send us a message if you’re looking for some guidance, want to get involved, or want to hear about upcoming events. We’re here to support you!
Displaced by downtown redevelopment in 2016, The 418 Project faced a pivotal moment. But with unwavering community support, we rose stronger than ever.
In the midst of the Covid pandemic in 2021, we proudly purchased our permanent home—a testament to our resilience and commitment to creating a more inclusive world. Our 20,000 square-foot adaptive space, nestled in Downtown Santa Cruz at 155 S River Street, is more than just a building—it's a sanctuary for artists and dreamers alike. ✨
Here, creativity flourishes, and voices are amplified. Our vibrant community brings together dancers, musicians, performers, and visionaries from all walks of life, united by a shared passion for art and a belief in the power of inclusivity.
Join us in celebrating our journey and the endless possibilities that await in our new, permanent home.
Do you consider yourself an artist?If you’ve ever believed that YOU can’t make it as an artist because of who you are, we want to challenge that belief.There are no limits on who can be an artist – just limits on our thinking and societal conditioning.Let’s challenge the assumptions on WHO or WHAT is worthy of being seen.Join us at the 418 Project at the Dragon’s Gate in Santa Cruz, California and let your inner artist come to life.
At the heart of the Yemanjá Arts Festival hosted by the 418 Project lies a profound commitment to uplifting diverse communities and providing them with a platform to shine. Inspired by the original Festa de Yemanjá celebrated in Bahia, Brazil, and the resilience of African spiritual practices across the americas, the Yemanjá Arts Festival brings together master artists and young faces from across the Bay Area, Brazil and Cuba. Dandha Da Hora, a cherished member of our community for over two decades, eloquently articulated the significance of our mission during the festival. Reflecting on Afro-Brazilian culture and the essence of Black History Month, Dhanda Da Hora reminded us of the importance of visibility and representation. "Those of us here that are black; We're not in the history – We're here now," she emphasized, highlighting the vital role of spaces like the 418 Project in amplifying marginalized voices. We are proud to take an active stance in supporting Afro-Brazilian culture and fostering an inclusive environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and celebrated.Join us in championing diversity and creativity as we continue to uplift and empower communities through art and expression.
Why do we acknowledge the land?
We believe in genuine, meaningful action over performative gestures. And while a land acknowledgment at the beginning of a performance could easily become such an action, that’s not how we approach it.
We recognize that there is a history that comes before us—a history of indigenous peoples who stewarded this land for generations, long before colonization and settlement. It's also a recognition of the rich cultural heritage of this area, including the vibrant history of the last Chinatown in Santa Cruz, which once thrived on the very land we occupy today.
But our acknowledgment goes beyond mere words. It's a commitment to understanding and addressing the ongoing impacts of colonization, dispossession, and systemic oppression on indigenous and immigrant communities alike. It's a call to action to support indigenous sovereignty, land rights, and cultural revitalization efforts, as well as the preservation of immigrant heritage and stories.
By acknowledging the land, we strive to cultivate awareness, accountability, and solidarity. We recognize that true reconciliation requires more than just words; it requires meaningful engagement, advocacy, and reparative action. So, we acknowledge the land not as an empty ritual, but as a step towards justice, equity, and healing.
As we move humbly forward as stewards of this land, we prioritize authentic engagement with social issues, actively listening to marginalized voices, and taking concrete steps to address systemic inequalities. This means centering the experiences and perspectives of marginalized communities in our work, challenging power structures that perpetuate oppression, and advocating for tangible solutions.
We understand that true allyship requires ongoing education, self-reflection, and accountability. It's not about appearing virtuous or progressive; it's about actively working towards a more just and equitable society. This is the history we hope to write.
In a captivating performance at 'What Is Erotic', Gregory Speed moved hearts with his poignant poem, ‘Appreciation Piece’ highlighting that appreciation is, in fact, erotic.
As we celebrate and honor Black History Month at the 418 Project, we shine a spotlight on the profound contributions of artists like Greg, whose work resonates deeply and sparks vital conversations about love, connection, and the beauty of the human experience.
Join us in recognizing and celebrating the rich tapestry of Black creativity, resilience, and culture this February, and all year round. Let's continue to uplift and amplify Black voices in the arts and beyond, honoring their enduring legacy and invaluable contributions to our shared narrative of love, art, and liberation.
You can catch Greg MCing at this Sunday’s MicDrop! where his magnetic presence and powerful words promise an unforgettable experience.
What do we EMBRACE and what do we reject?
There is so much shame in our culture around sensuality and eroticism and it can cause us to reject not only what is unfamiliar, but ourselves.
Our 2024 What Is Erotic? show, “Embrace”, is a cabaret of all original performance art, created by local artists from diverse groups, as they embrace vulnerable and authentic parts of themselves, exploring the Eros of dance, death and domination.
We challenge you to open your mind and discover what is erotic to you.
Join us for the final two performances THIS WEEKEND
You can watch:
➡️ 🍿 IN PERSON at the 418 Project
➡️ 🏠 AT HOME via livestream
Get your 🎟️ for one of four shows before they sell out!
Virtual & In Person Tickets available!
8 PM Friday & Saturday February 16 & 17, 2024
18 & Over Please
Tickets $25-$125
Get Tickets now ( 🔗 in our bio )
Santa Cruz, New Year’s Eve is right around the corner so NOW is the time to grab your ticket to our artist led mega party at the 418 Project!
💫 Event Highlights:
✨ Proceeds benefit local emerging artists from diverse communities, making your celebration an act of goodness for a better world.
✨ Groove to the beats of not one, but two live bands in our Large Theater—internationally acclaimed Afro-Funk band SambaDá and local Salsa All-stars La Familia de La Calle.
✨ VIP section available for the best seats in the house, or indulge in a table experience.
✨ Sip cocktails from our no-host bars, be dazzled by flying dragons, and enjoy live music by Genet Sais Pas and friends in our intimate lobby.
✨ Mic Drop! Theater offers artist talk-backs, poetry, music sets, and a Fab Fashion Party with DaJohn Dewitt and models.
✨ Full Building Midnight Countdown to ensure you don't miss the big moment.
🎉 Full Line-Up:
- Mega-Dance Party with two Live Bands
- Circus of the Moon: Midnight Aerial Performances
- Mic Drop! Theater: Fashion, Film, and Music
- LIVE MUSIC Lobby with Genet Sais Pas and friends
- Sultry Midnight DJ Set with Electric Tomcat
🎟️ Ticket Info:
- Date: December 31st - January 1st
- Tickets: $30 - $1000
- Doors Open: 8:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time, GMT-08:00)
- 18 & over (21 & over to purchase alcohol)
🌈 Support the Cause:
Purchase tickets at the highest price you can afford—this is a fun-draiser! Tickets are limited, so secure yours now and make this New Year's Eve unforgettable.
Can you believe we’ve been dancing together for 22 years?This Thursday, we’re bringing back something near and dear to our hearts and our community… something we haven’t done since COVID hit.We’re bringing back Dance In Gratitude on 11/23 to give you an alternative way to express and embody your own gratitude.And we’re doing another first… we’re adding yoga and sound healing into the mix.Start the day off with embodied practices to support your expression of gratitude! Erica Valentine will lead us in yoga, after which she will provide a sound healing musical transition into DJ Vesica's set.Join us! Here’s all the details:Dance In Gratitude!📆 Thursday, Nov. 23rd⏰ 10am-10:55am: Yoga & Sound Healing with Erica Valentine 10:55am: Sound healing transition 11am-1pm: Dance DJed by VESICA🎟️ Suggested donation for entire program: $30-$50 Only attending one? $15-$25 No one turned away for lack of funds. 🧘 BYOM: If you intend to join the yoga class, bring your own mat!
Tonight come and dance Mambo, Salsa, and Bachata with out dancing community!
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#salsadancing #bachata #mambo #dance
Save the date!
Saturday 12/18/21
Visit: the418project.org
#CelebrateTogether #givingthanks #dance #joy #moveandbemoved #santacruzcalifornia
Visit Dance Church Today
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This dance is generously offered by donation
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Please join us for an amazing journey through the beats and waves indoors or outdoors.
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Our DJ for Nov.21 is Windhorse (aka Brian)
Connect in, deepen your practice,
and shine your essence with us.
Brian is a weaver of very dope soundscapes, a lover of the dance, remixer of songs on the fly, a teacher, a learner, and is known to seamlessly integrate live instruments into his Dj sets.
Indoor and outdoor dance space this Sunday!
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Guidelines:
Please enjoy powering off your cell phone.
Please enjoy keeping a nonverbal dance space.
Please respect the space, the event, yourself, and others.
Please observe our no cameras policy for the dance spaces.
#djsetlive
#equity #diversityandinclusion
#donationbased
#thingstodosunday
#consciouscommunity
#MoveAndBeMoved
Dance church #moveandbemoved #the418project
Laying out but not lying down
Hello Dear Ones,
We've got big things in the works! We've been laying down the dance floor from our founding space, into our new home!
Thank you all for you patience as we work to make this space feel as welcoming and as close to home as possible. As always, we wouldn't have been able to do this without you!❤️
