Applications due Oct. 22nd

KOLIADA 2026 in CHERRY VALLEY 

Koliada returns! This time we’re seeking performers to join our troop. We are in the dark times and it will get darker before it is over. The light will not return unless we scare away the darkness! Join us as a performer for Koliada, the ancient Slavic winter tradition of becoming giant animals, lightness, darkness, and ancestors.  Learn more here.

Through a series of free workshops and performances, we take Koliada to the village of Cherry Valley to share what we’ve created and learned together. This takes the shape of a performance during Cherry Valley’s First Friday event in February, followed by traveling around town to perform for various homes throughout the village. 

The Koliada project is a project of artist Angelica Dzeli Palmer and funded by the Earlville Opera House’s Arts in the Community Grants Program, made possible by the NYS Legislature with support of the Office of the Governor, and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts. Additionally, it is made possible by The Cherry Valley Community Facility Corporation (The Old School) and Stewarts Shops. 

Important Dates 

Workshops

Workshops are free & open to the general public. Workshop attendance is not required for performers, but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. All are offered at the Old School in Cherry Valley (2 Genesee Street Cherry Valley NY) but one is digital so you can tune in anywhere. 

11/2/25, 11am - 4pm, The Art of Play: Physical Acting & Character Creation, IN PERSON

11/8/25, 11am-4pm, Crafting Your Creature, IN PERSON

11/9/25, 1pm-2pm, Intuitive Interspecies Communication Workshop, VIRTUAL

11/16/25, 12pm-3pm, Artist Talk: Rebirthing the Ancient Rituals & Songs, IN PERSON & VIRTUAL 

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are required for performers. Two will be held at the Old School in Cherry Valley (2 Genesee Street Cherry Valley NY) and one is digital so you can tune in anywhere. 

1/3/26, 11am-4pm, Costume finishing + song learning, IN PERSON

1/9/26, 6pm-8pm , Song learning + reviewing script + confirm costume completion, VIRTUAL 

1/24/26, 11am-4pm, Run through of script + songs, IN PERSON

Performances

Final Performances are required for performers. Optional overnight stay where food and lodging is provided! Think, a mini sleep-away moment for performers to bond and get into the Koliada spirit together. This also makes winter travel easier for performers.

Friday 2/6/26 at 5pm through Saturday 2/7/26 at 3pm

• First Friday performance in Cherry Valley
  Location: Cherry Valley Old School. Stay overnight at the old school. Food is provided for performers.  

• Saturday - Village Caroling + filming performance
  This is open to general public so volunteers will join us in the morning to learn the material. 

Requirements 

Performers are required to: 

• Attend rehearsals 

• Attend the 2 final performance dates 

• Create a costume, ready by the final performance dates

• Learn the Koliada songs 

• Learn the Koliada script (to be provided once accepted) 

Without meeting this criteria, you will not be eligible for compensation.  

Remember, the workshops are not required, but highly recommended as you’ll begin building your costume and learning the material early! 

Compensation 

After meeting requirements and the final performances, compensation of $200 is granted in the form of a check. This is made possible by the Earlville Opera House’s Arts in the Community Grants Program, made possible by the NYS Legislature with support of the Office of the Governor, and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts. 

How to Apply 

Please fill out the following form to apply for this amazing opportunity to learn about ancient Slavic winter traditions and be in creative community through the coldest months.  Application deadline October 22, 2025.