PHILADELPHIA – Headlong Dance Theater is seeking four Philadelphia households to participate in This Town Is A Mystery, a groundbreaking new performance project that will premiere during the 2012 Philadelphia Live Arts Festival. This unprecedented project will journey into four households, transforming each home into a theater and the household members into performers.

Headlong is looking for people eager to partner with professional artists in a real artistic process, but prior experience and professional training are not required. Combining movement, stories, music, and video, Headlong company members will work with each group to create a unique show that harnesses the talents of the participants and shares the stories of their households and neighborhoods.”

“Who lives in Philadelphia?” asks Andrew Simonet, a Headlong co-founder and co-director. “Every home is its own universe. We are fascinated with the epic stories and the everyday rituals that live in every home. What mysteries reside in these households, and what conversations might happen if we open our doors a little? We hope to hear from households in all corners of Philadelphia and from people who are excited about sharing a cultural experience and are ready to take on this adventure.”

“Citizen dancers” are non-professional movers and shakers of any age, background, and ability who are willing to commit to a short but structured rehearsal process leading to performances in September 2012. All types of homes will be considered: apartment, row home, trinity, big or small, fancy or modest. Likewise, all types of households who live together and eat together, regardless of family status, will be considered for participation.

During performances, 10 audience members will come to the house to watch a 20-25 minute show. This intimate experience will continue with dinner shared by performers and audience. Households will receive a stipend for their participation.

Applications will be available online or in person during several scheduled community events. For more information, visit www.thistownisamystery.com or contact Andrew Simonet at andrew [at] headlong [dot] org or (215) 767-6881.

A Do-It-Yourself-With-Headlong option will also be offered for households that are not chosen but still wish to create a performance of their own. Details on the DIY kit will be announced in 2012.

This Town Is a Mystery has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage through Dance Advance, The MAP Fund, a program of Creative Capital supported by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, and The Stockton Rush Bartol Foundation.