Resonance is a transformative event blending immersive performances and a cultural night market to celebrate and humanize the Asian American experience. Featuring themes of societal pressures, reclaiming identity, and queer Asian pride, Resonance bridges contemporary and street dance with interactive community experiences. Its sold-out 2024 debut inspired attendees with its innovative format and heartfelt storytelling, earning comments like, "I felt represented and connected to a community with shared experiences."
Unlike traditional performances focused on cultural origins, Resonance celebrates what it means to be Asian American today, emphasizing that AAPI+ identities are diverse, fluid, and interconnected. The event’s unique night market invites attendees into the heart of the performance, featuring complimentary activities like karaoke, live art, and nostalgic games. With its dance floor placed at the center, the audience is immersed in an environment that fosters connection, joy, and deeper understanding.
As a fiscally sponsored project under The Field, Resonance is ready to grow. With plans for a two-day event in NYC and expansion to other cities, it offers producers and funders a unique opportunity to amplify underrepresented voices and foster meaningful cross-cultural dialogue.
8
Booths including Asian, Queer, and Street Dance artists
2
Sold Out Shows
160+
Audience members
“I was one of the many in the audience that was really moved and teary eyed by the performances.”
“i hope to come back next year!”
Logistics for Producing Resonance Outside of NYC
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Venue Requirements
Ideal Size: 2,500-3,000 square feet, with flexibility to adapt to smaller or larger spaces.
Stage Requirements: At least 25’ x 20’ (preferred), accommodating 12 dancers. Flat or raised stages are acceptable, but audience visibility must be considered (max 3 rows deep for flat stages).
Support Rooms: Dedicated dressing/green room for 12 dancers.
Technical Needs:
Performance-quality sound system.
Lighting system with color-changing capabilities for different vibes.
Sprung or smooth, clean floors (hardwood/concrete acceptable).
Projectors for karaoke and stage visuals.
Furniture: 8 tables, 8 chairs, and audience seating matching capacity (if applicable).
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Night Market Setup
8 booth structures offering free, interactive experiences for the audience (e.g., karaoke, live art, games).
Complementary materials supplied by vendors and artists.
Vendors and local collaborators feature both consistent booths and unique, city-specific elements.
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Audience Capacity
Minimum audience: 40 people.
Ideal capacity: 100 attendees per show, scalable to larger venues.
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Team Requirements
Core Cast: 12 dancers (minimum 9 if budget is constrained).
Key Staff:
Director/choreographer (David Cartahena Lee).
3 Resonance staff (artist, singer, marketing/social media manager).
6-8 volunteers (door staff, ushers, bar/drink servers, booth assistants).
Lighting designer and media team (photographer and videographer).
Venue liaison and optional ticket box staff.
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Budget Breakdown
Venue rental: TBD
Personnel Costs
Dancer Base Fees: $250 x 12 dancers = $3,000
Choreographer/Producer Fee: $1,000
Resonance Staff: 3 staff members (singer, artist, marketing/social media manager) x $200 each = $600
Administrative Fee: $100
Covers organizational oversight, including contracts, scheduling, and communication.
Per Diem: $35/person x 16 people = $560
Supplies (paper, signs, asian snacks for the night market): $200.
Catered lunch for cast: $300.
Travel Stipends (if applicable):
By car: $100/person ($1,600 total for 16).
By plane: $200+/person ($3,400 total for 16). Longer flights may require a budget increase depending on market rates
Lodging: $100/person/night (double occupancy preferred).
Additional items to be considered NOT included in the budget:
Videographer, photographer, costumes
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Marketing Strategy
Extensive use of social media (Instagram growth of 249%, reach +63%).
Collaborative promotions with local AAPI+ organizations, vendors, and cultural centers.
Existing press coverage: Broadway World, Artistic Tribe, and NYU Steinhardt Newsletter.
Targeted campaigns with local partners to amplify reach.
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Travel Flexibility
Budget adaptable to available travel and lodging options.
Open to collaboration with local organizations for cost-effective solutions.
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Impact Metrics
Attendance: Full or near-full capacity for performances.
Media Coverage: Press, social media engagement, and interviews.
Audience Feedback: Surveys and testimonials reflecting engagement and representation.
Expanded Collaborations: Connections with local organizations and artists to build unique iterations of the night market.
