Logistics & General Information
What is a residency?
Residencies at SPACE differ based on the program you are applying to and last anywhere from three days to two weeks. While each program is different, the fundamental structure of all of SPACE’s programs are the same. Residencies are self-determined in order to meet the needs of each individual resident and the only requirements are that residents attend three communal meals each day and share some of what they’ve developed while in residence. While in residency you are joined by a small, curated group and hosted by a dynamic, dedicated onsite team focused on radical hospitality.
How long are residencies?
Residencies range in length from three to 14 days, depending on the program.
Can I defer my residency once I have been accepted?
In the unfortunate event that you are not able to keep the residency dates you have been offered, we will place you on that season’s waitlist. Residency offers cannot be deferred to the following season.
What Covid-19 protocols will be in place for the 2024 season?
The onset of COVID-19 forced everyone to evaluate their health and safety protocols and to institute new measures to ensure the safety of everyone. SPACE has worked hard to prepare for the residency program and continues to adhere to all federal and state guidelines.
As everyone enters a new world of living with COVID-19, our policies and procedures continue to evolve. We recognize that living in close quarters for a residency can still be a challenge for immunocompromised people and are committed to making SPACE on Ryder Farm as accessible as possible. At this time, we ask that individuals attending a residency do the following:
Confirm that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are unvaccinated for religious or health reasons, please reach out to SPACE’s residency team at residencies@spaceonryderfarm.org to discuss alternative preparations.
Specify whether or not they need additional COVID-19 precautions. If at least one person in a residency requests additional precautions, all residents will be asked to take a rapid test on the morning of your residency BEFORE traveling to the farm. Please send the results in the form of a photo with timestamp to residencies@spaceonryderfarm.org.
If you are feeling under the weather for reasons other than COVID-19, please be mindful that SPACE is a communal working and living space. Individuals who think or know they may be contagious with a cold, the flu, strep throat, or other contagious illnesses are instructed to stay at home. We will do our best to reschedule your residency during the program year, but can make no guarantees.
In the event of an exposure to COVID-19 onsite, residents are asked to self-monitor for symptoms, and SPACE will follow the most up-to-date CDC guidelines for testing and contact tracing.
If someone living onsite has a confirmed case of COVID-19, they will be moved into a designated quarantine bedroom with a private bathroom, where they will be isolated until they can safely return to their home or for 5 to 10 days (depending on CDC and state guidelines). All meals will be provided during the quarantine period. Residents cannot return to the residency program until they have tested negative. Additionally, other people onsite will adhere to exposure procedures, and self-monitor symptoms accordingly.
Is SPACE accessible for individuals with disabilities?
SPACE strives to be as accessible and accommodating for all individuals as possible and recognizes that this work is never finished. There are some physical challenges to be aware of on the property for those with limited mobility, most notably uneven ground and difficult terrain for walking (gravel, uneven ground, hills, etc.) SPACE has a golf cart available for individuals who need assistance in navigating the property.
SPACE has two housing structures on the property, one with a first floor bedroom available without stairs and one with a first floor bedroom available with the assistance of a non permanent ramp into the house. Please note, SPACE does not have wheelchair accessible showers at this time.
To discuss how SPACE may be able to support your needs please email our Chief Operating Officer Allyson Davis at allyson@spaceonryderfarm.org
What are the housing accommodations like?
There are two structures that house residents on Ryder Farm. The Ryder Family homestead, The Sycamores, is a beautiful building with a long history dating back to 1795. It follows that the accommodations are rustic. The second housing structure, Kay Hall, was built in 1982. Both houses are equipped with several bathrooms with showers and working plumbing, hot water and beds with clean linens. You can get a better look at our buildings here (link to Buildings and Grounds page)
Will I be sharing a bedroom or bathroom?
We provide each resident a private bedroom during their time at SPACE, unless otherwise requested. You most likely will be sharing a bathroom with other residents.
Can I bring my partner, child, or pet?
SPACE is not able to host pets of residents. If you have a service animal, please email our Chief Operating Officer Allyson Davis at allyson@spaceonryderfarm.org
SPACE cannot accommodate partners or children of residents for most residencies. For Institutional Residencies, there may be possibilities based on the group. If your Institutional Residency group has questions about this, please email residencies@spaceonryderfarm.org with questions.
What kinds of meals are served?
Our culinary ethos is rooted in the following practices:
Plant-forward and pantry-inspired. Lots of vegetables, as often as possible. Our emphasis is on hyper-local produce (from Ryder Farm), as well as sustainability, availability, and seasonality.
Very little to no waste. We continuously repurpose leftovers, and often utilize stems and scraps in our meals before composting.
Practical, not performative. Resident meals at SPACE don't revolve around a chef's ego, trendy ingredients, or what looks good in a photo. We cook for sustenance, nutrient density, fun, and deliciousness.
Radical hospitality at the table and on the plate. We believe in cultivating a sense of abundance and generosity at mealtimes. Servings are always plentiful, and the mood is always welcoming and inclusive.
What dietary restrictions is SPACE able to accommodate?
SPACE takes dietary restrictions and food allergies very seriously. While we do frequently serve meats, poultry, and eggs, we are very comfortable with vegetarian and vegan diets. We can also happily accommodate dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free diets.
SPACE may not be able to accommodate individuals with extremely sensitive nut allergies; celiac disease; or any similar instance in which cross-contamination cannot occur because of medical risk. Due to our limited facilities, we cannot offer fully kosher meals.
Residents with severe allergies or other dietary concerns are encouraged to directly contact Min Liao, SPACE's Residency Director (min@spaceonryderfarm.org). She is happy to discuss more complex needs, and will make every attempt to accommodate requests.
What are the work spaces like?
SPACE has ample work spaces both indoors and out. There are writing desks in each bedroom and large workspaces scattered throughout the historic structures on the farm. There is a large stage housed in our barn, an outdoor stage, a gazebo, a two-car garage and large chicken coop that have been converted into usable spaces. There are also acres and acres of farmland available for your use. Click HERE to learn more about these workspaces.
How far is SPACE from NYC? How do I travel there?
Ryder Farm is located in Brewster, NY, approximately a ninety-minute journey from midtown Manhattan. The easiest way to get to the farm is via Metro North to Brewster, departing from Grand Central Terminal on the Harlem Line. Once at the train station, a SPACE team member will drive you to Ryder Farm.
If you will be driving, SPACE will provide directions upon your acceptance to the residency program. If you will be traveling from outside the NY area, we suggest flying into one of NYC’s major airports and commuting to the farm via Metro North, or flying into Westchester County Airport and taking a car to the farm.
Is travel reimbursable?
SPACE historically does not cover the cost of travel.
For 2024, we are implementing an experimental Take-a-Ticket Leave-a-Ticket policy. We will seed $500 to a pool of funds for residents who need travel support. When you are offered a residency, you will be asked to consider if you need travel support. Those that need it can request a $30 stipend (the cost of round trip travel from Grand Central). Those that can afford it are asked to cover their own travel. Those that have a little extra will have the option to donate $30 to the fund. Our hope is that this will become a community-sustained fund that will remove travel costs as a barrier to participating in a residency. Funds will be distributed first come, first served until the fund is exhausted. Any remaining funds from 2024 will be rolled over to 2025.
While the vast majority of residents arrive by Metro North from NYC, we recognize that some require additional travel support. If travel is a barrier for you, please contact us to discuss options.
Other SPACE Opportunities
What residency opportunities are you offering this year?
In the coming months, SPACE will also share other opportunities for our 2024 season including:
Our Greenhouse Residency offers theater writers who have not had access to the professional theater community or training programs a week-long residency to write and participate in workshops with mentors and other professionals. Application and eligibility information will be announced in early 2024.
The Farmer’s Dormancy—named from the agricultural term “Dormancy”, a phenomenon where seeds spend the winter in rest, preserving energy, preparing to sprout in the spring—is a pilot program that uses SPACE’s residency model to offer respite to early career market farmers to plan their years, explore new techniques, and prepare for the spring planting season. In its first year, the Dormancy is invitation only.
The Working Farm is SPACE’s resident writers’ group, which offers five playwrights, composers, lyricists or librettists a non-consecutive five-week residency on Ryder Farm during the course of the annual May-October season. Information on the Working Farm for 2024 will will be announced in early 2024.
Is there a period of booking available for creative teams, community groups or nonprofit organizations to pay for team building and development retreats at space?
Yes! We have several opportunities for Institutional Residencies. Institutional Residencies provide 501c(3) organizations and incorporated ensembles with time and space for the writing or workshopping of commissions, strategic planning, and retreat opportunities away from the hustle and bustle. Learn more here.
What about the Family Residency?
We are extremely proud of the Family Residency program and want to ensure that the vital feedback we have received from the first six years of the program have time to be implemented. Because of this, the family residency program is currently on hiatus.