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Tanzhaus Zürich is looking for sketches for short pieces

SHOW-OFF is the process-oriented emerging artists’ platform of Tanzhaus Zürich, aimed at artists at the beginning of their careers. The application process is low-threshold and accessible.

Three artists or groups (with a maximum of three people per group) will be selected to develop a short piece of up to 20 minutes from scratch in February 2026. The process will culminate in three public work-in-progress showings. (Existing works or projects already in development will not be considered.)

Dramaturge and curator Joanna Leśnierowska and Tanzhaus dramaturge Lisa Letnansky will support the selection and creative process as coaches.

Selected projects will receive a grant of CHF 2,000 per person*, as well as technical and dramaturgical support. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend a three-day workshop Visual Dramaturgy (Feb 1–3) prior to rehearsals, and will have free access to professional training during the development phase.

This open call is aimed at dance and performance artists who have completed their training and either live in the canton of Zurich or have a strong connection to Zurich.

Attendance at the kick-off meeting on February 4, 2026, as well as availability for the general rehearsal on February 24 and the public presentations from February 25 to 27, is mandatory for all selected participants.

Application

Submit the following documents to: show-off@tanzhaus-zuerich.ch

• Project sketch (max. three A4 pages)
  → Ideas must work without major stage adaptations or props.

• Short letter of motivation including connection to Zurich (max. one A4 page)

• CVs of all participants, plus video links if available

Practical Information

• Application deadline: August 30, 2025

• Notification of selection: September 2025

• Visual Dramaturgy Workshop with Joanna Leśnierowska: February 1–3, 2026

• Development period: February 4–24, 2026 (Rehearsal space will be scheduled in coordination with all participants)

• Work-in-progress presentations: February 25–27, 2026

* Upon invoicing from a Swiss association structure (Verein). If no such structure exists, employment will be arranged, and the amount will be reduced by social security costs. A work permit in Switzerland is required for this. The scholarship will only be paid to those actively participating in rehearsals and workshop presentations.