Shechter II 2026 – OPEN CALL

Shechter II returns in 2026

OPEN CALL for video submissions to join Hofesh Shechter Company’s award-winning professional development programme.

“It has been an incredible year, and I feel so lucky. It was such an amazing experience overall. The touring – just performing SO much, gives you such development on stage, not just in the studio for yourself. It grows you as a performer and artist.” Matthea Lára Pedersen

If you’re aged between 18 and 25 years old, it’s your chance to join Hofesh Shechter Company as part of Shechter II 2026 – a paid training programme focussing on performance, professional development and teaching skills.

Following the phenomenal success of our Shechter II cohort of 2024, during which they toured Hofesh Shechter’s From England with Love to 40 venues in 7 different countries, reaching approximately 46,000 people, we now launch a global search for the next generation of emerging artists, at the start of their careers, to join our Shechter II 2026 programme.

Launched in 2018, Shechter II is the critically acclaimed young company of award-winning choreographer Hofesh Shechter (OBE), providing dancers, aged 18-25 years the opportunity to work closely with a world-renowned choreographer and dance company. The programme includes a six-week creation process, UK and international touring and an expansive Continued Professional Development (CPD) offer.

Auditions will happen in three stages: with the first stage being an open call video submission.

Stage 1 – 1 minute video submission (Friday 2 May, 12pm UK time)
Stage 2 – Zoom audition (Sunday 29 & Monday 30 June)
Stage 3 – In person audition in London (September, exact date tbc)

The Shechter II 2026 programme will run from January 2026 to January 2027 and will involve a period of creation and rehearsal, followed by touring in the UK and Europe.

In addition to the training programme outlined above and delivered by our artistic team and experts in the profession, you will be paid an apprentice salary at London Living wage, a contribution towards relocation expenses and touring expenses (accommodation, travel and per diems).

Please note, this position does not constitute a formal apprenticeship and the employment will finish at the end of the agreed fixed term.

ELLIGIBILITY

• THIS IS AN OPEN CALL FOR 18-25 YEAR OLD DANCERS ONLY.
• You must be aged 18-25 by 29 June 2025.
• You must be prepared to live in the UK in order to participate in this programme as regrettably we cannot provide additional expenses other than those set out below.
• You must be able to commit to the entire fixed term period from January 2026 – January 2027. No exceptions.

Applications close Friday 2 May, 12pm UK time.

Click HERE for audio file of Shechter II 2026 programme description
Click HERE for large text version of Shechter II 2026 audition description
For any queries, please read our FAQs or email audition@hofesh.co.uk

To submit your application, you will need to complete a registration form, pay a £6 administration fee (+ booking fee)* and upload your 1-minute video. You can do this by clicking this link. 

*This small administration fee helps supports the artists and team we engage to facilitate the audition application process. 

Hofesh Shechter Company gratefully receives support towards the delivery of Shechter II 2026. This includes funding from The Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation and the Abderrahim Crickmay Charitable Settlement.

Hofesh Shechter Company is supported using public funding through Arts Council England and benefits from the support of BNP Paribas Foundation for the development of its projects.