Shechter II returns in 2026

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

If you’re aged between 18 and 25 years old, it’s your chance to join Hofesh Shechter Company as part of our Shechter II 2026 Development Programme - 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 44,000 people, we now launch a global search for the next generation of talented dancers, 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 emerging young dancers 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.

The Shechter II 2024 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.

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

AUDITION DETAILS – please carefully read through the following information:

Stage 1 – 1 minute video

  • For the first stage of the Shechter II audition, we would like you to submit a 1-minute video of you dancing – 30 seconds for improvising and the other 30 seconds dancing some set material.
  • The set material can be something you have learnt from a choreography, or something you have created yourself. The source doesn’t matter to us. We are looking for a different quality between the improvisation and the set material. Show us a different flavour – show us your versatility!
  • We do not necessarily look for one thing in a dancer, so be rich in what you propose. We look for variety. Please use this opportunity to show us all of who you are, rather than the one thing you think we want to see.
  • Please film your submission in landscape mode.
  • Mobile phone footage is fine, as long as we can see your full body.
  • Please submit only ONE video file, which contains you 30 seconds of improvisation and 30 seconds of set material.
  • Once you have paid your administration fee you will receive an email with a link to a google form where you can upload your video.
  • The deadline for completing your application and submitting your 1-minute film is 12:00 midday (UK time) on Friday 2 May, 2025. We strongly recommend that you don’t wait until the last minute, as we cannot guarantee technical support on the day.
  • Please note, the £6 fee is to cover staffing costs for shortlisting and administration.

Stage 2 – ZOOM audition

  • Successfully shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online Zoom audition on 29 or 30 June, 2025.

Stage 3 – in-person audition

  • Selected candidates from the Zoom audition will be invited to an in-person audition in London in September (date tbc). More details to follow.

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 on Friday 2 May at 12:00 midday.

Click HERE for audio file of Shechter II 2026 programme description
Click HERE for large text version of Shechter II 2026 audition description

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

 



“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

“Touring and performing the same piece for the year was one of the best things I could ever have asked for. To sink your teeth into one piece of material…it gave me a real sense of confidence. Almost 100 performances! It is so hard to come by that opportunity and to be paid for that….brilliant.” - Holly Brennan

Hofesh Shechter Company gratefully receives support towards the delivery of Shechter II 2024. This includes core funding from John Ellerman Foundation and the Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation.

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.