Open Call: SUMMER ACADEMY 2026
Mentoring for Young Dance Professionals entering the independent scene
Billinger & Schulz (Verena Billinger and Sebastian Schulz) are calling for applications for the first SUMMER ACADEMY of their project Konzept: zusammen suchen – a week of mentoring, exchange, and artistic reflection for dance professionals transitioning from university to the independent scene – from July 20th to 26th, 2026, at Produktionshaus NAXOS in Frankfurt am Main.
The week-long program is aimed at dancers and choreographers nearing graduation or newly established in the profession who are seeking concrete inspiration, contact with colleagues, and connection. The program includes: dramaturgical and artistic coaching, advice on project development and funding, reflection on one’s own positioning and visibility, and collaborative aesthetic experiments. The format is peer-to-peer and designed to be easily accessible – led by Billinger & Schulz, who bring over 25 years of expertise in contemporary dance, including over 15 years as choreography duo, and extensive experience in coaching and mentoring young artists.
Participation is free of charge; travel and accommodation expenses will be covered. Up to twelve people will be selected. Applicants from North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse are especially encouraged to apply; applications from other regions and internationally are welcome.
Please submit your application materials (a letter of motivation, max. 1 page, and an artistic CV, max. 2 pages, as a PDF of max. 1 MB) and links to videos and, optionally, to your website, portfolio, etc., via the following online form: https://forms.gle/onSzrDwDqircLuyXA. Please direct any questions to academy[at]billingerundschulz[dot]de by April 15th. More information at www.billingerundschulz.de. Application deadline: April 30th, 2026.
Funded by TANZPAKT Stadt-Land-Bund with the support of the German Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, Ministry of Culture and Science North-Rhine Westphalia, Department Office for Culture and Science Frankfurt am Main.