SE.S.TA – Centre for Choreographic Development (Czechia) and Le Plus Petit Cirque du Monde / PPCM (France) announce an open call for applications to PerformAgora PRO, an international professional development programme for emerging performers focused on site-specific and interdisciplinary creation. The programme combines hands-on artistic research and creative practice, mentorship from international artists and educators, collaboration in industrial and other site-responsive environments, and the development of professional portfolios.
Who we are looking for
Contemporary dancers, circus artists and physical theatre makers aged 20–27 who wish to expand their artistic practice through collaborative creation, contextual research, and work in relation to specific sites and communities.
What you will gain
- Erasmus+ support covering travel, accommodation and per diem
- International mentorship from leading artists and educators at SE.S.TA and PPCM
- Hands-on artistic research in unique industrial environments
- Video and photo documentation for professional use
- International visibility and networking opportunities at the Prague Quadrennial and through our international partners
Dates and locations
The programme will take place in the following phases:
- 11–15 October 2026 | Paris, France – research and methodology lab for team leaders
- 22 February – 3 March 2027 | Prague, Czechia – residency for 3 selected teams
- 5–17 April 2027 | Žďár nad Sázavou, Czechia – residency for 3 selected teams
- 12–17 June 2027 | Prague, Czechia – final presentation during Prague Quadrennial 2027 for team leaders
Residency activities will take place in studios, public space, historical architecture and industrial settings, including collaboration with partners such as TOKOZ.
Who can apply
- Professional performers aged 20–27 working in contemporary dance, circus and physical theatre, with strong physical and technical skills
- Individuals or teams of 1–4 people
- Applicants with Czech or French citizenship or legal residency
- Applicants available for all phases of the programme
- Applicants able to work in English
- Applicants with a clear interest in site-specific or interdisciplinary practice
A total of 6 teams will be selected.
How to apply
Please submit the following via the online application form:
- Professional CV and artistic bio, including contact information
- Motivational letter and brief artistic statement, reflecting your approach to space, movement and non-theatrical architecture, and outlining your interest in site-specific performance and your expectations from the programme
- Portfolio and video links – 1–2 samples of previous work or performances
Application deadline: 3 October 2026
Results announced: 7 October 2026
For questions, contact: Eva Dryjová, eva.dryjova@se-s-ta.cz
About us
Centre for Choreographic Development SE.S.TA (Centrum choreografického rozvoje SE.S.TA, Czechia): since 1999, SE.S.TA has worked to support the development of the movement arts – contemporary dance, new circus and physical theatre – in an international and interdisciplinary environment. SE.S.TA is the only centre for choreographic development in Czechia. It supports artists, critics, educators and other professionals in the field, and engages a wide audience that reaches beyond the performing arts.
Le Plus Petit Cirque du Monde (PPCM, France): founded in 1992 in Bagneux, PPCM is an internationally recognised cultural centre with a strong social mission, specialising in circus, dance, theatre and the architecture of peripheral urban areas. As a member of networks such as Circostrada and TransEuropeHalles, PPCM brings profound expertise in social circus methodologies and artistic research in public spaces.
