Sophiensæle | Freies Theater in Berlin

Dance residencies at Sophiensæle 2026

Subject to the provision of funds within the framework of the 2026 residency funding by the Berlin Senate, Sophiensæle is announcing three artistic residencies for emerging Berlin-based dance artists in 2026 as part of the NEW TECHNIQUES program. With our dance residency program, we support early-career dance artists based in Berlin and simultaneously reflect on the concept of technique in the contemporary dance scene.

We have named our residency NEW TECHNIQUES because we want to explore the notion of technique together with emerging dance artists—a term that, in recent decades, has been replaced by “practice” in dance discourse, education, and criticism. We ask what technique might mean in today’s pluralized dance world. This exploration is not only about how existing dance techniques taught in schools and studios (from ballet, modern, contemporary dance, or urban styles) relate to cultural identity, power dynamics, historical contexts, or social practices, but also about how other forms of embodied knowledge and self-technologies passed down in our communities and societies influence the field of dance and the artistic practices of the invited choreographers.

The NEW TECHNIQUES residency program is part of the "Residency Support for Berlin Dance Artists," through which the Berlin Senate Department for Culture and Europe first introduced and awarded residency programs in 2020.

Application deadline: 30.11.2025 (11:59 PM CET)

In 2026, Sophiensæle will offer three artistic residencies to emerging Berlin-based dance artists and their teams. The residency provides an opportunity to further develop artistic methods, research and experiment independently of project-based funding instruments.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Residency Dates: 16.02.-27.03.2026, 23.03.- 01.05.2026, 28.09.- 06.11.2026 (4 weeks studio/rehearsal space plus one week of preparation and follow-up for the artistic direction)
• A stipend of 3,000 euros for the artistic director for a 6-week residency (including 2 weeks of preparation and follow-up, 3 weeks in an external studio, followed by 1 week at Sophiensæle)
• A stipend of 2,000 euros for two additional performers involved in the project (during the studio period)
• Artistic advising (dramaturgs, outside eyes, and other experts) (Fee: 900 € gross per week)
• Dramaturgical, organizational, and technical support from our team
• Residency documentation by invited authors, who will create texts about the residents’ practice and research in consultation with them
• Video documentation

WHO CAN APPLY?

• Professional emerging dance artists living and working in Berlin
• Artists who have not yet participated in the NEW TECHNIQUES program
• Emerging choreographers whose projects do not fit into existing funding structures
• Teams that wish to work without production pressure and on their own terms
• Teams of up to 3 stipend recipients + up to 2 artistic consultants

END OF THE RESIDENCY:

Depending on the needs of the artistic process, the residency may conclude with an open rehearsal,a workshop, a showing, or an artist talk, providing insights into the choreographic research and artistic methods developed.

APPLICATION:

Applications should be sent via email to newtechniques@sophiensaele.com using the application form. If you have any questions, please contact us at newtechniques@sophiensaele.com or call +49 (0)30 278 900-49.

The form is available for download here.

The jury of Sophiensæle (Andrea Niederbuchner, Mateusz Szymanówka, and former NEW TECHNIQUES resident Enad Marouf) is expected to make a selection by December 19, 2025, and will notify the selected residents/applicants accordingly.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Please note that the maximum allowable stipend amount of 24,000 euros per resident artist must not be exceeded, considering all stipends received from the State of Berlin in the given year.
• Students who are enrolled at a university, college, or training center in the field of dance/choreography in 2026 are not eligible to apply.

We aim to support working methods that represent a wide range of life experiences and perspectives. We therefore encourage applications from people with and without disabilities, individuals with experiences of structural discrimination, and projects featuring diverse, intergenerational casts.

We see ourselves as a house undergoing transformation, engaging with power-critical, discrimination-sensitive, and inclusive ways of thinking and working. Our permanent team currently consists predominantly of white and non-disabled individuals. We recognize that this presents a particular situation for BIPoC and disabled artists realizing their projects with us. If you wish, you may include self-identification/self-positioning information in your application.

For information on accessibility at Sophiensæle: sophiensaele.com/en/page/accessibility

We look forward to receiving your applications!

Sophiensæle Team