OPEN CALL | Workshop + Audition
The Portland Ballet (Portland, Oregon)
August 13, 2023 | 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Check In @ 1:30pm
OPEN CALL | Workshop + Audition
The Portland Ballet (In-Person)
August 13, 2023 | 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Check In @ 1:30pm
push/FOLD seeks two to three (2-3) professional-level dancers, ages 22 and older, for immediate paid contracts. Please continue reading for details, audition format, and eligibility.
Space is limited, advanced registration is recommended. Limited walk-ups are welcome. Priority will be given to those who are auditioning.
Questions not answered below related to the audition process and interest in push/FOLD should be directed to: contact@pushfold.org
** This event is free for all attendees. **
What to Bring
- Please bring clothing that covers your legs and shoulders (please no: ballet tights, shoes, or socks).
- Snacks & Water
- Resumé & Headshot (if auditioning)
Who Can Attend
The primary purpose of this event is as an audition for push/FOLD. The first part of this audition is a workshop-style class to introduce our movement style, significant concepts, and process. The audition process will follow (Audition Format: Click Here).
Dancers should expect high to low-level movement, floorwork, and partnering with individuals of varying genders and sizes.
Participants:
- Must be 18 years old or older to attend the workshop.
- Must be 22 years old or older to audition (exceptions may be made).
- Must have advanced to professional-level training and experience for the safety of others.
- Must be willing to work in close proximity and partner with individuals of varying identities and sizes.
Dancers of all genres and traditions of movement are encouraged to attend.
** All participants must have advanced to professional-level experience and training for the safety and purpose of this event. Determination of aptitude and safety will be assessed throughout the workshop and audition. Any participants who are not at this level will be asked to observe. **
Eligibility
Eligibility
To be eligible for a position with push/FOLD, auditionees must be:
- 22 years old or older (exceptions may be made).
- Legally able to work in the United States.
- Able to commit to push/FOLD's rehearsal schedule (see below).
** Note **
At this time push/FOLD is not able to provide visas or pay for relocation.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for two (2) to three (3) dancers to join push/FOLD on an on-going basis for paid contracts that start immediately. Strong consideration is given to dancers who:
- Demonstrate an aptitude for athletic movement and partnering.
- Draw upon their strengths and experiences in various forms of dance and movement.
- Have a strong sense of spatial awareness, form, and line within their body.
- Be a generous movement partner.
- Be readily communicative, ask questions, and be willing to learn and receive feedback from the Artistic Director, Samuel Hobbs, the dancers with push/FOLD, and other participants.
- Be considerate of the safety and well-being of other participants and the dance community at large.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in pushing their artistic expression to cultivate something greater than themselves.
FORMAT & PROCESS
Audition Format
The primary purpose of this event is as an audition for push/FOLD. The first part of this audition is a workshop-style class to introduce our movement style, significant concepts, and process. Dancers should expect high to low-level movement, floorwork, and partnering with individuals of varying genders and sizes.
After a short break, we will invite auditioning dancers to continue to work with, learn, and demonstrate select phrases, movement prompts, and partnering. Throughout the event, we will be assessing the strength and engagement of participants and how you work with others.
We encourage anyone auditioning to step out of comfort zones and known movement styles. We want to see the versatility of your capabilities.
** All attendees are welcome to quietly observe if not selected to continue. **
Selection Process
As a company, we are looking for strong movers who will push us in our artistry and vision for the future. The vision of push/FOLD is to achieve something greater than ourselves. Strength, Power, and Growth are the backbone of this company. Please visit our Mission & Vision page to learn more about our values and company culture.
Throughout the audition process, we may continue to select specific individuals to work with more closely.
Strong auditions will:
- Demonstrate an aptitude for athletic movement and partnering.
- Draw upon their strengths and experiences in various forms of dance and movement.
- Have a strong sense of spatial awareness, form, and line within their body.
- Be a generous movement partner.
- Be readily communicative, ask questions, and be willing to learn and receive feedback from the Artistic Director, Samuel Hobbs, the dancers with push/FOLD, and other participants.
- Be considerate of the safety and well-being of other participants and the dance community at large.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in pushing their artistic expression to cultivate something greater than themselves.
Final Invitation
After the audition, we will make final determinations over the next several days. If selected, prospective dancers will be invited to attend up to six (6) rehearsals with the company at our rehearsal space (see below). We consider these auditions as much of an audition for us as it is an opportunity to see how you work in our typical rehearsal environment.
During these invited rehearsals, we will continue to assess your integration into the company, process, and repertoiré. After one (1) to six (6) rehearsals, prospective dancers will be invited to have a conversation with the Artistic Director, Samuel Hobbs, regarding any additional feedback and the final determination for your participation with the company.
** Prospective dancers are compensated per our current rehearsal rates during this time (see below). **
LOGISTICS & SCHEDULE
Location:
The Portland Ballet
6250 SW Capitol Hwy
Portland, OR 97239
Date & Time
August 13, 2023 | 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Check In @ 1:30pm
** Please arrive early to check in **
Schedule
1:30pm - 2:00pm
Doors Open (Check In & Self-guided Pre-warmup)
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Visceral Movement Theory™ Workshop (Movement & Partnering)
4:00pm - 4:10pm
Break & Transition
4:10pm - 6:00pm
Focused Group Selections & Audition
OPPORTUNITY DETAILS
Contract Details
push/FOLD offers on-going contracts that include 3-8 performances per year, dance-for-film creations, and community engagement programming within the Pacific Northwest, on tour, and here in Portland, Oregon.
Current Compensation
- Competitive live performance pay (typically between $150 to $300 per performance or date, depending on event/project specifics | Example: 3 performances in 1 production = $450 to $900).
- Daily tour rates, travel expenses, housing, and per diem (rates depend on location and project).
- Rehearsal compensation (minimum $25/rehearsal).
- Professional-level training in contemporary movement and partnering based in Break, Street, Ballet, and Visceral Movement Theory™—martial arts, athletics, and dance.
Additional Opportunities
Throughout the season, additional paid opportunities for non-dance work with push/FOLD are available.
Rehearsal Location
Columbia Dance Center
1700 Broadway St
Vancouver, WA 98663
We rehearse at the beautiful and spacious Columbia Dance Center in Vancouver, WA throughout the year. Columbia Dance Center is about 5-minutes north across the I-5 bridge.
Driving North on I-5 in the morning typically takes 10 - 15 minutes from NW, and 15 - 20 minutes from SE Hawthorne area. Driving from N, NE, and St. John's areas typically take between 7 - 15 minutes.
** Carpooling from the Convention Center Max Station is available for those who use public transportation. **
Rehearsal Schedule
- Mondays | 8:30am - 11:30am
- Wednesdays | 8:30am - 11:30am
- Thursdays | 8:30am - 11:30am
Rehearsals are approximately 9-12 hours per week.
Gregory Bartning | Artistic Director: Samuel Hobbs