The NEXT festival is launching an open call for amateurs interested in joining the performance Erste Schritte zu den Schwellen (“First Steps to the Thresholds”) by choreographer Zwoisy Mears-Clarke.
Who We’re Looking For?
Amateurs aged 16 and up
All levels of vision (sighted, low vision, blind), all genders
No prior dance or theater experience required
Motivation, reliability, and punctuality are essential
Full availability required for all rehearsals and performances
Priority will be given to BIPOC individuals and/or people with disabilities
About Erste Schritte zu den Schwellen
The piece is inspired by Germanic mask traditions and takes the form of a choreographed procession in public space.
Two masked characters — Steinschwarm (wise and slow) and Kann Sein (curious and unpredictable) — move to the rhythm of bells, describing their movements and telling multilingual stories (in German, Spanish, English, French and Dutch).
For the festival, amateurs will join one of the characters and speak in their own language(s) (French, Dutch, etc.), wearing costumes made from their own clothes and a mask provided by artist Camilo Pachón.
Practical Information
Dates:
First week - Oct 27–31, 2025: Workshop in Le Gymnase, Roubaix
Second week Nov 3–7, 2025: Outdoor rehearsals at Gare Saint-Sauveur (Lille)
Performances on Nov 8–9, 2025 – Gare Saint-Sauveur, Lille
The procession covers 300 meters and lasts 30–40 minutes
Masks limit the field of vision
Rehearsals will be conducted in English with French and Dutch translation
Accessibility
Assistance available for travel between home and rehearsal/performance sites