In Dialogue: Call for Participants
October 23, 2025
PuSh Festival invites emerging artists and arts critics aged 25-35 to join In Dialogue—a week-long intensive of shared viewing, conversation, and critical exchange during the 2026 Festival.
Over seven days, a cohort of 10–12 participants will attend PuSh Festival performances together, engage in discussions facilitated by established theatre makers and arts academics, and attend artist talk backs. The program cultivates space for deep inquiry into contemporary creation—its urgencies, dramaturgies, and evolving forms.
Applications open October 23–November 24, 2025
Program dates: February 2–8, 2026
Who should apply:
Artists and critics ready to watch, reflect, and speak in dialogue. You might be a director, choreographer, playwright, performer, designer, arts writer, or researcher—anyone developing a practice within the live arts who seeks rigorous, reciprocal exchange.
What to expect:
- 6–8 hours daily (afternoons and evenings) immersed in conversation and performances
- Seven days of shared viewing and rigorous critical exchange
- Encounters with artists from the PuSh 2026 lineup
- A cohort of peers engaged in contemporary performance and cultural dialogue
Participation is free of charge and includes complimentary tickets to approximately eight performances and events.
Food and transportation are self-organized.
Applications close November 24, 2025.
We prioritize participation from IBPOC artists and from those based across Greater Vancouver, beyond the City of Vancouver.
Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit either a one-page cover letter or a three-minute video addressing:
- An overview of relevant professional experience
- Up to three questions guiding their current practice
- Why they wish to take part in In Dialogue and how they hope to benefit
- Applicant’s age (participants must be 25–35)
Please also include a Curriculum Vitae.
Send your application to youth@pushfestival.ca with Subject Line: In Dialogue Application
If you have any questions or require access support during the application process, please contact us at youth@pushfestival.ca.