The video above showcases the ZDT company experience through the eyes of our artistic directors and six trainees.
(September 2024)

About the Summer Trainee Program

Our Commitment to Recruiting a Diverse Group of Trainees
and Creating a Community of Belonging

Bringing together students from diverse cultures, countries, and backgrounds creates the richest possible environment for learning and cultivates an artistic setting for the most innovative and powerful dance-making. ZDT makes every effort to bring together young artists representing the world in which we live, taking into account gender, age, ethnicity and race, internationalism, geographic origins such as urbanism and ruralism; socioeconomic background; sexual orientation and gender identity; religious beliefs; and political points of view.

Equally important, our staff fosters a community that lives out an active commitment to respecting our differences and each dancer’s authenticity and individuality. We nurture an atmosphere that binds us together as human beings through recognizing our shared intrinsic value, where every dancer feels dignity, respect, and a sense of belonging from other members of the community.

Auditioning for Summer 2025

*Deadline: February 17

The ZDT Trainee Company will consist of up to 40 dancers ages 17-24. 

Eligibility to Audition:

• Must be at least age 17 (at the time of the program’s start in July) or for college students through the final year in a BFA/BA Dance Program at the time of auditioning.
• Dancers up to age 24 who have graduated from high school who are not in college but are actively training may audition.
• Pursuing a professional dance performance career
• International dancers are strongly encouraged to audition along with dancers from the United States.
• Must be available from July 12 - August 3.
• Demonstrated maturity and respect for others to thrive in an intense environment where dancers will live and work together 24/7.

Audition Requirements:

• Video Section #1: A video introduction showing a brief close-up shot of your face, from the shoulders up. Clearly state your full name; preferred pronouns; current city; state, region, or province; country of residence; your age and level in HS or College, and your home studio/school/conservatory/college or university that provides your current primary training and education. At most 30 seconds in length.
• Video Section #2: An improv video at most 1 minute in length. It must have been filmed no earlier than September 1, 2024. The improv should clearly demonstrate the clarity of your unique artistic voice.
• Video Section #3: A classical technique video no more than 2 minutes in length, demonstrating a center tendu exercise, an adagio, and a petite allegro or small jump combination.
• All three video sections must be edited into one video and uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo so that you can share the link with your submission. NOTE: The clothing you are wearing for videos should be form-fitting enough to see your lines, clearly.
• A one-page personal statement (may not be longer than one page) that addresses your career interests and goals, how the ZDT Company Experience will contribute to helping you get there, and what you will uniquely contribute to building this year’s Trainee community.

Deadlines

• Your materials must be submitted online through the link provided here no later than Monday, February 17
• All Trainee candidates will be notified of decisions no later than March 10

For more information, please email auditions@zeitgeistdancetheatre.com.

Summer 2025 Program Details

July 12 - August 3
Santa Fe, NM

What Should I Expect?

• A daily schedule that will include company classes every morning.
  
• Learning new choreographic rep in the afternoon/evening.
  
• Discussions on career and professional dance topics.
  
• Mentor relationships with the artistic, educational, and residential directors.
  
• Performing world-premiere works at the New Century Dance Project (NCDP) Festival.
  
• Classes and workshops with choreographers and teaching artists through full participation in the NCDP choreography and performance intensive from Monday through Sunday of the third week.
  
• Acquisition of skills and experience, and photographic/video footage for college admission and/or professional company auditions.
  
• Learning the pace, structure, and flow of professional company life through an extended immersive experience.
  An intensive 24/7 living/learning environment requiring a commitment to getting along with people who are different than yourself.

Eligibility

Advanced dancers ages 17-24. At least five years of classical ballet training, modern, and contemporary, with cross-training in other styles preferred. A strong interest in pursuing a professional performance career is required. Curiosity and interest in applying and integrating diverse styles of dance and other art forms desired. Desire to make an impact through the arts on communities and the world at large.