«Szenefenster» is a straightforward stage format for short pieces, raw drafts, or particularly successful scenes. The Bern «Szenefenster» hands over the stages of the Schlachthaus Theater SHT and the Dampfzentrale Bern to the local professional performing arts scene.
Four times per season, always on a Wednesday evening, a potpourri of artistic signatures emerges. For the audience, a window opens into the diversity of the Bernese scene.
Szenefenster, 20:00
We 10.12.25 at Dampfzentrale Bern
We 04.02.26 at Schlachthaus Theater SHT
We 25.03.26 at Schlachthaus Theater SHT
We 29.04.26 at Dampfzentrale Bern
Who can apply?
Artists from the field of performing arts – from dance to theater and everything in between – who have a connection to Bern are eligible to apply. A completed degree in the performing arts (BA) and/or proven professional stage experience is required.
What can be submitted?
Short performances, excerpts from plays, or experimental formats lasting 10–20 minutes with minimal technical requirements are sought. Student projects will not be considered.
What we offer:
- A simple lighting setup (front and backlight, plus a sound system) & light/sound operation during the performance
- 45 minutes of rehearsal time on stage in the afternoon of the performance day
- Catering throughout the day
- A flat fee of CHF 200.– per person, for groups of three or more: a total flat fee of CHF 500. –
- Promotion through all our channels (website & social media)
- Apéro Riche after the performance
Conditions:
- The application must be submitted completely and on time (see application form).
- On the day of the performance, each group will have one hour for technical setup.
- Participants are limited to performers and up to one person for directing/choreography (provided they are also present on the evening of the performance).
- Not eligible: technicians, costume designers, production assistants, or other non-performing contributors.
- Travel and accommodation costs cannot be covered.
Exclusion Criteria:
SHT and Dampfzentrale see themselves as institutions sensitive to discrimination. The stage should be a place of mutual respect, openness, and lived diversity. If problematic content is identified, we reserve the right to exclude the work from the program. Works longer than 20 minutes or technically not feasible cannot be considered. Student projects will not be considered.
Submission:
Applications are accepted exclusively via the official application form and must include:
- A short project description (max. 1200 characters including spaces)
- Short biographies of the participants (max. 800 characters including spaces)
- Contact details
- Portrait photos of the participants and/or photos of the project
Only one application may be submitted per artist/group. For each «Szenefenster» date, 3–4 groups are selected. Selection is made by lottery. «Szenefenster» is an uncurated format. It is possible to apply for each date, but participation is limited to one performance.
Key Dates:
Szenefenster on 10.12.25
- 15.10.–05.11.25: Registration window open
- 12.11.25: Announcement of selected groups
Szenefenster on 04.02.26
- 10.12.–31.12.25: Registration window open
- 07.01.26: Announcement of selected groups
Szenefenster on 25.03.26
- 28.01.–18.02.26: Registration window open
- 25.02.26: Announcement of selected groups
Szenefenster on 29.04.26
- 04.03. 25.03.26: Registration window open
- 01.04.26: Announcement of selected groups
Questions?
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us by email: tina.odermatt@schlachthaus.ch or tina.odermatt@dampfzentrale.ch
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