PUSHLab 2026 Scholarship Audition
Workshop
PUSHLab Workshop
& Audition
With Ashely Gayle & the Sanctuary Teachers
Further your performance skills alongside professionals in the critically-acclaimed festival, PUSHfest. Dancers will explore the process of technique and new choreography. PUSHLab includes choreography by award-winning PUSH Dancer & Associate Artistic Director Ashley Gayle and Sanctuary Teachers Carmen Crockett, Swetha Prabakaran, and Ting Alvarez-Maquinta.
Two (2) Paid-Apprentices will be selected from the Pool of Candidates to join
PUSH Dance Company.
About PUSHLab
PUSHLab is an immersive performance workshop for dancers 18 and older, welcoming all levels from beginners to seasoned professionals with at least three years of dance experience. Participants learn choreography, refine stage presence, and explore the inner complexities of performing live. No audition is required to enroll, making PUSHLab an accessible entry point into PUSH’s artistic community. Dancers seeking financial support may audition for a scholarship, with both in-person and digital audition options available. The workshop culminates in a showcase during PUSHfest, bridging the gap between technical practice and the transformative experience of performing on stage.
PUSH Dance Company Apprenticeship
The PUSH Apprenticeship is a paid, immersive program designed to bridge the gap between training and professional company membership. Apprentices receive a full scholarship to PUSHLab, PUSH’s performance workshop for dancers 18 and older with at least three years of experience. Apprentices rehearse at The Sanctuary, perform in multiple works during PUSHfest, and train alongside seasoned professionals, growing their artistry while sparking change through dance.
Meet the PUSHLab Choreographers
ASHLEY GAYLE
Associate Artistic Director, BFA
Int/Adv to Professional Levels
Ashley Gayle has taught at Oakland Unified School District, Shawl Anderson Dance Center, and PUSH Youth Program, among others. She is a performer, director, and co-curated Yerba Buena Gardens Choreofest for three years while presenting original choreography for the company. Ashley holds a BFA in Dance with Minor in Business Management from UC Irvine.
Ashley will be creating a new dance work involving the performance workshop students.
Carmen Crockett
PUSHLab Choreographer
All Levels Welcome
Bio coming soon…
SWETHA PRABAKARAN
PUSHLab Choreographer
All Levels Welcome
Swetha Prabakaran is a choreographer & filmmaker exploring third-culture/diasporic identity, femininity, and accessibility. She developed the “Modern Natya” movement method, which provides diasporic audiences a bridge between their cultural traditions & modern dance while challenging Western audiences to see Bharatanatyam as a versatile movement foundation that isn’t limited to “classical” ethnic performance. Rather, her projects show how Bharatanatyam can–and should–be used as a storytelling tool across diverse media.
TING ALVAREZ-MAQUINTA
PUSHLab Choreographer
All Levels Welcome
Ting Alvarez-Maquinta is a Dance Practitioner, Healer, and Artist, who uses their art as a form of visual and oral story telling like ancestors before them have done; instilling a holistic and spiritual approach to all forms of dance. With an extensive background in root work, as well as being a mammadto and mangngagas, Ting is also deeply entrenched in historical work documenting family history and precolonial Ilokano culture, all while learning about living cultures.
No experience necessary—just bring curiosity, plenty of positivity, and a packed lunch! This program is a wonderful way to dance and meet new friends for our youngest aspiring dancers.
PUSHLab Performance Workshop
and Scholarship Audition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What level of dancing is expected in PUSHLab? Do I need to be an advanced dancer? A: PUSHLab is a performance workshop for students, beginner through advanced and professional dance artists who want to explore the inner complexities of performing on stage. All participants must be 18 years of age or older. We recommend having at least 3 years of dance experience.
Q: Do I need to audition to participate in PUSHLab? A: No. Only participants seeking a scholarship need to submit an in-person or digital audition.
Q: Can I audition for more than one workshop? A: Yes. All participants may participate in more than one workshop.
Q: Do I need to audition to receive a scholarship? A: Yes. All participants must audition in order to receive a scholarship. We recommend auditioning in person, but a digital option does exist.
Q: Can I audition for the workshop only, without the apprenticeship? A: Yes. All participants may indicate a preference to attend the workshop only. If selected, you will be notified of your scholarship amount.
Q: If I receive an Apprenticeship with PUSH Dance Company, do I also need to attend the workshop? A: Yes. Apprentices receive a full scholarship and are required to attend both Company rehearsals and the PUSHLab workshop. You are also expected to perform in multiple works during PUSHfest.
Q: When and where does PUSH rehearse? A: PUSH rehearses at The Sanctuary 447 Minna Street, San Francisco. The rehearsal schedule is typically released in early August. Apprentices are required to attend all rehearsals, including mandatory technical rehearsals.
Q: If I audition in person, do I still need to submit a video? A: No. Participants auditioning in person are not required to submit an online video.
Q: Are online video auditions eligible for scholarships? A: Yes. All video submissions are eligible for PUSHLab scholarships.
Q: Is it better to audition in person or by video? A: In-person auditions are generally a stronger representation of your dancing, as the choreographer can more fully assess your abilities and technique in real time.
Q: Is there a preferred length for video submissions? A: Video submissions may be any length; however, only approximately 3 minutes of footage will be reviewed. Youtube and Vimeo videos only, please.
Q: Do I need to bring anything to the audition? A: All necessary forms will be provided on the day of the audition, including a dance experience questionnaire, a liability waiver, and a video/photo release. You are also welcome to bring a resume and headshot, but they’re not required.
Q: What are you looking for in a dancer? A: Each choreographer’s process is unique. PUSH is an inclusive organization and does not discriminate based on height, weight, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, or national origin.
Q: What if I need to miss a workshop day? A: Each participant is allowed one absence. Out of respect for the choreographer and your fellow participants, we strongly encourage full attendance whenever possible.
Q: If I receive a scholarship but still have financial need, what are my options? A: PUSH offers payment plans and installment options for participants with financial need.
Q: When will I be notified if I am accepted? A: Notifications are typically sent within 1 to 3 business days following the audition.
Q: How can I pay the audition fee? A: Payment can be made through our secure online system.
Q: When is the last day to register? A: The last day to register is dependent on space, availability and/or the choreographer’s preference.