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August 2026, and in Bogotá there's a cultural scene that doesn't show up in tourist guides or Google Maps plans. I'm talking about production events: short film shoots, podcast recordings, theater and dance dress rehearsals, and calls for audiences for Transversal shows. Most are free, others ask for a symbolic contribution, and all give you a privileged look at the creative process that's usually hidden behind the cameras.
The trick is knowing where to look. Universities with communication and performing arts faculties are the first breeding ground: Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Universidad de los Andes, and Universidad del Rosario open calls for audiences in their student productions. Also cultural centers like el Centro Nacional de las Artes (CNA) on Calle 11 with Carrera 5, which schedules open dance and theater rehearsals almost every month.
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La Cinemateca de Bogotá, at Carrera 3 # 19-35, organizes demonstration shoots and talks with local directors where audiences are sometimes needed for background scenes. And don't forget the UPTC Television Studios (Unidad de Producción Televisiva de la Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia), which, although its main headquarters is in Tunja, has alliances with local channels in Bogotá for recording series and digital formats.
Updated costs
We're talking about almost always free experiences. Open rehearsals at Teatro Colón, on Calle 10 # 5-32, are usually free, but require prior registration on their website. Calls for audiences for live podcast recordings, like those at the Bogotá International Book Fair (FILBo) every April, are free with entry to the fairgrounds.
At universities, participating as an audience in student short film shoots has no cost. However, sometimes they ask you to bring your own snack if the shoot runs long. For rehearsals at the Centro Nacional de las Artes, entry is free until capacity is reached, which is usually limited: about 50 to 80 people depending on the room.
If you're looking for more curated experiences, some audiovisual production workshops with entry to simulated shoots charge between $20,000 and $50,000 COP. These are reference prices from August 2026 and may vary, so check directly before attending.
Estimated times
A theater dress rehearsal at Teatro Colón lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. Contemporary dance rehearsals at CNA can extend up to two hours, with a 10-minute break in the middle. Live podcast recordings usually last between 45 minutes and an hour, followed by a Q&A session with the audience.
Short film shoots are the most unpredictable: a two-minute scene can take four hours of shooting due to lighting, sound, and acting adjustments. If you're invited as an extra or background actor, be prepared to wait long periods between takes. Bring a book or headphones for the downtime, but be careful: on many sets, headphones aren't allowed because you might miss the director's instructions.
Calls for audiences for Transversal series recordings, when they appear, are usually announced a week in advance, and the shoot can take half a day, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm approximately.
Practical tips
Arriving 20 minutes before the scheduled time isn't optional; it's mandatory. On shoots, everyone's time is valuable, and if you're late, you simply don't get in. Wear comfortable clothing and neutral colors if you're going to be on camera: avoid flashy prints, large logos, and pure whites that reflect light. Dark blue jeans and a solid-colored shirt work almost always.
Absolute silence is the golden rule. In theater and dance rehearsals, the director needs to hear every breath and every step. No whispering, no phones, no candy wrappers. Turn off your phone completely, not just on silent, because vibrations are picked up by ambient microphones.
Photos are prohibited in almost all rehearsal and shoot spaces due to copyright and surprise. If you need content for your social media, ask at the end if they allow photos of the dismantled set or the crew. At live podcasts, many allow photos before recording starts but not during.
A little-known fact: at Teatro Colón, opera and ballet dress rehearsals are usually announced with only 48 hours' notice on their social media. Follow them closely and turn on notifications, because capacity fills up in hours. People who know the trick check their Instagram stories every Thursday at noon.
If you're going to a shoot as an extra, bring a change of clothes in a bag. Costume changes are frequent, and sometimes they ask you to change your look between scenes. Also bring water, because long days on locations without air conditioning are exhausting.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need previous experience or to be a student to attend?
# Most calls for audiences for recordings and open rehearsals are designed for all kinds of people. That said, having a genuine interest in the creative process helps make the experience more rewarding. At universities, they sometimes prioritize their own students, but remaining spots are opened to the general public. You just need to register in the form they publish and wait for confirmation.
What do I do if I'm invited to a shoot and I don't speak Spanish well?
No problem. Film sets have people from all over, and directors are used to giving instructions with gestures and demonstrations. If you're going as an extra or background actor, you usually just need to walk, sit, or do a simple action. If you have questions, ask the assistant director before the take begins. Basic English is handled in most independent productions in Bogotá.
Can I bring a companion if I'm invited to an open rehearsal?
It depends on the event. Rehearsals at Teatro Colón and the Centro Nacional de las Artes require individual registration per person, so everyone must register separately. At university calls, they sometimes allow one companion per guest, but you should always confirm when responding to the call. Never assume you can show up with someone without letting them know, because capacity is limited and they could be denied entry.
If you manage to get into one of these events, share your experience with the hashtag #MalokalDetrásDeCámaras and tag us to appear in our story. Next time you watch a Colombian series, you'll know what happened before they said "action."
Tickets, Pricing, and Where to Buy
For the Ghost Event (film shoots, podcasts, and rehearsals), tickets are not yet available. According to the organizers, prices and sales points will be announced 15 days before the event. It is recommended to follow official social media and the event website. As a reference, similar events in Bogotá (such as FILBo 2026) charge 14,000 COP for general admission and recommend digital purchase to avoid lines. The Ghost Event is expected to follow a similar approach with online sales and limited capacity.
Official Schedule and Stage Timetables
The detailed schedule will be published close to the event date. Activities are expected to run from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., similar to other events at Corferias. There will be dedicated spaces for film shoots, podcast recordings, and rehearsals, with specific times per stage or room. It is advisable to check the official agenda once available and arrive early to secure a good spot.
Getting There and Local Safety Tips
The event will take place at Corferias (Carrera 37 # 24-67, Bogotá). To get there, use TransMilenio (Corferias station) or taxis and ride-hailing services, considering peak hours to avoid delays. Bring personal identification and, if applicable, professional documentation. Pets and outside food are not allowed. Arrive early, especially on the first days, to avoid crowds and make the most of the experience.
