Festival FAQs
How many acts can I submit?
As many as you like! However, we encourage you to stick to submitting acts you’re most confident and well-practised in presenting.
Can I submit an application without a video?
No, your application is like an audition. Our decision panel need to observe your skills, stage presence, personal presentation, and how well you entertain. A video will help them do this. Applications without video will not be considered.
Who is on our decision panel?
Our decision panel is an external panel of industry and performance professionals.
I recorded video of my act in a studio – are studio recordings acceptable?
Yes! The video does not have to be at a performance venue, so long as you clearly demonstrate your act. A great performance will shine in any context. Though sound and image clarity are still important.
I didn’t get an email confirmation that my application went through – how can I be sure you received it?
If the email confirmation doesn’t show up in your inbox, please check your spam/junk folder, as sometimes they may end up there. If you still can’t find your confirmation, your application may not have been submitted successfully. Please email us at velvetantlerproductions@gmail.com
Will you notify me if there is something wrong with my application?
We try to review each submission received, ensuring that it is valid: the appropriate fee has been paid, and the video link works. If we find that, we will notify you using the email address you provided with your application. You will be given one chance to fix the issue(s); if not resolved, your application will be disqualified. After the deadline, if we discover that there is a problem with your application (for example: sometimes videos get taken offline by their original uploaders or hosting platforms without the applicant’s knowledge) the same rule applies: we will notify you immediately, giving you one chance to avoid disqualification.
Will successful AND unsuccessful applicants be notified of whether or not they are in the Festival?
Whether accepted to perform or not, all applicants will receive an email once the final curation process is complete.
When will I be notified about whether or not my act made it into the Festival?
All applicants will receive an email with the status of their application no later than late January 13, 2025.
Restrictions
What are the time restrictions for submissions?
The recommended maximum act length for solos is 4 minutes; your act may be shorter, and it may go over by a few seconds. group acts recommended maximum length of 5 minutes.
Why are there time restriction and are they mandatory?
The time limit allows us to estimating and controlling the length of the show. We also don’t want to give certain acts/performers more stage time than others and we would prefer to offer a greater number of performance slots for shorter acts. Though we call them restrictions, these are strong recommendations for this year’s festival
My act involves food or liquid onstage, is that okay?
We will determine this on a case-by-case basis as our performance spaces has strict rules around cleanliness. Glitter dumps and fire acts are prohibited at any of our venues. We recommend you eliminate messy aspects of your act, or substitute something else in their place.
I use an aerial apparatus in my act – does your venue have hanging points?
No, unfortunately we not have hanging points appropriate for the rigging of aerial acts at any of our venues.
Fees & Compensation
Why do you charge a non-refundable application fee?
Each adjudicator receives an honorarium for their time and expertise during the lengthy scoring process. There is also a considerable amount of administrative work involved in the collection of applications; ensuring that all the applications are valid, paid, and completed correctly. The systems allowing us to collect and process this information online are not free services.
What is the fee to apply?
$10 CAD is the regular price. We also offer to waive the application fee for performers who would not otherwise be able to apply.
Do you offer free applications to those who may have financial barriers?
We recognize that systemic oppression can make submitting to our Festival inaccessible for some performers; if applications require support they can email velvetanterproductions@gmail.com
Will accepted applicants receive a performance honorarium? If so, how much?
In standard festival format there are no performer fees offered. Honorariums and tips are dependent on the event and attendance level but we expect there will be an opportunity for healthy tips. This is our first year doing this Festival and hope to offer better compensation in the future.
Do you provide financial assistance to accepted applicants for prop transportation, travel, or lodging?
We currently do not cover the costs associated with shipping/transporting props, travel, or lodging. The Festival can may be able to help by aiding in the sourcing of common stage props. We will do our best to accommodate our performers with our small team.
Can I edit my application after I have submitted it? How do I do that?
Unfortunately, you are unable to edit your application after you have submitted so please make sure you have reviewed it before submitting.