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Incoming Festival, Intrepid Theatre’s newest festival, is looking for theatrically focused, interdisciplinary work, interactive performances, or performative installations. This live, in-person festival takes place on Lekwungen Territory in downtown Victoria, BC. Read below for details on what the application processes looks like.

Questions? E-mail Producer Emmett MacMillen at emmett[at]intrepidtheatre.com

Important Dates

APPLICATION RELEASE DATE: September 26th 2024
APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 4th 2024, 5pm PST
FESTIVAL DATES: November 19th-29th 2025

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General Information

Incoming Festival is a curated festival of live, in-person performance. Some shows are invited directly, but we also accept productions through the open application process outlined below. We are interested in programming new, presentation-ready work. The definition of new we are working with is: an original piece of work (scripted or devised) not a published or existing script; it does not need to be world premiere (though we love world premieres) but it does need to be a recent creation; it may have been presented, workshopped, or toured previously but the engagement at this festival will be either a Victoria premiere, a BC premiere, a Western Canada premiere, etc.

We are looking for fully-produced shows, which are relatively “light” in their production requirements and can be performed in a tight festival repertory schedule (shows with big set installations or extraordinary technical needs may not be possible), and which have video documentation available that can be considered by the jury. This video documentation can be from a workshop, or can be excerpts if the show has not been fully staged. International applications are welcome.

For 2025, we are seeking applications for small-scale touring work to play in our 45 seat blackbox, Intrepid Studio and our 170 seat Metro Studio. These can be traditional theatre performances, cabaret, or performance installations. We are looking to program shows from this application to play between November 19th and November 29th 2025.

What to Expect

Successful applicants receive one, two, or three scheduled in-person live performances in a fully outfitted venue of 40-150 seats (we choose), with full festival technical, promotion and box office support. A technical rehearsal will be scheduled with a professional technician, who will run your show. You are not required to bring a stage manager. We supply hotel accommodation and travel expenses for the performer. If you are travelling from out of province this would include air travel. Performance fees are negotiated individually in advance of the festival, usually $500-1000 CAD per performance, depending on venue and number of performances.

Applicants and their team will need to meet all federal and provincial requirements for travel to BC in 2025, be able to perform in person and observe the requirements of Intrepid Theatre’s current Communicable Disease Prevention Plan.

Application Guidelines

Applicants must submit support materials with their completed application: a link to a streaming archival video of the full show, a workshop, or video excerpt; some video documentation is required. You may provide relevant support material (press clippings, photos, reviews, resume) to help the programmers make an informed decision. Do not send a script. Due to the volume of applications, the jury will not provide written or oral assessments of individual applications.

There is a non-refundable, $37 CAD application fee (GST included) which must be submitted at the time of application. Please submit only one application – if you have more than one show, we’d prefer you to select the one you’d most like to bring to the festival. Payment is taken online through the submission form via PayPal (no account required).

We understand that there’s usually a great team behind a great show. However, if your show has a large production team who needs to come with you, live musicians, or you have to travel with your stage manager or director, it makes it less likely that we can invite you. We are also unable to accommodate shows that have set or tech requirements that cannot be struck or reinstalled on a festival repertory schedule. See the FAQs below more info.

DEADLINE: We must receive your application materials by the listed deadline for it to be considered. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. If your video doesn’t work when we try it, we will not be able to consider your application.

 

FAQs – Please read before applying!

How many shows do you program?

This year we plan to program 2-4 main stage productions from applications and a few ancillary events/parties/performances/play readings.

How many people can be in my show?

We are looking for solo or small cast shows, the number of people needed to travel for your show affects our ability to program your show.

What kind of shows are you looking for?

Live, in-person performance with a theatrical perspective: comedy, drama, theatre for young audiences, cabaret, musical theatre, physical theatre, puppetry, clown, spoken word, multimedia, storytelling and stand up. As well as installations or interactive work.

What kind of venues and equipment do you have? Do I need to bring a technician?

We use two venues for the festival – the Metro Studio (172 seats) and the Intrepid Theatre Club (40 seats). Change-over time between performances is limited, so if your show involves a permanent installation (ex: a full set) or cannot be performed with a festival lighting plot and a reasonable number of specials, we will probably not be able to accommodate you. All technical equipment and tech support are provided, including video projectors, screens, and festival sound and lighting. You may have a technical rehearsal of up to 5 hrs.

Do I do my own promotion?

Intrepid Theatre will be responsible for blanket promotion of the festival, including festival posters, program guide, press releases and arranging interviews with the media.  If you have leftover posters or press kits from a previous engagement or festival run, we’re happy to distribute them.

Will you send my materials back?

No. Please make sure you have copies of your own, we will not return any materials submitted with applications.

Can I send a VHS tape or DVD of my show? How about a live audition?

No.

How about a web link to a full video?

If we can stream it, this is great – yes. But please don’t send anything we have to download.

My show is really great but I don’t have a video. Can I apply with a script?

The jury gives equal weight to the performance and the content of the show. If we can’t see you perform, you are at a huge disadvantage. Think about taping your show and applying next year.  It doesn’t need to be professionally produced – we are used to watching archival videos, and as long as we can see and hear you, we can overlook fancy video production values. Some of our favourite shows have had really, really terrible videos.

I applied for a previous festival but didn’t get in, can I apply again?

If the show you submitted has had further development since we saw it last, please – ie. it moved from a workshop production (which we saw last time) to a full production, we will consider it.

I was planning to tape my show later this year, can I apply and send the video later when I have it?

Late applications and materials cannot be considered.

What is your COVID Safety Plan? How will the pandemic impact travel?

Please see this link for our current Communicable Disease Prevention Plan (subject to change depending on PHO orders). Applicants and their team will need to meet all federal and provincial requirements for travel to BC in 2024/2025, be able to perform in person and observe the requirements of Intrepid Theatre’s current CDPP.

More Questions? E-mail Producer Emmett MacMillen at emmett[at]intrepidtheatre.com