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APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2023 FESTIVAL ARE CLOSED

 

If you have a unique burlesque, drag, variety act, which you feel fits the vibe of our show AND you currently reside in the DMV region, we want to hear from you!

 

UNIQUE and VARIETY are the key words here. We want your best! Most you! Most genre blending, gender bending, mind-blowing acts!  This includes, but is not limited to burlesque, drag, belly dance, sideshow, comedy, vaudeville, pole artistry, circus, magic, singing, hooping etc.

 

Please be aware that due to liability concerns with our venues we are regrettably unable to accept fire acts at this time.

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Charm City Burlesque & Variety Festival Performer Application

 

BE SURE TO READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

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 APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2023 FESTIVAL ARE CLOSED

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Each application must include:

 

  1. Completed Application: Please cut and paste application and email to charmcitybvf@gmail.com with the subject line "Performer Name CCBVF Application."  Performers can submit up to two acts for consideration (only one act will be accepted). Each act cannot to exceed 4 minutes.  (Note: Performers must wear pasties/thongs/merkins/g-strings during all performances at CCBVF. We understand that accidents happen though) Please NO glitter or liquids in your act. If use of excessive props in your act, please make sure to state this in your application.
     

  2. Video: Include a video link to each act you wish to submit. We will only accept YouTube or Vimeo links. It does not have to be a professional video. It just needs to be the act you intend to perform in the festival. When submitting your video, please ensure it is not password protected and does not expire. Keep in mind that a video is the best representation of your work. It is to your benefit to provide the highest quality image of your art and talent.
     

  3. Photo: (These will be for publications and promotions so full exposure of juicy bits is not preferred as a promo shot. We will save it for the show!)Please attach up to two main-stream friendly, high-resolution photographs labeled with your performer name labeled like the following: performer name.ccbvf.photo.jpg
     

  4. Music: Please attach .mp3 file ONLY to application email. Ensure that this version of the music file is the file you intend to use on stage.
     

  5. Application Fee: $10. ALL money collected from applications go directly to performers. Send payment via PayPal: PayPal.me/CCBVFest

Be sure to put your stage name in the comments section of your payment.

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PERFORMER NAME:

ONSTAGE PRONOUNS:

LEGAL NAME: 

ADDRESS:

OFFSTAGE PRONOUNS:

WILL YOU BE OVER THE AGE OF 18, SEPTEMBER 1, 2023: 

PHONE: 

FULL MAILING ADDRESS: 

EMAIL: 

TROUPE OR SOLO PERFORMER (IF TROUPE, # AND NAMES OF PERFORMERS IN TROUPE): 

WEBSITE: 

ALL SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS (i.e. IG, FB, TikTok, etc.):

BIO: (300 words or less)

DID YOU REMEMBER TO ATTACH YOUR .MP3?

DID YOU SEND YOUR $10 APPLICATION FEE?

D

ACT 1:

 

ACT TITLE: 

ACT DESCRIPTION:

MUSIC TITLE AND ARTIST: 

PERFORMANCE LENGTH:

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE INTRODUCED?

ACT DESCRIPTION:

URL TO VIDEO: 

ACT STAGE SET UP: 

ACT BREAK DOWN/CLEAN UP: 

START ON STAGE OR OFF: 

ANY ADDITIONAL SOUND CUES:

DO YOU NEED ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE EMCEE OR KITTEN BEYOND INTRODUCTION/SETUP/CLEANUP:

SPECIFIC LIGHTING NOTES: 

COSTUME COLORS:

ANY ADDITIONAL NOTES/REQUIREMENTS REGARDING ACT:

ANY ADA ACCOMMODATIONS NEEDED:

ANY ALLERGIES OR EMERGENCY MEDICATIONS:

 

ACT 2:

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ACT TITLE: 

ACT DESCRIPTION:

MUSIC TITLE AND ARTIST: 

PERFORMANCE LENGTH:

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE INTRODUCED?

ACT DESCRIPTION:

URL TO VIDEO: 

ACT STAGE SET UP: 

ACT BREAK DOWN/CLEAN UP: 

START ON STAGE OR OFF: 

ANY ADDITIONAL SOUND CUES:

DO YOU NEED ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE EMCEE OR KITTEN BEYOND INTRODUCTION/SETUP/CLEANUP:

SPECIFIC LIGHTING NOTES: 

COSTUME COLORS:

ANY ADDITIONAL NOTES/REQUIREMENTS REGARDING ACT:

ANY ADA ACCOMMODATIONS NEEDED:

ANY ALLERGIES OR EMERGENCY MEDICATIONS:

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BY SENDING YOUR APPLICATION YOU AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING:

  • I agree that my performance at the CCBVF will be videotaped and photographed by CCBVF photographers and videographers and my image may be posted on CCBVF website, various social medias, including but not limited to publications, traditional media, advertisements and for future promotions of the Festival in perpetuity and forever as long as the festival might exist.      

  • I am at least 18 years old.      

  • I am aware that CCBVF does not cover transportation costs to Baltimore or to and from the festival events.       

  • I am responsible for my own props, costumes, instruments etc. This includes but is not limited to, transporting the above-mentioned items to and from Baltimore and the venues. I am responsible for storage, maintenance, and security of props, costumes, instruments, and my personal belongings. 

  • I have completed all sections of the application.

  • I understand that this is a paid performance. Payment will be based on ticket sales, but all performers will be paid a guaranteed minimum amount.

 

Please be aware that does not cover CCBVF travel, lodging, or performer expenses for performers. However, we do our best to ensure a fun, safe, and comfortable festival experience.

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Selection Criteria:

CCBVF believes in full transparency of its selection process. Applications will be reviewed by a diverse, committee of regional performers and by anonymous vote. 


Criteria for selection is as follows:

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  • CATEGORY: Stage Presence, Charisma, and Energy
    HELPFUL REMINDERS: Owning the stage does not require moving across it in a specific way or to a certain extent and can be done while stationary. Energy does not require a certain tempo in music or movement. Musicality can be fluid and does not necessarily mean hitting every beat. Certain expectations of rhythm can be ableist and racist.
     

  • CATEGORY: Originality and Creativity
    HELPFUL REMINDERS: Originality and creativity can be seen in those from marginalized communities re-contextualizing classic burlesque tropes. At the same time, be careful of elements seeming unique or new when they have been simply appropriated from marginalized cultures.
     

  • CATEGORY: Style and Appearance
    HELPFUL REMINDERS: Effective and appropriate costumes should be considered at the same level regardless of the number of layers, cost of production, or level of sparkle. The expectations we internally hold of “professional” makeup, hair, and costume can often be rooted in racism, ableism, classism, and misogyny. The intention of the act and the impact on the audience are the most crucial considerations.
     

  • CATEGORY: Movement 
    HELPFUL REMINDERS: Movement styles may vary wildly between performers of differing physical abilities and backgrounds. Sometimes a facial gesture is more impactful than a drop split. Scores in this area should focus on the intention of the act and how this pairs with what is presented on stage. Many internalized narratives about dance reinforce racist, classist, and ableist beliefs about what polished movement looks like.

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