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March 16 - April 12, 2025

Applications Open...

Apply!

Want to apply to the Shade Burlesque Weekender?​
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​​​There are TWO options to apply!​

  • Friday Night Showcase​

  • Saturday Night Legacy Competition

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Performers can choose to apply to one or both shows occurring during the Shade Weekender.

Applications close April 12!

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Wonder what's involved in applying?

You can learn more about how to apply to either night and what to expect of the competition by reading below or watching the following FAQ videos on our YouTube channel!

Perks and Prizes
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Perks of Performing

All accepted performers will receive the following perks for their performance:

  • $100 CAD honorarium

  • Free access to Thursday Night Mingler and Speaker Series

  • Free access to Friday and Saturday Shows

  • Access to Saturday After Party

  • Professional photos and video of performance

Competition Prizes

In addition to the above, the winner of the Caber-Shade Competition will

receive the following:

  • $1,000 CAD prize

  • Winner's cloak and crown

  • Invited opportunities to perform with our partner festivals

  • Paid travel for step-down performance the following year after their win

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1st & 2nd Runner Up:

  • $500 CAD prize

  • Runner Up sash and crown

Guidelines

We're all royalty here. Caber-Shade is a night dedicated to uplifting the BIPOC Legacy and celebrating the melanated trailblazers of past, present, and future. More than the usual glitz and glamour, this competition will showcase a variety of styles of burlesque and drag to inspire community and pride in identity - because everyone deserves a crown.

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Acts will be scored on the following:

  1. Concept & Story

    • Is the act refined in a way that the concept comes across?​

    • How effectively executed is the style and/or genre of the act?

  2. Costume & Props

    • Does the costume effectively add to the act's narrative?​

    • How strong is the performer's use of their costume and reveals?

  3. Stage Presence & Movement Creativity

    • Does the performer capture and hold the viewer's attention?​

    • How effective is the performer's use of the stage?

    • Is there a strong use of musicality and pacing?​

  4. Sparkle Factor

    • Does the act draw in the audience?​

    • What makes the performer and act stand out?

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Competition Guidelines

FAQ
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Application Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply? Applications are open to performers of colour within burlesque and drag. This includes, but is not limited to identities within the following communities: Black, Indigenous, Latine, Southeast Asia, Polynesia, South Asia, Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA). The Shade Burlesque Festival embraces all genders and styles of burlesque. Performers must be 19+ years old at the time of applying. We recognize the diverse experiences and connections between individuals within these communities, and we encourage anyone belonging to the above cultures to apply whether visible or not, connected to your culture or are reconnecting. All BIPOC experiences and identities are welcome here. We are looking for it all! classic burlesque, neo-burlesque, solos, group acts, political acts, celebratory acts, queer acts, bold acts, innovation, cultural acts, comedy, serious, contemporary and whatever you have to bring. We strive to emphasize the uniqueness and diversity amongst communities of colour, and we look forward to seeing your application!

Where is the festival? The Shade Burlesque Festival takes place at the McPherson Playhouse on lek̓ʷəŋən Territory, colonially known as Victoria, Canada.

Is there an application fee? Applications payments are on a sliding scale and pay-what you can basis of $0 - $10. Any amount you are able to pay helps to support the festival, and we will not turn away applications due to a lack of funds.

Is there anything performers can't apply with? Unfortunately we are not able to accept acts with the following: - aerials - fire - glitter dumps - large amount of mess that's not easy to clean We also do not accept acts that include elements of appropriation, whether of other people's culture, body size, ability, or using identity-based experiences that are not one's own to share. We do not make assumptions about a person's experiences, but we ask applicants to be mindful if applying with the above if it's not relevant to them.

Is there a time limit? Acts must be a maximum length of: - 5 minutes for solos - 6 minutes for duets/group acts

Is there a limit to how many applications I can apply with? You may submit up to a maximum of 2 solo applications and 2 group applications. A separate form must be submitted for each act that you would like to apply with.

Do I have to apply twice with the same act if I am happy to perform either night? Performers can apply to the Friday Night Showcase, the Saturday night Caber-Shade Competition, or both with the same application form. If a performer selects "both" as their application option in the form, the application will first be considered for the Caber-Shade competition. If the act is not accepted for the Caber-Shade competition, then it will be considered for the Friday night showcase.

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