Call for Applications

Showcase & Pitch Opportunities

Artist Showcases for CAPACOA Conference 2025

Application deadline:

Jan 31, 2025

We are currently inviting artists and their representatives to apply to be part of the in-person showcase in Ottawa! The showcases offer presenters a valuable platform to view live performances by outstanding national and international artists who have been selected by an expert jury, through both curation and open call processes.

We welcome all disciplines in the performing arts, dance, theatre and music. 

Cost: $50/application

  • The Canadian Association of the Performing Arts (CAPACOA) will supply technical equipment including back-line, sound system and mics.

    CAPACOA will work with selected artists/ensembles to meet their tech needs to create the best showcase possible; however any other requirements are at the discretion of CAPACOA.

    Stage and production equipment are the responsibility and control of CAPACOA including overall volume levels. Dressing and green rooms will be supplied to artists if available.

  • Applicants must complete all parts of the online showcase application and submit payment (online via PayPal or by cheque).

    All showcase applications must be submitted online, with completed payment, no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, January 31, 2025.

  • Incomplete applications will not be considered. All application fees are non-refundable.

    If you are selected to showcase you must:

    • All accepted applicants must purchase one full delegate registration and you must supply a representative (yourself, manager or otherwise) during the one on ones.

    • Complete and return the showcase contract and technical production form.

    • Be available to perform in Ottawa, ON from the evening of December 1 to December 4, 2025. We will do our best to accommodate schedules but be prepared to perform on one of these four days.

    • Confirmation must be received within 7 days of offer to showcase.

    • CAPACOA assumes no responsibility for costs associated with showcasing including travel and accommodations.

    • If a selected artist is unable to appear, no substitutions will be permitted for its showcase performance. The selection committee will establish a list of alternates from the original applications based on the next highest score achieved. Cancellation by an agent or promoter does not guarantee that agent or promoter the opportunity to fill the vacant showcase.

    • Participate in scheduled sound check/rehearsal the day of performance. CAPACOA will provide full schedule and sound check details closer to the event. Please note that rehearsal and set-up time will be at a maximum of 45 minutes.

If you also wish to have this Showcase application considered for an “Artist Pitch”:

In your IW2S application, please select Showcase Info Task: alternate performance option (Spotlight/Speed Pitch). This work will then be automatically considered for the pitches as well. No additonal information is required.

Pitches will be considered by a separate jury.

If you wish to have a DIFFERENT piece considered for the “Artist Pitches”:

Please prepare a separate application, as directed below in the call for Artist Pitches

Artist Pitches for CAPACOA Conference 2025

Application deadline:

Jan 31, 2025

We are currently inviting artists and their representatives to submit applications to be part of the Artist Pitch Sessions! We welcome all disciplines in the performing arts to apply. Projects selected will pitch at the conference on December 1 to 5, 2025 .

Your work will be offered to delegates from Canada and around the globe in 5 - 7 minute presentations (in person with tech supplied to support visuals).

All Pitch Session applications must be sent to mail@capacoa.ca.

Cost: Free

  • To be considered for a Pitch Session slot, all applicants must provide a summary proposal which includes the following required information:

    • Your name, email, telephone number and website

    • Company/organization name, and address

    • Video and/or Vimeo links to past productions and work in progress

    • Description of proposed project/pitch (maximum 350 words)

    • Objective of participation: i.e., develop global partnerships, international representation, touring opportunities, performance engagements etc. (maximum 250 words)

  • Projects will be selected by a panel which includes professional representatives from Canada and abroad. Applicants will be judged on the above criteria. Additionally, we will be looking for:

    • Demonstrated potential for the proposed work to be of interest to both a national and international audience

    • Works that are of the highest artistic excellence

    • The project represents work that is/will be tour ready.

    • Representation from across Canada & abroad

    • Representation from Indigenous artists

    • Representation that celebrates diversity

    • CAPACOA will provide technical resources during the in-person pitches.

    • For additional information or any queries, please contact mail@capacoa.ca.