Applications to the 3rd (and a half) Hydra Festival in Kamloops are open now until February 1st, 2021 at midnight. The festival is being produced by Chimera Theatre and will run May 7th to May 16th, 2020 at various small venues throughout Kamloops. Before you apply, take the time to read about this performing arts festival below. Have any questions? We’re here to help. Send us an email at hydra@chimeratheatre.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

 

What is the Hydra Festival?

The Hydra Festival is a recurring curated festival produced in Kamloops, BC in May 2020. Our mission statement is “to host a performing arts festival in Kamloops featuring local, innovative new works of performing arts with a focus on reaching broader and more diverse artists and audiences.”

 

The goal of the festival is to get as many different performing artists and companies in Kamloops together. We encourage artists of diverse backgrounds and artistic practises, especially artists who consider themselves a minority or underrepresented in the performing arts community, to apply. Local performing arts companies are also encouraged to apply. Performing arts include, but are not limited to, theatre, dance, music, circus arts, multimedia (including video), theatre for young audiences, cabaret, musical theatre, physical theatre, puppetry, clown, improvisation, spoken word, storytelling, stand up, and interdisciplinary performances.

 

Submissions to the festival will be reviewed by a jury and selected based on the guidelines below.

 

How is Covid Affecting the Festival?

The 2020 Hydra Festival was cancelled due to the pandemic. Accordingly, it is understood that the pandemic is not over and continuing to affect live performances. All live performances will be held in a safe manner in accordance with the regulations and guidelines of the BC Health Authority. This means that performances may be conducted outdoors, have small, intimate, and socially distanced audiences, or, if at the time of the festival live performances are not allowed, the festival will be conducted in an online format. We encourage submissions that have small casts and are adaptable to different venues. If a performer wishes to only submit an online performance the committee will accommodate the request. The Hydra Festival will not be cancelled without extreme circumstances.

Guidelines

The guidelines for the festival are simple, we are looking for work that is local, new, has a focus on innovation, and can fit into a festival repertory schedule. 
 

i) Local - The festival is being held in Kamloops, BC. If you consider yourself a local or ex-patriot to the Kamloops region, you can apply.

 

ii) New Work - The focus of the festival is on previously unproduced, original works of performing arts. Pieces that have been produced before and have undergone considerable changes will be considered. Works that have been workshopped or presented at readings or in education settings will be considered.

 

iii) Focus on innovation - We are aiming to provide as much diversity in art to an as diverse an audience as possible. Because of this, we are looking for works of performing arts that focus on being innovative. What is innovative? Innovative art is a work that explores new ideas, methods of performance, creative ways of thinking, and original performance styles. Artistic risk, non-traditional work and forms, and  progressive forms of storytelling are encouraged. If you are interested in exploring your artistic practise in new ways, Hydra Festival is the place for you.

 

iv) Festival Repertory -  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). The performances should be 30 to 75 minutes and cannot have an intermission.

 

Deadline to submit is midnight on February 1st, 2021. Late or incomplete submissions may not be accepted, or at the least, the submitter lightly teased.

 

How to Submit

Submissions must include the following documents attached to the application as .pdf files.
 

i) Bio(s) for the leading artists/company - 250 words maximum (for each if including more than one leading artist on the project) that details their artistic practise, history of performance/creation, and training/educational background.

ii) A one-page proposal - We’re looking for fully thought out ideas with as much detail as possible. Tell us about your show, how it meets the guidelines listed above, why we should select your piece. Feasibility on how you will execute your production if chosen would be beneficial.

iii) A brief project history - Please provide a history of the project that details any workshops, readings, contests it’s won, nominations it’s received, or other performances of the work. New works that are still in the formulation/ideas stages are highly encouraged and the project history can state that it is a new work in progress.

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Submit applications to the Hydra Festival Committee, at hydra@chimeratheatre.com with the subject line “HYDRA FESTIVAL SUBMISSION.” Please introduce yourself and provide contact information in the email.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT

What we provide:

 

Successful applicants will receive a minimum of three scheduled performances in a venue to be announced, with festival technical, promotional, and box office support. This includes:

●     A venue and stage for your performance.

●     A technical rehearsal will be scheduled with a professional technician, who will run your show. You are not required to bring       

       your own stage manager.

●     A Front of House team at each of your performances.

●     Box Office volunteers at the door and advance ticket sales (there is a fee for advance ticket sales).

●     Blanket festival promotion, including festival posters, social media, program guide, press releases, and arranging interviews

       with the media. We can also help you with your own press releases and media communication if you require.

●     50/50 split of the box office receipts and a set ticket price (TBD).

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What you provide:

A fully produced show, ready to be seen by an audience.

●     An email address and contact person we can reach on a regular basis.

●     Tech and promotional material ON TIME when we request it.

●     All your food, travel, work permits (if required), production, union fees, and artist fee expenses.

●     Your own show-specific promotional materials (posters, flyers, social media) which YOU distribute. You may also promote your show independently with the Kamloops media if you desire.

●     Specialty technical equipment (ie. projectors, monitors, lapel mics, pianos, keyboards, fog machines…)

●     You are responsible for all aspects of production – casting, rehearsals, design, direction, promotion, budgeting. We provide blanket promotion, space, tech, and support for you to share your work, and opportunities to connect with audiences and other festival artists socially.

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FAQ

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Is there an submission or application fee for this festival?

No, we are not charging people to submit to the festival. In lieu of this, we will be splitting the box office 50/50 with the artists.

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How many shows are you expecting to program?
 

This year we plan to program 6 - 10 productions through this application process.

 

 

What if I have my own stage manager? Can I bring them?
 

Yes! We will provide a stage manager and technician, but if you bring your own stage manager they can call your show for you.

 

 

How are performances selected?
As this is a curated festival, the shows for the Hydra Festival are selected by

a jury based on the application guidelines listed above.

 

 

When will I hear back?
 

We will announce the successful applicants by mid-February 2021.

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What happens if I don’t get in?
 

Applicants who are not chosen will be placed on a waitlist in the event that a selected performance needs to be cancelled, artists dropout, or other unforeseen circumstances.

 

 

Do I do my own promotion?
 

Yes. The Hydra Festival will cover blanket festival promotion, including festival posters, social media, program guide, press releases and arranging interviews with the media. You will be responsible for your own show-specific promotional materials (posters, flyers, social media) which YOU distribute.

 

 

What kind of technical equipment do you have?
 

The performances will be hosted at various small venues with differing technical capabilities. 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 venue technical equipment and tech support are provided, including sound and lighting equipment, but excluding special effects such as video projectors, screens, haze machines, keyboards, etc.

 

 

Covid-19 Protection and Contingency
 

All performances will be in accordance with the BC Health Authority’s Guidelines and Regulations. If live performances are prohibited at the time of the festival, then the festival will continue in an online format.