Hydra Performing Arts Festival 2026
Submission Guide

The Hydra Festival is a recurring curated festival produced in Kamloops, BC. 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 many different performing artists and companies in Kamloops together in a "you show me yours, I'll show you mine"-type extravaganza. 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. Do you have something even weirder than any of those? We'd love to hear about it. 

 

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

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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, ex-patriot, or have a connection (however tenuous) to Kamloops and surrounding region, you can apply. If you are not local or an ex-pat, you can still apply! 

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

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iii) Focus on Innovation - We are aiming to provide as much artistic diversity 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 practice in new ways, Hydra Festival is the place for you. But even if what you're doing is run-of-the-mill, still feel free to apply!​

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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) with only 15 minutes for set up and tear down provided. The performances should be 20 to 45 minutes and cannot have an intermission. The venue is capable of basic lighting and sound cues, so prepare to work within those boundaries.

 

Deadline to submit is 11:59pm on July 31, 2026. Late or incomplete submissions may not be accepted, or at the least, the submitter lightly teased.

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Hail Hydra! Submissions will only be received via our application form. If you have questions or need support with your application, please reach out to us at hydra@chimeratheatre.com!

 

The form will ask for information about you and your show, including:

 

i) Show concept: We're looking for fully thought out ideas with as much detail as possible. Tell us about your show! What is it about, how much do you have done already, what will the final show look like?

 

ii) How your show meets our criteria of new, local, and innovative. 

 

iii) Photo and video of you and your act: may be used for promotion if you are selected or for the committee to view and example of your work.
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Successful applicants will receive a minimum of three scheduled performances in a venue to be announced, with festival technical, promotional, and box office support. You don't have to be available for the entire length of the festival (November 19-28), and we will work with you to schedule your shows at a date and time that works best for everyone.

What we provide:

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• A venue and stage for your performance.  Our venue is capable of basic lighting and sound cues, so prepare to work within those boundaries.

• Basic technical and stage management support during your show and at one tech rehearsal. We will provide a technical manager and stage manager, but you may wish to provide your own if you have complicated technical needs (multiple cues) or stage set up.

• Production, marketing, and concept advice from our committee.

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

• Box Office volunteers at the door and advance ticket sales online. 

• 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.

• A safe and supportive space for your performance.

• Networking and social events to connect with fellow artists and performers. 

• Green room refreshments. 

• Workshop opportunities (attending one or support for you to host one). 

• 50/50 split of the box office receipts at a set ticket price (TBD based on number of shows booked).

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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.

• Be prepared to provide the following promptly upon request: 

  • Show details (including tech info ON TIME, description, photo and/or video, etc.)

  • Proof of rehearsal (videos, in person visit, etc.)

  • Promotional materials (photos, videos, etc.)

• 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) and demonstration of marketing your own show and Hydra Fest as a whole (can include social media, postering, word of mouth). You may also promote your show independently with the Kamloops media if you desire. We will provide festival promotional materials, including a graphic for each show. We highly recommend that you create your own show materials as well (ex. A poster for your show). 

• Any specialty technical equipment you require (ie. projectors, monitors, lapel mics, pianos, keyboards, fog machines…) and support staff to run it.

• 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.

• Signing a contract pertaining to expectations, behaviour, and performance.​

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