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Application Deadline for ABSFest is February 15th

ABSFest 2025 Performance Application

Welcome to the Application that serves to help us place artists in our shows: the Friday Nerdlesque FanDom Show, the Saturday Spectacular, and the Burlesque Brunch!

We are always seeking a blend of burlesque and variety arts with a focus on the witty, empowered and political, as expressed through diverse bodies, skin tones, and gender identities.

Historically under-represented folks encouraged to apply!

Performers Apply Here

Acts not accepted will be given a VIP TICKET to the Friday show!

Please take time to answer the questions here thoroughly. Video links are a must. You may submit up to two performance pieces for yourself OR your group on this application.

Your application is not complete until we have received your fee, and been given two high resolution, print ready images labeled with your act/troupe name at futureoftradition@gmail.com. Help us PROMOTE YOU! Your fee is waived if you are an artist from the wider Asheville area or a Person of Color.

This year's application fee is $25, payable via the link above.

Thank you for sharing your art!

ABSFest is a multi-day Burlesque & Sideshow festival held in Asheville, NC. The event offers performance, networking, vending and workshops for both the public and artists.

ABSFest hires national and international headliners to lead the festival each year, and selects other acts from the pool of Performer Applications. We strive to unite many Vaudeville Revival Arts under one marquee, allowing performers to connect, collaborate and inspire.

We are firmly committed to the uplifting power of education, and the workshops are priced for accessibility. Teaching artists get 70% of class profits, and all performers are encouraged to attend a class: support the artists, learn something new, and help create a culture of professionalism, constructive critique and valued information-sharing. In addition, we offer a FREE class or panel every year on a subject of interest or relevance to the community.

Visit the festival website, fill out the Performer Application, send your press-ready pictures, and pay the application fee. We weigh all the applications with a mind to creating the most balanced programming possible. We want burlesque, drag, circus arts, puppetry & sideshow. Consider bringing your most polished pieces to share. There are no more than 10 spots in the festival this year, so bring us your strongest, most developed piece: preference is given to under-represented groups such as POC, transfolk, etcetera. If your act is accepted and you choose to confirm, please be prepared to submit your music and tech specs promptly.

Please note that application fees are non-refundable. All festival applicants receive a free show ticket!

First Name *

Last Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number *

Address

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

Zip / Postal Code

Country

Performer(s) Information

What is your stage name, or name of your ensemble? *

What is your mundane name? *

Please list the names of ALL PERFORMERS in the act if this is an ensemble. This is for the venues so they know who is in the building. We understand that your internal line-up may change. PLEASE keep us abreast of the final line-up.

Do you have a TAG LINE? List it here!

Brief Bio *

Describe yourself/your ensemble AS YOU WOULD WISH TO APPEAR in our festival write-up.

How long have you been performing in this genre? *

1-2 years
3-5 years
5-10 years
10+ years

Your Website AND SOCIALS *

Let us promote your presence at the festival if you are selected.

Please list any titles, awards, honors, or appearances relevant to our festival.

Performance/Act Info

Please describe your proposed act (1) *

Please describe the style, feel, tone, and length of the piece you would like to perform, the title of any music that you will use, and any/all props. Our pick-up posse will retrieve costumes and props, but please do not plan to leave anything on stage such as water, confetti, broken glass etc. Consider sharing your most POLISHED and highly creative pieces.

Please describe your proposed act (2)

Please describe the style, feel, tone, and length of the piece you would like to perform, the title of any music that you will use, and any/all props. Our pick-up posse will retrieve costumes and props, but please do not plan to leave anything on stage such as water, confetti, broken glass etc. Consider sharing your most POLISHED and highly creative pieces.

Video Links *

No application will be considered that is not accompanied by representative video.

Captcha *

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