rEvolver Festival 2026 Call for Submissions
/ORGANIZATION:
Upintheair Theatre
DEADLINE:
October 10, 2025
WEBSITE:
https://upintheairtheatre.com/opportunities/artists/
CALL FOR ARTISTS:
Upintheair Theatre is now accepting applications for the 2026 rEvolver Festival, running May 20–31, 2026. We invite submissions from artistically and culturally diverse companies and artists from across Canada to have their work considered for presentation.
If a written application is a significant barrier to your participation, please notify us in advance to discuss accommodations such as verbal applications, video submissions, or assistance with completing your form. Contact: dave@upintheairtheatre.com, sarah@upintheairtheatre.com, or our Access Coordinator Amy Amantea at amy@upintheairtheatre.com.
About the Festival
rEvolver is an incubator for new work, focusing on formal innovation and supporting emerging, early, and mid-career artists at transformative points in their creative journey. The festival presents adventurous, high-energy works, ranging from script-based theatre to devised and site-specific work, dance, installation, and digital formats.
The festival prioritizes strong artistic vision, risk-taking, and representation of diverse voices and experiences. Artists of all backgrounds, ages, abilities, identities, and practices are invited to apply.
Defining Emerging and Early/Mid Career
We use a broad and inclusive definition of “emerging.” You’re encouraged to self-define in your application. Examples include:
Recent graduates from professional training programs
Mid-career artists expanding into new roles or practices
“Re-emerging” or mature artists restarting their artistic practice
Artists with limited festival or arts exposure
Proposal Formats:
Live Format Performance (theatre, dance, installation, performance art, interdisciplinary)
Digital Format Performance (website-based, VR, interactive online, etc.)
Proposal Categories (multiple may apply):
Performance Run (3–5 performances, show-ready)
Interactive Works (games, micro-performances, participatory events)
Off Site / Bring Your Own Venue
Works in Progress Presentations
Work in Progress Readings
One Day Conversations & Workshops
rEvolver Festival Provides:
A performance guarantee, box-office split, or donation model
Assistance with access or cultural safety needs
Venue and/or workshop space
Front of House, Box Office, tech support (if required)
Festival-wide marketing
Archival video (when possible)
Training and development opportunities
Rehearsal space for local artists
Travel/tech support for national artists (400km+ from Vancouver)
Important Note:
A Stage Manager or Technical Lead is required for all Cultch-based presentations (including Readings and Works in Progress). This person is not provided by the festival. Contact staff if this is a barrier.
HOW TO APPLY:
Application Requirements:
Complete application form (online or PDF)
Project Information:
Project summary (max 150 words)
Letter of Intent (max 2 pages) outlining concept, development stage, intended audience, accessibility, outreach, etc.
Script (10-page excerpt or 1–2 page outline for non-text-based work)
Artistic team: names, 150-word bios, company history (no resumes)
Tech Rider
Support Materials (optional): reviews or letters of support
Promotional Materials (optional): photos, press kit, fliers, etc.
Production Video (optional): link to video (include password if needed)
$35 reading fee — waived if it is a barrier
Cheque: made out to Upintheair Theatre Society
PayPal: link on submission web page
E-transfer: info@upintheairtheatre.com (include project title in note)
For more info or questions, contact:
Dave Mott – dave@upintheairtheatre.com
FEES/COMPENSATION:
National Presentations:
$250 per performance per Performing Artist/Stage Manager
$100 per performance for writer and design team
Up to 4 performances
No box office split
Travel coverage includes flight, per diem ($150/day), and approved freight
Local Presentations:
$150 per performance per Performing Artist/Stage Manager
$50 per performance for writer and design team
Up to 5 performances
50% of net box office receipts
Works in Progress Presentations:
$100 per public sharing for Performing Artist/Stage Manager/Director
$50 per sharing for writer and design team
Up to 2 public sharings
50% of net box office/donations
Work in Progress Readings:
$75 per reading per Performing Artist/Stage Manager/Director/Writer
1 Reading max
100% of net donations/box office
Workshops / Conversations:
$100–$300 based on scope and number of facilitators
