OutFest is the largest Queer performance festival in Mi’kma’ki/Atlantic Canada, with performances from emerging, and established artists. From completed works that have been on tour, to new and emerging creations, there is always something for everyone. The festival is open to local, regional, and national artists creating a diverse lineup of work.

This year we are seeking submissions for our Emerging Stage, and our Open Stage. The Emerging Stage is designed to support the development of New Work. Perhaps you have the concept of a new show or the first draft of your play, this is a great opportunity to develop, and share that work with an audience. Our Open Stage is designed to support work that is not defined as traditional theatre or dance. The work may be complete or new.

OutFest 2026 will also feature a number of other performances, and partnerships, including a Main Stage show, the return of our Audience Favourite Comedy Stage, Music, and more! There will also be opportunities for youth to be involved in either performances or access to shows.

You can find more details and information about the festival below.

An Opening Night Dinner, with a chance to meet the artists, local community members, and more!

stages

  • Completed works that are ready to be presented

  • 3 performances

  • 75 - 90 min max run time

  • Artist / Presentation Fee

  • Travel / Accomodation

  • We can support shows with medium / high tech needs

Kiss The Stormy Sky (2024) by Sid Ryan Eilers

  • New Work / in development

  • 3 performances

  • 30 - 60 min max run time

  • 100% Ticket Sales

  • Low tech

Deeper (2024) by Robyn Vivian produced by Unnatural Disater Theatre

  • Work that is created in non-traditional mediums

  • 3 performances

  • 30 - 60 mins

  • 100% Ticket Sales

  • Low > Medium Tech

    Submissions in this category could include but are not limited to: Projection/Digital, Experimental, Soundscape, Photography, Experiential, or Site-specific.

    Bedroom Eyes (2025) by Lighter Touch Collective

  • Performances and shows that are geared towards Young Audiences

  • 1 performance

  • Run-time of 60 mins (max)

  • Artist Fee: $750

  • At this time we are not able to support with travel / accommodations

The Skeleton Dance (2023) Created and Performed by Ella MacDonald and Emma James

A closing night performance, featuring live music at The Carleton

An evening of standup comedy, voted at the Audience Choice Award in 2025.

MORE INFO

  • We will provide a Technician, however, artists will be responsible for providing their own Stage Manager

  • We are not able to provide travel or accomodation support for Emerging or Open Stage productions

  • Emerging and Open Stage Shows will receive 1.5 - 2 hours of tech time (TBD based on tech schedule)

  • Costumes and technical pieces can be stored at the theatre in The Community Room.

  • Lead artists will be responsible for submitting Technical Riders, and Production Information

    Additional information, including a Participation Policy, and What To Expect doc will be shared with those selected to be part of the festival, however, folks can reach out at anyime for specific questions.

 

 WHO CAN APPLY?

 

 WHO CAN APPLY?

OutFest is welcome to local, regional, and national artists. While our focus is on presenting artists within Atlantic Canada, we are dedicated to fostering an exchange of new ideas and methods of creation with artists across the country.

OutFest accepts submissions from:

Local: artists based in Kjipuktuk/Halifax and Sipekne’katik / HRM (Halifax Regional Municipality)

Regional: artists based in Mi’kma’ki / Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Ktaqmkuk / Newfoundland, and Beothuk & Innu / Labrador.

National: artists based across Turtle Island / Canada, outside of M'i’kma’ki

  • Individual artists or collectives at all stages of their careers (emerging or established)

  • Shows can be but are not limited to: scripted plays, non-text-based performances, projection work, and or movement/dance-based work etc. There is no language or communication preference.

NOTE:

  • Submissions to our Emerging and Open Stage do not need to include a full script. Folks may apply to the festival with a concept / story / project that they want to develop or with something that has already been in development in some capacity.

 Un-Tapped ARTISTS

Page1 Theatre is committed to prioritizing and platforming BIPOC, Neurodiverse, and or artists with a Disability. These artists have been historically excluded, remaining Untapped.

“Untapped, because the mighty potential we have still lies dormant. Ignorance to our resourcefulness, resilience, and wealth of innovation.” - Chike Ukaegbu

Untapped artists / collectives will be prioritized during our selection process. This is being done in two ways. Artistic Director Isaac Mulè is specifically reaching out to artists, and through our review of all the submissions. We recognize that this work takes time and involves work outside of festival mandates and submission calls. We are actively working towards building relationships with artists and community members, to better support BIPOC artists interested in performing at OutFest.

* You can also read more about our current and historical commitment to the inclusion and representation of racialized voices and the decolonization of theatre on our website

 

 SELECTION PROCESS

 

 WHAT NEXT?

 

Register for our info session to learn more:

Sunday, July 14th, 2024 at 1:oo pm (AST) / 12:00 pm (EST)

 Submit your application before:

Sunday, August 11th, 2024 at 11:59 pm

SUBMISSION FORMS

 
 
 

If you have any questions, concerns, comments, or need assistance/accommodations to complete the submission form, please email us at info@pg1-theatre.com to make arrangements. We are happy to facilitate emails, phone calls, or Zoom chats to answer any questions to help with the submission process.

Wela’lioq / Thank you!