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, our mission is support Queer work at all stages of performance. 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
Open Stage
inQubator Program
Queer Arts Fund
You can find more details and information about each category below.
STAGES
Dead Name (The Winter Collective) - Untitled Flamingo Play (Nathaniel Hanula-James) - The Beginner’s Guide To The Night Sky (Villian’s Theatre)
re:strain (sunny ely, m black)
Photo by: Moon Rains
We are looking for:
New Work that has not been produced or presented before and / or may still be in development
Work In Development, projects that have been previoulsy workshopped / presented but are still in development
Completed Work that has been completed within the past 1 - 3 years.
Artists will receive:
3 performances
30 - 60 min max run time
100% Ticket Sales + $150 performance ($450)
Low tech
We are looking for:
New Work or completed projects that are not defined as traditional theatre or dance. Submissions in this category could include but are not limited to: Projection / Digital work, Experimental, Soundscape, Photography, Experiential, or Site-specific.
Artists will receive:
3 performances
30 - 60 min max run time
100% Ticket Sales + $150 performance ($450)
Low tech
A 2-Year Development Program designed to support the development of new Queer work. The selected artist(s) will present a staged reading or workshop presentation in year 1 (2027). The participating artist(s) will be guaranteed a spot in either the Emerging or Open Stage in year 2 (2028), to present a staged performance.
We are looking for:
New Work from local (Nova Scotia) based-artists. This includes artists outdside of HRM, however, artists will need to be in Halifax for the festival. We are looking for both performance based projects (theatre, dance, movement etc), and non-performance based / non-theatre based projects.
We are particularly interested in stories that focus on issues related to:
Climate Change
Migration
Social Justice
Politics
Artists will receive:
2 workshop performances (minimal to no tech)
30 - 60 min max run time
$500 towards dramaturgical / directing fees
$500 for artist fees
additional funds may be added following the QaF Fundraiser in November
A guaranteed performance spot (Emerging or Open Stage) in 2028.
PREVIOUS PROJECTS
Someone Is Lying (Page1 Theatre) - 2025 + 2026
Fortunate Child (Around & Out Theatre Co) - 2026 + 2027
OTHER STAGES
OutFest will also include a number of other performances, and events. Some examples incude; Main Stage, Music Stage, South Shore Bus Trip, Makers Market, and more.
MORE INFO
Festvial Dates: Monday, April 13th - Sunday, April 18th
A Technician will be provided. The technician will be able to:
assist during tech (set lights, sound etc)
run the cues during the show (a cue sheet must be provided)
artists are responsible for providing their own Stage Manager, should they need one.
The festival is not able to provide travel or accomodation support for Emerging or Open Stage productions.
We will attempt to connect artists with billets but this is not a guarantee
Emerging, Open, and YA 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
Selected artists / shows will receieve:
A Participation Policy doc
A What To Expect doc
Letter of Agreement
Meetings that will be offered:
1:1 Meeting with AD Isaac Mule
Intro Session with all of the artists present (to review festival documents)
1:1 Tech Meeting (to review all technical information and the submitted tech rider)
Additional meetings with AD Isaac Mule can be schedule at any time, based on availability.
WHO CAN APPLY?
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
WHAT NEXT?
Register for our info session to learn more:
Sunday, August 24th, 2025 at 1:oo pm (AST) / 12:00 pm (EST)
Submit your application before:
Sunday, September 14, 2025 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!