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Virtual Networking Series

Artists: Apply to Showcase Now!

Call for Artist Applications for Virtual Networking Series - Artist Showcase OPEN May 5 to June 9, 2025.

Ontario Presents will be hosting the 3rd annual free Virtual Networking Series - Artist Showcases on October 7-9, 2025 that provides opportunities for performing arts professionals - presenters, artists, and agents - to engage, gather online, and find programming for upcoming seasons through agent pitches, artist showcases, and other networking opportunities.
 

What are Artist Showcases?

Online Artist showcases provide an occasion for artists to have their work viewed by presenters from all over. Forty (40) performing artists will be chosen by a jury to showcase their performances online to a wide range of Ontario-based venue programmers. Each showcase will feature 5-minute pre-recorded video presentations from artists that span the genres of theatre, dance, music, circus, young audience, and variety. Artists from all regions of Canada and the US are welcome to apply

We strongly encourage all applicants to review the following resources before applying:

 

Want to Take Part?

Apply Now! 


Scroll down the page to check out recordings of past VNS.
 


FAQs

How do artists register for the Virtual Networking Series - Artist Showcase?
  1. Read the A Guide to the Artist Showcase Application Process before applying.
  2. Fill in the Artist Application Form. The application is open from May 5 to June 9, 2025.
How many shows can an artist apply for the Virtual Networking Series - Artist Showcase?

Each artist or collective can apply with up to three (3) shows for the jury’s consideration. 

If you are applying to showcase with more than one show, please complete one (1) application form per project or performance.

How does the Jury make its decisions?

Our network of presenters recommends good-quality videos and technical riders/requirements of the proposed project, the application form will request this information. 

Sharing this information (to the best of your ability) is strongly encouraged and will aid in the success of your application.

If I’m an artist selected to showcase, how do I make a virtual pitch presentation video?
  • How to Make a Pitch Presentation SLIDE Deck (Information on pitch content and how to film and upload your video)
  • How to Make a Pitch VIDEO (A recorded interview with an artist, agent, and presenter providing tips on what to include in your pitch presentation/ explanation of the project. A synopsis of this recording is also available in the Slide Deck.)
  • A written TRANSCRIPT of the video recording is also available.
How long are the final Showcase Presentations?

40 artists will be selected to showcase. Each selected artist will prepare a 5-minute pitch video. 

These submissions will then be professionally compiled into 3 separate presentations (2 multidisciplinary at 90 minutes and 1 young audience at 60 minutes) to share with the presenting community on October 7, 8, 9, 2025. 

When will the Artist Showcases take place?

Artist showcase presentations take place on Oct 7, 8, 9, 2025 via Zoom. Each showcase presentation will be screened in the morning and evening.

Will there be an opportunity for presenters, artists and agents to engage with each other?

Artists, presenters, agents, and managers can engage via the Zoom Chat function during each session.

Ontario Presents will facilitate further connections between artists and presenters after the showcases in the form of scheduled one-on-one meetings.

The annual Spring Retreat is another in-person gathering for engagement.

Do the artists and agents have to be present online during the showcase presentation in October?

While we encourage artists/agents to attend to interact with presenters (e.g. by answering questions in the chat) and to support other artists, online presence is not mandatory for artists or agents.

Will the Showcase Presentations be available online after October 7-9?

Recordings will be available for on-demand viewing on the Ontario Presents website after the event.

Can presenters register for multiple days of the Virtual Networking Series - Showcase Presentations?

Presenters are encouraged to register for as many showcases as possible. Each day will feature a different group of artists. 

 

What are Agent Pitch Sessions - September 15-26, 2025

Agent Pitch sessions are an opportunity for agents to pitch works suitable to Ontario Presents’ various members and partner presenting networks. Agents customize their pitches to reflect the individual networks’ venue capabilities, audience, and community requirements.


Important Dates to Remember

Applications Open: May 5, 2025
Deadline to Apply to Showcase: June 9, 2025 @ 11:59 pm
Artist Notification: July 14, 2025
Deadline to Submit Completed Video Presentation (if selected): Sept 15, 2025
Artist Showcases: October 7, 8, 9, 2025
 

Questions and Support

If you have questions about the application process or require accessibility accommodations, contact Joanne Churchill at joanne [at] ontariopresents.ca (joanne[at]ontariopresents[dot]ca).

 

 

2024 Virtual Networking Series

It was such a pleasure to see so many of our Canadian touring and presenting colleagues come together to see 40 incredible artists’ work and build lasting connections across a virtual platform in the fall of 2024.  We extend our warmest thanks and gratitude to each and every artist, arts administrator, creative director, agent, manager, arts worker, and arts programmer who continue to make this series a success for the creative sector.

 

Multidisciplinary Artist Pitches - October 1st
 

Explore the digital handout here or explore that artist links below.

 

Young Audience Artist Pitches - October 2nd
 

Explore the digital handout here or explore that artist links below.

 

Multidisciplinary Artist Pitches - October 3rd
 

Explore the digital handout here or explore that artist links below.

 

 

2023 Virtual Networking Series

Multidisciplinary Pitches - October 3rd

Explore the digital handout here.

 

Young Audience Pitches - October 4th

Explore the digital handout here.

 

Multidisciplinary Pitches - October 45th

Explore the digital handout here.

 

 

Updates from the OP Board of Directors

Statement on the Closure of Contact ONTour - March 2024 

Ontario Presents Fall Networking Update - May 2023 

Our Gratitude

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage, The Ontario Arts Council, and the Canada Council for the Arts.