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Spotlight Showcases

Panel-selected Spotlight Showcases offer a glimpse of artists’/ensembles’ work to the presenting organization/venue representatives who attend the Conference.

  • These showcases receive mainstage exposure and are an integral part of the Conference.
  • Selected artists/ensembles will each present a 15-minute performance on one of two evenings at the Conference.

How to apply

  • Touring performing artists/ensembles that did not perform at the 2009, 2010, or 2011 Spotlight Showcases are encouraged to apply.
  • All three steps must be completed for an application to be reviewed.
STEP 1 Online application Submit on or before
Tues., February 28, 2012, 4:00 p.m. CST
STEP 2 $70 application fee Submit before mailing your
hard-copy application package
STEP 3 Hard-copy application package Mail or ship to arrive in-office by
Thurs., March 1, 2012, 4:00 p.m. CST
This IS NOT a postmark deadline.

STEP 1: Online application | Due Tues., Feb. 28, 2012, 4:00 p.m. CST

  • Submit your application through our online system. If this is your first time using our online system, read the instructions.
  • Answer short narrative questions about the artist/ensemble and its work, the proposed showcase, touring and outreach activities, and technical requirements for the proposed showcase. Preview the questions.

STEP 2: Payment | Due before mailing your hard-copy package

  • Once you have submitted your online application, you’ll receive a confirmation email with payment instructions. This email contains critical information for completing your application, including a unique link to our secure payment form.
  • Submit payment online using the unique link in your email.
    • If you don’t receive this email shortly after you submit your application, check your spam folders or contact Conference staff immediately.

STEP 3: Hard-copy application package | Due in-office by Thur., Mar. 1, 2012, 4:00 p.m. CST

  • This package consists of a printout of your online application PDF, a DVD work sample, and print promotional materials.
  • Read the instructions for compiling and mailing your hard-copy package.

Requirements for selected artists/ensembles

  • Pay a $700 showcase fee to help defray the Conference’s production costs for Spotlight Showcases.
  • Be available to perform in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Thur., Sept. 13 and/or Fri., Sept. 14, 2012.
  • Participate in a soundcheck/rehearsal on the day of performance.
  • Purchase exhibit space at the 2012 Conference (or be represented by an agency/organization that has done so).

Performance venue + selection process

Performance venue

Spotlight Showcase performances will take place at DeVos Performance Hall, which is part of the Conference convention center, DeVos Place.

Selection process

A panel comprised of presenters, managers, and agents will review eligible applications in late March and select 18 artists/ensembles to perform.

  • Selection is based primarily on artistic excellence as displayed in performance work samples. Hard-copy and online promotional materials will be reviewed in support of the work samples.
  • All applicants will receive notification by mid-May 2012.