Open call

2025

📣 Calling all clowns

This call is open to professionals in the categories of clown, comedy, physical theatre, and eccentric performers. We are programming cabaret acts for our Gala Cabaret, “The Misunderstood Cabaret”. (Theme to be interpreted by your own clown logic). Directed by Krin Haglund. Date of performance: Friday, April 4, 2025, 8 PM.

DEADLINE FEBRUARY 11, 2025

We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and identities and welcome performances across various genres, including eccentric and physical acts of all kinds. Submissions can be French, English, bilingual, or non-verbal. To ensure accessibility, we also offer assistance with the application process upon request. We also offer a sliding scale option if you cannot pay the application fee.

We are seeking high-calibre cabaret acts that elevate clowning to the level of fine artistic excellence. We aim to feature artists whose unique and exceptional performances captivate and inspire, as determined by our committee.

REMUNERATION:

Cabaret acts – 400$ plus applicable taxes.

👉 The honorarium is inclusive of artist preparation time, materials and transportation costs. This preparation includes artists’ own rehearsal time and at least one phone call with the director; timely submission of all music, cues, and press information; and a same-day technical rehearsal.

👉 The MTL Clowns mandate is to educate and forward the craft of clown, to nurture and showcase the art, celebrate its history, and to foster a clown community in Montreal and beyond.

👉 The festival has a mission to assemble, showcase, and offer opportunities for audiences and clown professionals to enjoy, discover, and share in the ancient art of clowning. The festival weekend offers workshops, discussions, and new work development opportunities.

👉The Clown Festival encourages participation from marginalized groups such as individuals who identify as IBPOC (Indigenous, Black, persons of colour), LGBTQ2S+, newly settled immigrants and those living with disabilities. We encourage those comfortable to self-disclose any accessibility considerations. 

DETAILS

🎭  We love getting applications from far and wide, however artists should be aware that we are prioritizing artists from Quebec this year.

🚗 The festival cannot offer travel funding, and artists must secure their travel and accommodations if arriving from outside Montreal.

🎥 A video is needed with your application.

💰 There is a 15$ application fee to help with administrative costs. 

🎪 Venue : The Gésù Amphitheatre has a ceiling height of 14 feet, and rigging is not possible due to construction in the Quartier des Spectacle.

The programming committee is made of Patrick Léonard, Krin Haglund, and Vanessa Rigaux.