Being held this year for the second time, the Performing HEL showcase – encompassing circus, dance and theatre – is on the lookout for full-length performances, demos and pitches. Taking place in Helsinki on 29 August–1 September 2019, the showcase will present some of the most interesting elements of Finnish performing arts that are suitable for international audiences and touring to Finnish and international festival and theatre programme presenters.
A total of 4–6 full-length performances, 6 demo performances, and 10 pitches will be selected for Performing HEL. Some of the evening performances will be selected from the domestic programme of Helsinki Festival 2019.
The organisers are seeking applications from professional groups or artists working in or receiving funding from sources in Finland. The pieces selected must be suitable for touring and may be intended for different audiences. There are a total of three application options:
– full-length performances
– demo performances of pieces that have already premiered or future pieces/ideas (20–30 mins)
– 15-minute pitches of existing or future pieces.
Applicants may indicate which category they wish their application to be considered for, but the final decision on categories lies with the selection jury. Please note! Only one application from each applicant (artist/company) will be accepted.
The application period ends on 15 March 2019, with the jury aiming to have made its selections for the programme in April 2019. Artists and groups selected for the showcase programme will be paid a small fee.
The groups and artists selected commit to partaking in workshops to be held in spring and early summer on touring practicalities (technical riders, etc.) and how to sell performances (incl. promotional material and pitching).
For further information, please contact
Producer Anni Leino, , tel. +358 (0)40 1823 722
Head of International Development Lotta Nevalainen, , tel. +358 (0)50 303 8339
The main organisers of the Performing HEL showcase are CircusInfo Finland and Dance Info Finland. The event partners are Helsinki Festival, Svenska Teatern (the main Swedish-language theatre in Helsinki), the Finnish National Theatre, Espoo City Theatre, and Theatre Info Finland (TINFO). The event is supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland.