Showcase FAQ
How do I apply? Go www.ipayweb.org to complete an application. Applications will only be accepted online. Support materials will be accepted online, by mail, or both.
What is the deadline? Early bird applications are due no later than May 3, 2013. Regular applications, support materials, and payment are due no later than May 17, 2013.
How many people attend Showcase? Approximately 300 people attend Showcase each year.
Do I need to be an IPAY member to apply? No, you do not need to be an IPAY member. The advantage to becoming a member when you apply is you receive a discount on your application fee.
Can I submit applications for more than one piece? Yes. Please complete a separate application for each piece for which you are applying. An application fee is required per application.
Can my agent apply on my behalf? Yes. Applications may be submitted by individual artists, companies, their agents, or managers.
Does the work need to be finished to apply? Yes. The work for which you are applying must be completed by the date of your application. As part of the selection process the Selection Committee will need to review DVD of the actual piece you plan to tour.
Does the work need to be tour-ready to apply? No, but as part of the selection process the Selection Committee will need to review DVD of the actual piece you plan to tour. If selected for Showcase, the work must be ready to tour to Showcase in January 2014.
May I submit a script for the piece? Yes. Scripts are often very helpful to the Selection Committee, but only if they are submitted along with DVD of the actual piece that will tour. If you plan on submitting a script, we suggest you upload it online when you complete your application.
How do I get a spotlight slot? Artists/companies not selected for Showcase will be considered to perform a 10-minute, low-tech selection of the show, or "Spotlight." Spotlights will be curated based on the selection committee's review of the applications as opposed to being drawn by lottery as in previous years.
Spotlight Sponsors receive one 15 minute slot as part of their sponsorship of that Spotlight. Go here for more information on the Spotlight selection.
My company consists of children, student or amateur actors. Should I apply? No. Part of our selection criteria is that the work is created and performed by professionals.
What support materials do I need to submit?
1. High-quality video of the full piece in addition to the 5 minute segment you would like us to view. Please send video of the actual touring show that is intended to Showcase and be sure your materials reflect the actual number of touring performers. A selection committee member will watch DVD of the entire work prior to coming to Pittsburgh. The full committee will review your 5 minute segment and possibly more.a) If submitting by mail: send a DVD (NTSC or PAL format)
b) If submitting online: IPAY will accept materials electronically as either a YouTube or Vimeo web-based link. Please note, however, IPAY cannot be responsible for non-working web links.
2. A complete technical rider
3. Press packet including company information, reviews of submitted or other work.
4. Optional: Letters of reference from presenters, photographs, script, or other supporting materials.
May I submit my materials electronically? We will only accept applications online. Support materials may be submitted online and uploaded within the Showcase application or sent by mail. We suggest you submit video content both online as a web-based link and also by mail as a backup. We strongly encourage you to supply as much online as possible, as it will allow a selection committee member to easily preview your application prior to our meeting.
How many applications are received each year and how many companies showcase? We generally receive 130-150 applications. Approximately 18 companies Showcase plus up to an additional 18 companies receive an opportunity for 10 minute Spotlight showcases.
When does the committee meet? The Selection Committee will meet June 17–18, 2013 in Pittsburgh, PA. It is helpful if the contacts you list on your application are available June 17–18. Occasionally we make calls to artists/agents/managers if we have questions about their application.
When will I hear if I've been selected to Showcase? We hope to notify artist/companies that have been selected to Showcase by the end of June 2013. Alternate and Spotlight artists will be contacted at a later date.
What is a Showcase Alternate artist? The Selection Committee will recommend a few Showcase Alternates that would be offered a Showcase if a selected Showcase Applicant must withdraw. If Showcase Alternates do not receive a Showcase, they are the first applicants to be offered a Spotlight.
Who pays for artists to showcase? For artists, Showcase is a marketing opportunity to sell work that is ready to tour. Artists are not paid for their performances by IPAY. IPAY pays for a portion of the technical requirements and provides the venue. It is up to each artist to secure funding from their company, government, arts council, and constituents to attend. We recognize that Showcasing is an investment for each company and we work with you to ensure your work is seen by over 300 attendees.
What expenses are involved in Showcasing? The artist/company is responsible for all costs for travel, freight, visas, accommodations, meals, production expenses which include but are not limited to charges for additional technical labor, back line gear, equipment rental, pyrotechnic permits, etc. If you are selected to showcase, company or company’s agent or manager must have an exhibit booth, which is an additional cost.
Are application fees refundable? Application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Why does the fee and application go to one address and the support materials go to another address? The fee and application goes to the IPAY office to be processed and recorded. The support materials are sent to the host so they are in Pittsburgh and ready for the Selection Committee's review June 17–18, 2013.
I applied but now have a schedule conflict and know I can't attend if I'm selected... Please contact the IPAY office immediately and notify us of your conflict. Unfortunately application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable so please consider your schedule and ability to travel to Showcase carefully prior to submitting an application.
Learn more about Showcase and its history.
If you have any questions or concerns that are not addressed on this website, please contact Jane Stojak at jane@ipayweb.org or call (011) 267.690.1325 or Sherri Leathers, Showcase Selection Committee Chair at Sherri.IPAY@gmail.com or (011) 615.782.4084.
We hope you will join us January 22-25 for Showcase 2014, presented by IPAY, in Pittsburgh, PA!
