What Do You Want to See in 2025?
WAA offers exceptional opportunities for learning and discovery and we’re looking for sessions that deliver high impact and appeal to performing arts professionals! The Annual Conference in Los Angeles, California (September 2 - 5, 2024), WAA will provide a variety of in-person and online sessions throughout the year.
WAA will support the following sessions this year:
- Forum - Facilitated large group and/or breakout discussion
- Excursion - Offsite activity, experiences, and tours
- Panel - Invited Speakers/Moderators
- Presentation - Info session
- Workshop - Nuts and bolts, “how-to,” skill building
- Roundtable/Coffee Talks - Peer networking or learning around a topic of interest
- Affinity Session - Identity based networking and/or learning. Open to all or closed to those of that identity by host discretion.
- Consortia/Private Meetings - Closed peer networking around a shared organizational or disciplinary identity.
The deadline for all proposals is March 14 at 5pm PT. Your idea will be reviewed by the appropriate committees. If you have any questions, please contact Membership & Programs Coordinator, Makaveli Gresham.
We will notify applicants the results of the selection process by the end of April.
Criteria
There are limited opportunities for in-person sessions at our conference, and WAA will prioritize proposals that take advantage of being face-to-face and center connections. Successful proposals have the following characteristics:
- The learning is clear and timely, there are relevant and tangible takeaways.
- The exchange between attendees and experts and each other is rich.
- The experience is tailor-made for professional adult learners.
- The topic aligns to one or more of WAA’s values: Informed, Inclusive, Innovative.
WAA^LA 2025 Juried Showcases
Applications for our 2025 Juried Showcases in Los Angeles, California, are now open! Starting with this year’s conference, we are excited to introduce an expanded Juried Showcase program that supports three different showcase types. We are expanding the format from the standard 15-minute slot to showcases that can span up to 45 minutes.
- Industry Premiere (up to 45-minutes): An industry premiere is a showcase that exclusively features new work. It is distinct from touring or stage premieres, as it showcases unpublished or unreleased material for an audience of professionals only. For musicians, this would include new compositions or performances supporting a new body of work (such as a new record or album) that has not yet been toured.
- Mixed Program (up to 30-minutes): A Mixed Program showcase would feature a variety of works, including new works, works in development, and existing pieces from the acts’ repertoire that have previously been showcased at industry events or toured.
- Repertoire (up to 15-minutes): A Repertoire showcase would feature existing and toured works from an artist’s catalog. This is the standard showcase at industry events. It provides exposure to those who may not be familiar with an artist’s work, including works currently on tour or that have been performed extensively in the past.
The Showcase Committee (Jury) will ultimately determine the duration, venue, and format of the showcase in which an act is offered in this expanded program. This year’s application permits acts to specify their preferred site and showcase type (as indicated in their application materials).
WAA is on a mission to support artists and ensembles by giving them the best chance to shine. We’re hosting showcases at three different locations in Los Angeles, each with its own special vibe.
- September 2 | Opening Night at The Novo
The new conference is here! We’re honoring the artists who make our work possible. We’ll have multiple showcases, a space for conversations and connections, and a landmark event to reinvigorate the arts community in Los Angeles. This night will also feature our first keynote performance, hand-curated by arts professionals actively working in the field.
- September 3 | Intersections at USC Campus
Inspired by global performing arts markets, we’re expanding our concept of a proper showcase by taking over multiple theaters at USC Campus. We’ll present rotating performances in different auditoriums throughout the complex. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can sample a variety of performances or commit to a full show to gain a deeper understanding of a discipline or culturally specific practice. If you’re interested in collaborating with WAA to bring this vision to life, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
- September 4 | The Sunset Showcase at Grand Performances
The final performance opportunity for this year’s conference will be at Grand Performances in California Plaza. The climate of many of the Western states is unique in its ability to support outdoor performances and tours year-round. Whether you have an outdoor program or not, this year’s closing night event will give you a taste of what’s possible for outdoor performance. Given this venues’ location you won’t be performing just for our audience but the Los Angeles Community at large!
As always performing artists from all traditional, classical, contemporary, and culturally specific art forms are eligible to apply, and applications will be reviewed by a peer jury of arts practitioners representing a broad range of disciplines, aesthetics, and identities.
The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, March 28; applicants will be notified no later than the end of May.
The Venues
Los Angeles is our stage for the Juried Showcases this year!
The Novo at LA LIVE
- Stage Dimensions: 38' wide x 27' deep (to the upstage backdrop) x 48" high; with wings on both sides.
- Stage Floor: Black steeldeck, painted plywood, with Marley overlay.
- Sound: The house system is a JBL Vertec line array system consisting of (2) flown arrays, (4) under stage subs, (6) subs ground stacked underneath line array, (4) front fill speakers, and (6) delay speakers on the main level.
- Consoles: Both front of house and monitor consoles are Soundcraft Vi6 (software upgraded to Vi600’s)
- Lighting: Our venue is equipped with a comprehensive lighting package, including moving lights, LED washes, beam effects, and followspots, designed to meet the needs of a wide range of events.
- Power: All power services are cam lock connections.
- USR: (2) 400A services- (1) open and available for guest lighting
- (1) 200A service (house motors are on this service)
- USL: (1) 100A guest service isolated for audio
- DSL: (1) 100A service isolated for audio (house audio)
The Novo has (4) large dressing rooms, each with their own private ADA accessible bathroom and shower. Each room can comfortably hold 6-8 people.
Bovard Auditorium (USC Campus)
- Stage Dimensions: 38' wide at the proscenium x 39' deep x 33" high the plaster line falls roughly halfway through the total depth of the stage, and the apron is nearly as large as the main stage area.
- Stage Floor: Black painted masonite over wood framing, with Marley overlay.
- Sound: 3 stacks of line array speakers: 3 each side & 15 at center; 2 subs each side
- Additional front fills for Orchestra, ADA sections, 1st balcony, 2nd balcony
- DiGiCo - SD-12 Console
- D2 Rack with additional 48 channels
- Lighting: Multi-colored stage washes available. Limited specials or area lighting utilizing overhead moving lights are possible
Information about the remaining potential USC Campus venues is still forthcoming at this time.
Grand Performances
- Stage Dimensions: 32 ft. Wide x 30 ft. Deep of Usable Space. (Open Air Venue)
- Stage Floor: Slate floor, steeldeck available (TBD)
- Sound: (2) stacks of dBTechnologies VIO line array speakers, (4) dual 18" dBTechnologies subwoofer speakers per side, Digico and Allen & Heath consoles available
- Lighting: New LED Lighting install with moving head fixtures and washes.
Full backline available by request.
Note: Grand Performances is an outdoor venue, we do not recommend artists/ensembles where video projection is a focal point of the performance to preference this site as their venue of choice. Click here for more info on the lighting at Grand Performances.
Tentative Schedule
WAA provides 30 minutes per artist/ensemble for tech, soundcheck and a brief rehearsal. Each showcase is fifteen minutes in duration, with a five-minute turnover.
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
- Tech/Sound Check: TBA
- Performance: Evening
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
- Tech/Sound Check: TBA
- Performance: Evening
Thursday, September 4, 2025
- Tech/Sound Check: TBA
- Performance: Evening
To Apply
Non-refundable application fee:
- $95.00*
Showcase fee:
- Industry Premiere: $1,000
- Mixed Program: $1,500
- Existing Repertoire: $1,500
*If selected, WAA will apply your application fee to the showcase fee.
Your complete online application form will include the following:
- Submitter contact information including, email address, phone number, and WAA membership status or affiliation.
- Artist/Ensemble contact information and mailing address.
- Optional: Artist/Ensemble demographic questionnaire.
- Artist/Ensemble Discipline and Subgenre.
- Statement of Intent, a maximum of 250 words. Express why the WAA Juried Showcase matters to you, and what you aim to bring to the opportunity. Highlight your motivations and artistic vision. Share your unique perspective, readiness, and enthusiasm.
- Showcase Proposal, a maximum of 250 words. What can the audience expect from your showcase? If you intend to include excerpts from multiple bodies of work, please let us know.
- Touring History/Itinerary. The history does not have to be comprehensive, but it should include an absolute minimum of three engagements. We’re interested in all aspects of your practice, with special attention paid to touring performances. You may include other relevant juried exhibitions, commissions, residency programs, and community engagement activities that make up your practice. Please Include dates, locations, presenting organizations, and any relevant contact information.
- Technical Requirements. A stage plot and technical rider specific to the proposed showcase.
- Current Artist bio / EPK. Include production photos, brochures, and feature articles. WAA recommends including at least one review (in English) published within the last year, including the name of publication and date OR a testimonial letter from a presenter that speaks to the artistic quality of the performance work, if possible.
- One high-resolution press photo. Upload files that include the artist's name, representative or agency name, and the photographer's credit, e.g. “Group Name_Agency Name_Photographer’s Name.”
- Include video samples of a live performance featuring current works that you will tour. Please do not submit promotional videos.
NOTE: WAA expects the showcase jury will review approximately 150 applications. Please give careful consideration to your artistic samples—first impressions are critical! The jury will not consider promotional videos, TV news features, TED Talks, sizzle reels etc. as part of the artistic assessment.
Less is more. The jury likes to see a variety of work from each artist with a live performance video. However, you are best served by capturing a range of your best work in a single video. The jury will spend about three minutes listening to or watching your sample(s); this is the minimum amount of time we request of the jury to spend with the materials in the initial application review.
This is not a recommendation for your work samples to be a maximum of three minutes.
We recommend you include a longer and shorter sample of your work, open to your interpretation, as that differs between genre, discipline, and style.
If you run into any issues or have any questions about the application or process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to WAA staff for assistance. While we will not give you direct feedback on the content of your materials, we are more than happy to provide clarity on form and general resources to assist in constructing your application. As a reminder: WAA staff does not adjudicate applications, a carefully considered peer jury of arts practitioners does.
Eligibility Requirements
- WAA membership is not a requirement to apply for the showcase. However, if selected, the artist(s) or their agent/manager must join WAA or be a current WAA member and register for the WAA Conference by June 27, 2025
- Applicants must produce evidence of at least two years of touring experience.
- You must complete the application form and submit all required materials Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the panel
- Artists selected for last year’s Official Showcase may not apply for a second consecutive year.
Selection Criteria
- Artistic excellence — the quality of the artist, ensemble or organization's work.
- Artistic merit — the potential impact on the artistic and cultural heritage of the West and/or the field.
- Demonstrated ability to tour — evidenced by the touring itinerary , tech rider, and press kit.
Showcase Provisions
- The showcase fee includes tech rehearsal, basic technical equipment, rhythm section backline, piano (if applicable), and stage labor. Special equipment or backline will be available at an additional rental cost to the artist. WAA will outline details in materials sent to the selected artists/ensembles. Due to the venue of this year’s conference and lack of light control, acts that require projection may not be suitable for the outdoor stage.
- The showcase fee also includes two complimentary artist passes* to attend the conference, as well as a listing and showcase description in WAA conference materials and eternally on the WAA website.
*These two complimentary passes are for performers within the selected acts and are not registration waivers for agents, managers, or other administrative staff associated with selected acts.
NOTE: Please remember that this is a showcase, not a complete performance. The WAA showcase team will do their best to meet your production needs, but we may not be able to accommodate all requirements of your regular tech rider. Due to time constraints, equipment, sets, and props must be set up and struck within a to be determined time.
Terms and Conditions
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- This application does not represent a commitment by Western Arts Alliance to showcase the applicant.
- All fees are non-refundable.
If selected, the following conditions and limitations will apply:
- All showcasing artists must be Western Arts Alliance members or represented by a member by June 27, 2025. In addition to this, the artist representative must be registered to attend the conference by June 27, 2025.
- The time restriction will be strictly enforced; WAA will end the performance by lowering the lights, sound, and announcement if time is exceeded.
- Generally, WAA will showcase no more than two artists from one agency.
Inquiries/Questions
FAQs: https://www.westarts.org/showcasing-faqs
For technical showcase questions: please reach out to Isabel Reyes, at showcase@westarts.org
For membership or general application questions: please reach out to membership@westarts.org
Pitch NOW: New & Out-of-the-box Works
Matching Artists & Producers with Presenters & Partners in L.A.
Pitch NOW is a forum for bold artistic ideas that need more than a stage and tour date to become reality. Creators with New or Out-of-the-box Works (NOW) can pitch their ideas to potential collaborators who get first dibs on supporting some of the most innovative projects in the performing arts today. Pitch NOW aims to turn ideas with promise into projects with partnerships and performance dates.
Who: You work across disciplines, alongside social movements, in nontraditional or public spaces, outdoors, with communities or schools, or in digital or other mediated formats. You welcome collaborators such as presenters into your creative process. You are ideally a WAA member, but it’s not required.
What: Imaginative and impactful ideas that push the boundaries of performing arts concepts. Pitch NOW highlights projects at any stage of development requiring energy and investment.
How: A panel of performing arts stakeholders will select six applicants to present their ideas to a live audience at the WAA Annual Conference. Those selected will each have ten minutes to present their ideas and answer questions. A/V support will be provided.
When: Pitch NOW will happen onsite during WAA^LA in 2025.
Amplified!
Share Your Tour-Ready Work Online
Share your project, program, or artists with those heading to WAA^LA this year!
Who: You are an artist or agent with an exciting tour-ready project, program, or artist to share. You are ideally a WAA member, but it’s not required.
What: All ideas are welcome, but Amplified provides an ideal opportunity for large or international ensembles for whom showcasing at the conference isn’t feasible to reach a captive audience of presenters.
How: A panel of performing arts stakeholders will select multiple applicants for an online pitch session. Those selected will each have five minutes to pitch and answer questions. These sessions will be available for playback by registered conference attendees and WAA members.
When: Amplified! pitches will happen online during the summer months in the lead up to WAA^LA 2025
We will notify applicants the results of the selection process by the end of April.
WAA provides a safe space for dialogue where creators and collaborators can share perspectives without inhibition and practice the WAA Code of Ethics. WAA supports the intellectual rights of creators and will not tolerate the appropriation of ideas by other creators or attendees.
Note: All additional conference registration fees and attendance expenses are the responsibility of the applicant. All additional conference registration fees and attendance expenses are the responsibility of the applicant. It is the applicant's responsibility to confirm their eligibility to attend the conference prior to submitting. Nonmember Non-presenters (e.g. agents, managers) may attend the conference one time as a nonmember if your organization has not attended the conference before.
Pitch NOW: New & Out-of-the-box Works
Matching Artists & Producers with Presenters & Partners in L.A.
Pitch NOW is a forum for bold artistic ideas that need more than a stage and tour date to become reality. Creators with New or Out-of-the-box Works (NOW) can pitch their ideas to potential collaborators who get first dibs on supporting some of the most innovative projects in the performing arts today. Pitch NOW aims to turn ideas with promise into projects with partnerships and performance dates.
Who: You work across disciplines, alongside social movements, in nontraditional or public spaces, outdoors, with communities or schools, or in digital or other mediated formats. You welcome collaborators such as presenters into your creative process. You are ideally a WAA member, but it’s not required.
What: Imaginative and impactful ideas that push the boundaries of performing arts concepts. Pitch NOW highlights projects at any stage of development requiring energy and investment.
How: A panel of performing arts stakeholders will select six applicants to present their ideas to a live audience at the WAA Annual Conference. Those selected will each have ten minutes to present their ideas and answer questions. A/V support will be provided.
When: Pitch NOW will happen onsite during WAA^LA in 2025.
Amplified!
Share Your Tour-Ready Work Online
Share your project, program, or artists with those heading to WAA^LA this year!
Who: You are an artist or agent with an exciting tour-ready project, program, or artist to share. You are ideally a WAA member, but it’s not required.
What: All ideas are welcome, but Amplified provides an ideal opportunity for large or international ensembles for whom showcasing at the conference isn’t feasible to reach a captive audience of presenters.
How: A panel of performing arts stakeholders will select multiple applicants for an online pitch session. Those selected will each have five minutes to pitch and answer questions. These sessions will be available for playback by registered conference attendees and WAA members.
When: Amplified! pitches will happen online during the summer months in the lead up to WAA^LA 2025
We will notify applicants the results of the selection process by the end of April.
WAA provides a safe space for dialogue where creators and collaborators can share perspectives without inhibition and practice the WAA Code of Ethics. WAA supports the intellectual rights of creators and will not tolerate the appropriation of ideas by other creators or attendees.
Note: All additional conference registration fees and attendance expenses are the responsibility of the applicant. All additional conference registration fees and attendance expenses are the responsibility of the applicant. It is the applicant's responsibility to confirm their eligibility to attend the conference prior to submitting. Nonmember Non-presenters (e.g. agents, managers) may attend the conference one time as a nonmember if your organization has not attended the conference before.