Description
We've got some exciting news to share. We're currently on the lookout for talented Deaf, hard of hearing, and Hearing artists living right here in Vancouver to submit their 10-minute plays. The Or Festival is an annual event that celebrates the creativity of Deaf, hard of hearing, and Hearing artists. We bring together a showcase of eight to ten original 10-minute plays, and each of these selected plays receives a full production, complete with direction and presentation right here at the Jericho Arts Centre. Now, if you're thinking about submitting your work, here are some important details you need to know:
• First, your play must be exactly 10 minutes in length and, of course, completely original. It's all about showcasing your unique talents.
• Second, all playwrights must be living in the Vancouver area from now until the festival, which is happening from March 6th to 9th, 2024. We want to celebrate our local talent! • Third, we're open to all genres. Whether you're into visual vernacular, devised performances, improv, clown acts, musicals, or anything else – we're ready to be surprised!
• Fourth, consider that our stage setup is intentionally straightforward. We invite you to think creatively about keeping your cast size and set pieces minimal. This is your opportunity to showcase your imaginative ideas within the simplicity of our stage!
And here's the thrilling twist - you're not limited to just one submission. You have the green light to send us 1, 2, 3, 4, or many plays if you've got a treasure trove of creative ideas waiting to be discovered. Unleash your artistic potential and share all those brilliant concepts with us! We're eager to see the diversity of your creativity. So, how do you submit your work? It's as easy as 1, 2.
Here's what you need to do:
1. Share your idea with a short ASL video or submit a full ASL video of your 10-minute performance email to Ashley at DeafArtsHub@gmail.com
2. If you're more comfortable with written English, submit your script in PDF or DOC format to submissions@orfestival.com
If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to us with an ASL video inquiry contact me at DeafArtsHub@gmail.com, send me a message or an email at Inquiries@OrFestival.com We're here to help you every step of the way!
Don't forget, the submission deadline is December 1st, 2023, at 11:59 PM, midnight. Get those creative juices flowing and let's make this year Or Festival a spectacular one!
We can't wait to see your amazing submissions and celebrate the vibrant arts community in Vancouver. Thanks for joining us, and we'll see you at the Or Festival, where your creativity will shine!
And now, let's dive into the exciting details for our chosen playwrights and the incredible support we have in place for our Deaf artists.
The selected playwrights, chosen anonymously by our curatorial panel (with plays by Deaf artists reviewed by our Deaf curatorial panel), will have the honour of seeing their plays come to life with full production. Plays written by Deaf playwrights will be Deaf-led (directed and acted by Deaf artists) ensuring an authentic and remarkable experience for all.
Each play will have its first-ever public performance at The Jericho Arts Centre. And the best part? All ten plays will perform the stage every night. Stay tuned, as we'll announce the selected playwrights on our website in February 2024 Happy creating!
In full transparency, We've put in place a strong support system for Deaf creators:
• All projects involving Deaf artists will be Deaf-led, ensuring that the artistic vision remains true to the community.
• For in-person or Zoom meetings where hearing Or Festival representative(s) are present, an ASL interpreter will be readily available.
• We'll have ASL interpreters accompanying our Deaf artists backstage during all show dates, creating a seamless and inclusive environment.
• Mark your calendars for our ASL interpreted performance on Friday, March 8th, at 7:30 PM. It's a night you won't want to miss!
• We understand that ASL interpretation might not cover all the needs of the Deaf community, and we're excited to work with you to create an environment that fully supports you.
• We'll actively reach out to your community through outreach and marketing, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to attend the festival.
• Throughout the entire process, we'll keep a close eye on how we can better support our artists and team, making adjustments based on your invaluable feedback. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. The Or Festival is not just about showcasing your creativity; it's about fostering an inclusive and supportive community. Together, we're going to make this year's festival a truly memorable experience!
