Showcases at Pacific Contact
There are two types of showcases at Pacific Contact: Mainstage and Independent or "Indie". This year BCTC is streamlining Mainstage and Independent showcases into one application process. Applicants can now apply for either Mainstage or Independent showcase, ask to be considered for an Independent showcase if not recommended for a Mainstage showcase.

Showcases are 15 minutes long. Music, Dance, Theatre and Variety acts are showcased for delegates who book for both adult and family audiences. There are approximately 35 mainstage showcases and 15 independent showcases over the five days at Pacific Contact. Delegates come to the showcases at Pacific Contact to experience artists "live - on stage". They get to see who is in the marketplace and the level of artistry available for touring.

Mainstage Showcase Guidelines
Showcase applicants must:

• Be professional performing artists with a minimum of 2 years touring experience (outside of home territory) and have demonstrated ability to carry out a successful tour.
• Demonstrate artistic excellence
• Demonstrate knowledge of the BC presenting market
• Be available to tour in BC in 2005-2006
• Be available to showcase at Pacific Contact between April 1-5, 2005
• Be available for a 15 to 30 minute technical rehearsal prior to showcase
• Pay appropriate fees, meet deadlines and be present or represented as a delegate in the Contact Room at Pacific Contact

Musicians/Music Groups
Must have at least one professional recording release within the last two years. If you are currently recording, please indicate when you plan to officially release your CD.

Independent "Indie" Showcase Guidelines
Showcase applicants must:

• Be professional performing artists with either some touring experience or a track record of public performances in home territory
• Demonstrate artistic excellence
• Demonstrate knowledge of the BC presenting market
• Be available to tour in BC in 2005-2006
• Be available to showcase at Pacific Contact between April 1-5, 2005
• Be flexible enough to showcase without a technical rehearsal and with limited equipment and technical support
• Pay appropriate fees, meet deadlines and be present or represented as a delegate in the Contact Room at Pacific Contact

Selection Process
The selection Committee is made up of presenters, artists, agents and managers from British Columbia. Committee members represent the diversity and interests in the arts touring and presenting community in BC. They are professionals with a track record of touring and/or presenting professional performing arts.

Selection
The selection committee looks to create a balanced Mainstage and Independent Showcase roster based on genres and disciplines and the number of applications received in each category. They take into account the types of presenters who attend Pacific Contact and their booking interests and programming needs.

Evaluation of Showcase Applications
The selection committee evaluates applications based on:

• Artistic excellence
• Fee range
• Audience appeal (adult or family) and marketability. Note that the majority of main stage showcases will be for an adult/general market buyer (80 % adult buyers - 20% family buyers). There are a good number of presenters that book both adult and family shows
• Supporting materials (press kits, video/cd/dvd, reviews, audio recordings)
• Availability for touring in coming seasons
• Experience and success in touring previously
• Meeting other eligibility and application requirements
• Previous showcases at Pacific Contact (applicants cannot showcase in 2 consecutive years in either category).