We are looking for a video that showcases your personal style and personality on stage. The following tips are not essential, but will help the success of your entry:


Professionalism
We are looking for professional costuming, hair & makeup.


Execution
Film your video with confidence in your movement. Focus on the fluidity of your dance, and consider polished execution such as pointed toes and extended lines.
 We are looking for a strong execution of technique. This doesn’t mean ‘advanced tricks’, just a clean execution of whatever trick you choose to perform.

Content
Please read the "Themes & Content" section as we do not accept any applicants that have breeched any of these guidelines in their application video. 


Specifications
Video must be sent through Youtube, Vimeo or Dropbox only. If you have any spoken word in your application video, you must dub this section with subtitles as Katia (producer and one of the application judges) is Deaf and will require subtitles to view your application. 

The Vanguard Stage is 4.3m by 4.3m and has a runway (approximately 2m long and 1m wide) that will project into the audience.
 All performers are encouraged to make use of both stage and runway for their performance. 


Pole
The Pole (40mm Brass, Spin or Static) is located centre stage and will be secured from floor to ceiling. It is a performance XPole - not an x-stage.
 

Lyra
The Lyra (95cm diameter) will be rigged at approximately 2m high at the end of the runway. There is approximately 50cm of rope above the Lyra. 


Other Aerial
We are open to other Aerial apparatus, however you will be required to bring your own. We will only have capacity for one ‘other’ aerial apparatus per show.

Backstage
There is a backstage lounge area that is located up two flights of stairs. You will be required to walk up and down the stairs before/after your performance. Please arrive with your Hair & Makeup done, there is not enough room backstage to do this on the evening. 
Do not use any aerosol cans backstage as this can affect performers with aesthma or allergies. These products must be applied before coming to the venue (or you can use them outside). 


Any glitter or confetti, water or messy items are banned. Please contact us if you have an idea and we can try to accommodate.

Auslan Interpretation
All of the shows that we produce under Sky Sirens are Auslan Interpreted for Hard of Hearing or Deaf guests. If your show has any 'spoken word' (this obviously excludes music lyrics), you must present us with a script so that the Interpreter can be prepared to sign to aid your performance. 


Mobility Aids
The Vanguard is wheelchair accessible for guests, however the stage is elevated and does not have wheelchair or mobility aid access. If you are a performer with mobility access needs, pop this in your application and we can respond with more information if your application is successful.

Backstage Seating
The backstage area can be crowded, bright and loud. There is also limited seating available. If you require some time-out you can head into the office, where we will have a quiet zone.

If you have accessibility needs, please pop these in the relevant section in the application. We are committed to ensuring performers have their accessibility requirements met, and this is factored into our budget.

Heartstoppers is a production that's inclusive of the LGBTQI+ community, Disabled people, BIPOC and other minority groups. We are very strict with ensuring that performances do not exclude individuals so we have put restrictions in place in terms of act concepts, costuming, dance movements and music.


We do not allow cultural appropriation, sex work appropriation, abelism, homophobia, transphobia or the sexualisation of any culture, job or religion.

Respect
We will have a stage manager on the evening, who will be advising performers when to go on stage/get ready etc. By submitting your application, you are agreeing to listen and respect the stage manager and all staff on the evening. Please keep voices low backstage and ensure all pathways are clear. 

Professionalism

Please make sure you are always acting in a professional manner. Strictly no alcohol or illicit drugs are to be consumed prior to using any apparatus or performance. 


Curtain Call
All performers will be required to stay until the end of the evening to attend the curtain call. Please bring along something special to wear for the curtain call and when you are out in view of the audience. The dress code is formal cocktail, so please take this opportunity to dress up!  


There may be footage (video and/or photographic) taken of your performance on the night. If you are successful in performing at Heartstoppers, you acknowledge that this footage may be distributed online and in printed form.


Professional photography and video is not guaranteed and is not an entitlement of performing. At times, we may have a photographer shooting the general vibe of the night, backstage and the highlights of some performances.
 Please understand that due to the nature of live performance - we can’t guarantee that that there will be photos/footage of your show.

Heartstoppers pays everyone involved, including all production and performance. Performances will be paid standard community rates on a tiered system based on the performer’s elected experience level in the application. This fee will be outlined on the letter of offer for successful applicants. Any troupe or double performances will be required to invoice as a group. Invoices will be paid within one month of the event.