Pandemonium 2024 Request for Proposals

Deadline: May 17th

On Saturday, September 7, 2024, Cleveland Public Theatre will open its campus into a labyrinth of theatre, dance, visual arts, music, and performance for Pandemonium 2024: In the Garden of Shadow and Delight! We’re seeking self-producing artists and creators to help us make the best party of the year a roaring success!

For the 22nd year, Pandemonium creeps in, featuring local food, free valet, and complimentary drinks served all night long. A feast for the eyes, mind, appetite, and imagination — Pandemonium proceeds benefit CPT’s groundbreaking artistic work and life-changing education programs.

How Pandemonium works

Over 1000 guests are invited to explore CPT’s campus and create their own artistic adventure. With more than 30 performances to choose from, spanning 15+ stages, a guest may encounter a band behind the scene shop, short plays on top of a shipping container, wandering performers, and an art installation — all in the span of 20 minutes.

We are seeking self-producing creators who are prepared to make beauty of simplicity. Limited technical support is available to all lead artists. Each space will have basic lighting and sound support. We ask artists to be resourceful and keep simplicity in mind, without compromising on quality and ingenuity. Artists are welcome to make physical plans for their space, but they must be ready to implement the plans with little time in the space and technical support from CPT.
Most performances are presented multiple times throughout the evening in a repertory fashion. Visual art and performance installations, and wandering performances are typically ongoing but depend on individual needs and space available.
For those pieces and spaces which need a Stage Manager, one will be available for one technical rehearsal, and the event. It is up to the lead artist to provide their own artistic collaborators and produce their individual performance or installation.

What we’re looking for

The pieces chosen will be helping us set the tone for the best party of the year, so let’s have some fun! Proposals should be bold, entertaining, and fresh. We’re looking for things we’ve never seen before. At Pandemonium, anything goes, so get creative, and let this year’s theme:  In the Garden of Shadow and Delight, inspire you! This year, special consideration will be given to pieces that involve a wandering aspect and those with unconventional or off-kilter performance styles and formats.

We’re looking for:
  • Pieces that liven up the party and might not fit “inside the box” — entertaining and compelling
  • Ongoing installations and wandering performances (perform outdoors — working lines & patrons at cafe tables)
  • 10-15 minute performances (stationary)
  • Pieces that include no more than 5 artists (some exceptions can be made)
  • A diverse range of artistic offerings — proposals can range from bands, dance companies, short plays, art installations, poetry, avant-garde performance art, wandering characters, comedians — we want your most unique offerings!
  • Artists excited by the challenge of making simplicity into something unforgettable!
While CPT is not able to pay artists for their participation in Pandemonium, all artists are invited to enjoy the party of the year after their performances! CPT also provides free food and beverages in the artist greenroom.

Click here for Application!

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