Our 2023 Open Call has closed.
A huge thank you to all who submitted!
Still interested in getting involved? There are numerous ways to help out and be part of the Cannonball community! Click below to see our available paid and volunteer positions for this year’s festival. And, of course—we hope to see you at the shows!
Cannonball is the first and the largest “Hub” of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. We’re artist-run and community curated. By pooling resources, Cannonball offers affordable production opportunities to performing artists of all disciplines.
The Cannonball experience is one of community and exchange: we offer lots of support to our artists, create social events and preview opportunities, and carefully curate fun and inclusive social spaces to hang out in all Festival long. Alongside our buy-in options, we offer several special production tracks, including the BIPOC New Work Track and (new this year!) the Performance for Younger Audiences Development Cohort.
THE CANNONBALL MODEL
The Cannonball model relies on artists who bring full length (45-60 minute) works that can load-in and load-out of the performance space in 15 minutes. In some cases, we can also program longer works, though this requires special consideration. We highly encourage you to plan ahead, and think about if this model is right for you and your work! We love the challenge of helping to strategize how your work can fit into our model, but sometimes, there are certain works that we simply can’t accommodate. Feel free to reach out and chat with us about your show’s needs after submitting a (free! and short!) application.
All Cannonball artists receive the following, regardless of their production arrangement:
Performance space, pre-set lighting looks, amplified sound, tech/dress rehearsal, and production support
Additional rehearsal time, subject to space availability
Marketing and press support
Box office management, front of house staff, and insurance coverage
A dedicated concierge for personalized support, plus access to our community-focused programming including promotional photo shoots, preview showings, social events, special workshops, drink tickets for the MAAS garden bar, and more.
2023 PRODUCTION TRACKS
Buy-in Track
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This is Cannonball’s classic production model, and the one that makes it all work. Most artists are a part of the buy-in track.
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EVERYBODY!
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Artists pay a flat fee for in exchange for Cannonball’s services, and keep 100% of their ticket sales (after any FringeArts fees). Find rates by looking at each space below.
BIPOC New Work
Presentation Track
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Returning for its second year, the BIPOC NWT is open to BIPOC artists presenting full-length new works of performance in any discipline. Eligible works must be performed for at least three performances and have the capacity to meet at least 120 audience members. This opportunity is panel-adjudicated, and requires additional application questions.
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BIPOC artists and companies/ensembles lead by artists of color creating new works are encouraged to apply.
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Selected artists receive a $2,750 stipend, additional production and marketing support, and a 50-50 ticket split, in addition to all of Cannonball’s other production services at no cost.
NEW! Performance for Younger Audiences Development Cohort
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New for 2023, the PYA Cohort track is an opportunity to develop and perform new works created with younger people ages 0-18 in mind. Selected artists will participate in workshops, mentorship, and more under the guidance of Artistic Producer Sam Tower and other Philadelphia-based artists with experience working with younger audiences. This opportunity is panel-adjudicated, and requires additional application questions.
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Performing artists and companies of any discipline making work for any age group from 0-18 are eligible to apply. Artists from marginalized communities will be centered in the adjudication process.
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Selected artists receive a $750 stipend, mentoring support from former IPAY creative administrator Sam Tower, access to development opportunities including work-in-progress showings, and full production at Liberty Lands. Admission to all shows under this track is free, but artists are encouraged to pass the hat following performances, and will keep 100% of revenues earned.
Co-Presentation
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The Co-Presentation track mitigates financial risk for artists by replacing the buy-in fee with a ticket split (typically 50-50) arrangement.
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This track is reserved for artists with financial hardship and/or artists with a demonstrated ability to reach new audiences. Invitations to the co-presentation track are at the discretion of the producers, but we invite conversations from all interested artists, and encourage our communities and peers to ask for what they need!
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Artists pay a refundable deposit of $300, and are paid a portion of ticket sales. Ticket splits are most frequently an even 50-50, but are sometimes variable based on the space and the length of the run, and can range from 50-50 to 70-30 (artist keeps 70%).
In some exceptional cases, Co-Presented artists are awarded up front stipends to help make their participation in Cannonball possible.
NEW! Split Bills
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In the Split Bill track, artists with a work that is shorter than 35 minutes are paired with another artist under one ticket.
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Any artist with a work 35 minutes or shorter is eligible for the Split Bill track.
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For a split bill with two works, each artist is charged 65% of the full buy-in rate. For three artists, each is charged 40%.
By default artists split all ticket revenues evenly, unless there is another agreement made between the artists splitting the bill.
NEW! CSAW Award for New Work by Circus Artists of Color
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The CSAW Award for New Circus Work is an opportunity available to BIPOC artists, ensembles, companies or collectives who are creating a new full length circus show (45-70 minutes). This opportunity is panel-adjudicated, and requires additional application questions.
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BIPOC artists and companies/ensembles lead by artists of color creating a new, full-length circus show are encouraged to apply.
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Selected artists receive a $5,600 stipend, additional production and marketing support, and a 50-50 ticket split, in addition to all of Cannonball’s other production services at no cost.
NEW! Snack Track for Small Audience and Immersive Works
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The Snack Track supports new experiments in interactive, small-audience experiences at Cannonball. Ideal applicants would like to make an interactive show that is 40 minutes or less, designed for 5 or fewer audience members, and/or could be performed in a variety of spaces. This opportunity is panel-adjudicated, and requires additional application questions.
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We welcome applications from performers seeking to experiment with interactive/audience responsive work, game designers, installation artists, and the creatively promiscuous.
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Selected artists receive $600 development funding, mentorship, and guaranteed performance space at one Cannonball venue.
CATEGORIES ARE LIMITING!
Works that are non-conventional, immersive, have a longer run time, or require complex technical elements are encouraged to submit an application!
After applying, email admin@thealmanac.us to schedule a call with a Cannonball Producer to discuss feasibility.
2023 SPECIAL PRESENTATION TRACKS
The tracks below are competitive, panel adjudicated presentation and/or development tracks which come with additional opportunities and resources.
OUR SPACES
Icebox Project Space
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Large, multi-purpose performance space
23x24’ sprung marley stage, white walls for large-scale projections
Capacity up to 80 (proscenium-style) or 110 (thrust-style) -
One show - $700
Two shows - $1,100
Three shows - $1,450
Four shows - $1,700
Five shows - $2,000
Six shows - $2,250
Seven shows - $2,500
Eight shows - $2,750
The MAAS Studio
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Intimate performance space
LED light rig, hardwood, and exposed brick
Capacity up to 55 -
One show - $425
Two shows - $625
Three shows - $825
Four shows - $1,000
Five shows - $1,150
Six shows - $1,300
Seven shows - $1,400
Eight shows - $1,500
The MAAS Garden
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Indoor/Outdoor performance venue
Sound and limited lighting options
Capacity for up to 50
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One show - $475
Two shows - $675
Three shows - $850
Four shows - $975
Five shows - $1,100
Six shows - $1,200
Seven shows - $1,300
Eight shows - $1,400
The MAAS Cottage
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A very intimate performance space inside a cottage
Minimal technical capabilities
Capacity up to 15
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3 Shows - $325.00
4 Shows - $375.00
5 Shows - $425.00
6 Shows - $450.00
7 Shows - $475.00
8 Shows - $500.00
Liberty Lands Outdoor Stage
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An outdoor venue for family-friendly programming in the heart of Northern Liberties
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Not applicable- see details under the Performance for Younger Audiences Development Cohort Track!
Please review the information above prior to beginning your application!
This year, we are using Eventotron to collect Cannonball applications.
Click here to view the full application as a document on Google Docs.
Ready to Apply?
Before starting your application, you will need to create an Eventotron account if you do not already have one.
Once you start your application, you will be able to edit responses at any time up until the deadline.
If you have questions about using Eventotron, please contact Eventotron help via their website. If you have questions about our application, please feel to reach out via email to admin@thealmanac.us.
Thank you so much! We can’t wait to hear about your work.
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Timeline is subject to change!
* February 15 — Artist Call Opens
* April 16 — Artist Call Closes**.
* May 1 — Artists notified of their status, or asked for additional information.
* Mid-May - first draft of the (massive) Cannonball schedule shared with artists.
* June 1 - Offers finalized
* June 15 - Signed contracts and deposits due.
* June-July - artist photoshoots, workshops, and social events.
* August - Cannonball preview nights and networking/promo opportunities.
* September 1 - 30 - Cannonball Festival 2023!
* November 1, 2023 - Artist surveys are due and all payouts will be completed.
** All applications for the BIPOC NWT and PYA Cohort must be submitted by this date. Buy-in artists and artists interested in Co-Presentation can still apply to be a part of Cannonball and will be accepted on a rolling basis as space allows. Get your application in by April 16 for preferential scheduling and maximum availability!
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We are more than happy to answer technical questions about completing the application. You can email us at admin@thealmanac.us. For specific questions about your show and where it might best fit into Cannonball’s programming, we ask that you submit your application first, and then schedule a meeting to talk about your show with a Cannonball Producer. This makes it easier for us to talk specifics!
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One of our core values is “Pack it in” — we would like to give as many opportunities to as many artists as possible. In the past, we’ve only “rejected” artists for the buy-in track with whom we mutually agreed that our spaces or models were not a good fit for the project, or for works that (based on work samples or the application) we felt were not in line with our values of working to create a warmly inclusive and welcoming space for folks of marginalized identities. If applications greatly exceed our capacity, we will first try to find more capacity, and only then turn to rejecting viable applications if necessary.
The Co-Presentation, BIPOC New Work, and Performance for Young Audiences Cohort tracks are all competitive opportunities. While Co-Presentation track decisions are made collectively by festival producers, the BIPOC NWT and PYACT opportunities are panel-adjudicated. -
Our budget is still being finalized, so we will know the total amount of funds dedicated to the BIPOC New Work Track in mid-April. Last year, we were able to fully fund 5 projects.
If you would like to make a donation to support the BIPOC New Work Track, please click here, and thank you! -
Yes! You are welcome to apply to all tracks for which your work is eligible. If you apply and are accepted to multiple tracks that come with financial stipends, you will be asked to chose which opportunity you would like to take advantage of.
Some works will be awarded participation in multiple tracks, for example, a shorter work that is a Split Bill and also a Co-Presentation. -
All Cannonball shows are also registered as part of the Philly Fringe Festival, and we serve as a “Hub” of the Philly Fringe. FringeArts, as the parent organization of the Philly Fringe, works closely with Cannonball and directly with artists. We all collaborate to create the best possible festival!
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Yes! All artists must apply to the Philly Fringe in addition to Cannonball. Registration will open on March 1, 2023. If you are accepted into Cannonball, we will reimburse your $20 Fringe registration fee during ticket reconciliation after the close of the festival.
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Yes! More than just producing your work, we are a part of and invested in continuing to build a community that can support itself. We think deeply about what independent artists need to successfully produce their shows. Pre-festival social events build camaraderie and connection between festival artists — and we try to supply as much donated food and drink as we can get our hands on!
All Cannonball artists are invited to participate in several photoshoots over the summer leading up to the Festival. However, the Fringe deadline for show images is June 15 and our photoshoots will likely occur after that, so your Cannonball photos are best for supplemental content like posters, postcards, and ads. In the coming months, you can sign up for a time slot, bring props and costumes, and collaborate with other artists to help us showcase the energy of the festival as a whole. -
Miniball is our name for shorter versions of Cannonball that happen outside of the Philly Fringe. Last year, we had Miniballs in April and December. We are excited about being a place for new works to grow and mature, and often invite past or future Cannonball artists to participate in our Miniballs.
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Cannonball is produced by Almanac Dance Circus Theatre (you can visit us at www.thealmanac.us), but the Cannonball community extends far beyond Almanac. We are a community-curated and artist-produced festival, and lots of Cannonball artists work on the festival as producers, stage managers, box office managers, food vendors, and more!
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Our festival has a light pirate theme. You may hear us say “ahoy” or “arg” every now and then. This is just to add some fun, and to speak to independent artists’ shared identity as renegades operating in a world of larger, more established institutions. Your show does not need to have anything to do with pirates to be a part of Cannonball.