Call for Submissions // 2026 SummerWorks Performance Festival

About the Open Call

SummerWorks is now accepting applications for the 2026 SummerWorks Performance Festival, running August 6 – 16, 2026, in Tkaronto (Toronto), Canada, as well as future Festivals and other programming initiatives. They seek proposals for contemporary performance projects that challenge disciplinary boundaries and engage with form and content in innovative and imaginative ways, strongly inviting inter- and multi-disciplinary experimentation. Proposals are encouraged from established and emerging creators working across all performance disciplines and artistic traditions. Works for in-person theatre, gallery, outdoor, and non-traditional settings are welcome, as are proposals for online, site-specific, and immersive contexts. All proposed works should have some previous research, creation, and/or presentation history. Selected projects will receive a guaranteed presentation fee of $1,000 CAD to $5,000 CAD, production resources, mentorship, festival publicity and marketing, and access to professional development workshops. SummerWorks acts as a presenter, not a commissioner or producer. Applicants will be notified of curatorial decisions in December 2025. The organization is committed to increasing accessibility throughout its processes.

What is Offered

Guaranteed presentation fee of $1,000 CAD to $5,000 CAD, production resources, professional development opportunities, mentorship and guidance, Festival publicity and marketing, technical and performance scheduling, box office, front-of-house, and volunteer coordination and management, access to free professional development workshops, discounted tickets and rates for Festival events.

Requirements

Proposals for contemporary performance projects that challenge disciplinary boundaries and engage with form and content in innovative and imaginative ways; inter- and multi-disciplinary experimentation is strongly invited. All proposed works should have some previous research, creation, and/or presentation history, depending on the stage of development. Artists are responsible for all expenses related to bringing their project to Toronto, as well as obtaining relevant production rights and permissions for copyrighted material.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted online via Airtable. An 'APPLY NOW' link is provided on the opportunity page. For alternative submission methods or accessibility needs, applicants should contact submissions@summerworks.ca.