The tdsbCREATES Performing Arts Festival is a celebration of learning and creative expression. This 2 day event is an open opportunity for students to share and celebrate with each other in a welcoming and non-competitive atmosphere. Each student group will receive live professional artist feedback after each performance. Students will experience the excitement of performing for their peers with professional sound and lighting at Daniels Spectrum. Participation in our in-person Performing Arts Festival is optional. Non-performing students from the mentorship class or group are invited to attend as an audience. We cannot guarantee that every submitted piece will be included. Sharing performances that highlight the creative process is encouraged. 

Dates: April 24 & 25, 2024

Times: 10 am - 2 pm daily

Location: Daniels Spectrum Ada Slaight Hall (585 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2B7)

Each participating group will be invited to attend the Performing Arts Festival for ONE of the two days.

SUBMISSION DEADLINES

As part of the preparation for the Festival, participants complete two steps:

1. Intent to Participate - Due Friday March 22: Submit music, numbers of students, draft scripts, descriptions of performance and concept, media release, select preferred date

2. Final Confirmation - Due Monday April 8: Submit completed artist statements and scripts, final music file, final numbers of students, tech requirements, media release confirmation, any tech requirements (i.e., microphones). Please note that stage dressing, sets, furniture, projections, and lapel mics will not be available.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• 1 submission per mentorship (collective, small group or individual)

• 3 minutes maximum per performance 

SOUND AMPLIFICATION, PROPS & VENUE INFORMATION

• Stage dimensions are 20 feet deep by approx. 45 feet wide

• Some handheld microphones

• No lapel (clip-on/lav) wireless mics will be used. 

• Do not bring your own microphones. 

• Chairs are available if required

• Change rooms are available

DANCE

• Original movement vocabulary to recorded music

• Solo, small group or large group 

SPOKEN WORD, CHORAL SPEAKING, STORYTELLING & MONOLOGUES

• Performers with or without microphone 

DRAMA SCENES 

• Must be original student works

• Ensembles should be able to project to the audience without amplification

• No preset sets available.  Actors must walk on and off with any props

• There is no additional time allocated for setting up or taking down a scene

VOCAL/INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE / RAP

• Group or individual performance 

• Vocal amplification with microphones available 

• Pre-recorded original accompaniment tracks allowed

• Musical instruments must be carried on and offstage by performers 

• If electric keyboards, drums, electric guitar or bass will be used, please notify ruwani.defonseka@tdsb.on.ca ASAP

MULTI-DISCIPLINARY EXAMPLES

• Dance and spoken word or drama

• Dance with live instrumental accompaniment or vocal performance (see above for more information)

CONTENT CONSIDERATIONS

Teachers must read/view/watch/hear all student creations at all stages, and be present during all artist visits. All content must be appropriate for an all ages audience, not be sexually explicit or violent, and must uphold TDSB Equity and Anti-Racism & Anti-Oppression policies. All work must be original student creations. All artist statements, music files, scripts and lyrics must but be submitted to the Arts Department for review by the date listed above. 

Here is the link to the Requirements for Performing Arts Festival Participation document. If you have any questions regarding the Performing Arts Festival or classroom practices during the mentorship process, please reach out to ruwani.defonseka@tdsb.on.ca.