Independent Showcases
With limited slots for artists to present their work in WAA’s Juried Showcase, Independent Showcases enable agents, managers, and artists to bring work directly to the WAA audience. We offer two options for independent producers: Onsite Showcase Rooms at the hotel headquarters and Off WAA for work presented at offsite venues in our host city and beyond. Learn more about each of these program below.
Photo: Good Co, WAA 2023; credit: Jo Cosmo
Valerie Troutt & Tiffany Austin, Bay United Artists Collective | Room 201
Dates: September 8 - 10
Disciplines Supported: Music, Dance, Theatre, and Multidisciplinary
Showcase Fee Range: BUAC Members: $800, Nonmembers $1000 for 20-min slots.
The Bay United Artists Collective (BUAC) is a dynamic network of multidisciplinary artists collaborating with creativity, intention, and professionalism to meet the demand for exceptional music, dance, art, cultural enrichment, and arts education throughout the Bay Area and beyond.
Our showcase room is designed to provide an intimate setting for fast-paced performances with a curatorial vision of high-impact visibility, we facilitate 20 minute sets with backline, specifically curated for booking agents and presenters.
You can apply for a slot in the BUAC Showcase Room by clicking here.
In the spirit of equity, BUAC is pleased to offer two informational workshops at RootStock Arts to all WAA participants. These workshops are designed to help artists and bands develop the essential skills and materials necessary for success.
For those interested in participating who may face financial barriers, the Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI) Quick Grant program offers funding for California-based artists and cultural practitioners. These funds support professional development, including advocacy and caregiving expenses. Applications are reviewed monthly with a deadline on the 15th, helping to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent participation in these opportunities.
http://www.valerietrouttprojects.com/
Fredd Sanchez, Mariachi Continental de San Diego | Room 208
Dates: September 8 - 10
Disciplines Supported: Music, Dance, Theatre, and Multidisciplinary. Inquire for unique showcasing needs.
Showcase Fee Range: Each 15-20min showcase slot will be between $900-$2,500 depending on time and length.
There is a discount for purchasing multiple slots for both artists and agents.
A 1,250 sq. ft. showcase room with seating for 100+, full professional sound, backline, and rear projection, and basic lighting. Slot times range from 15-25 minutes. This room is produced with artist success in mind!
Karin Stein, Artes Latinas | Uptown Room
Dates: September 8 - 10
Disciplines Supported: Music, Dance, Theatre, and Multidisciplinary
Showcase Fee Range: Each 15-min showcase slot will be between $500-$600.
The Uptown Room is a 756 sq. ft. (42'x18') meeting room at the Marriott City Center conference hotel.
The room will provide showcase hosting for no-tech/low-tech acts. There will be a stage on risers about 8'x12', with about 40-50 chairs set up theater-style. The room will provide a simple, general light wash, a 120"-backdrop screen and projector if desired, and up to 6 sound inputs. Artists must provide their own backline, stage props, music stands, and audio playback sources, if needed. The only dance acts we can host are small dance acts that do not require special flooring but can dance on carpeted surfaces.
16 hours of showcase time
This year, independent showcases at the hotel can start as early as 7pm and go as late as 12pm midnight and will include afternoon slots from 2-4pm. More time means more performance!
Convenient and convivial vibes
Located next to the Fitness Center and Iron and Oak, the hotel restaurant and bar, these rooms let your audience define their own showcase experience. Imagine your audience catching a show between workout sets at the gym or with a cocktail in their hand.
Onsite Showcase Rooms
Introducing Off WAA
Oakland and the Bay Area are rich with innovative arts groups and spaces that are perfect for the next great performance. Off WAA provides an official platform for local artists to get discovered at their home venue as well as additional options for touring artists to perform at exciting venues in our host city and beyond.
Your venue your way
With your own venue, you decide what to perform and for how long. If your artistry needs more than a 15-minutes or a hotel ballroom, Off WAA gives you the flexibility to do it your way.
Expand your reach
With an offsite venue you can attract a public audience and charge admission. To be considered an official Off WAA selection, you must offer a minimum of 25 complimentary reserved seats for WAA delegates who can redeem a ticket with an official conference badge.
Perform when you want to: 7 Days of Performances
WAA delegates will often arrive early or stay after the conference to explore our host city. We will accept show listings at any time from Saturday, September 6 through Sunday, September 13, except during the Grand Opening and official Juried Showcase hours.
OFF WAA Venue List now available
Looking for a location to host a showcase or book a show during the WAA?
Look no further than our prepared venue list, including capacities, distance from HQ as well as background and contact information to turn your vision into a reality!
