Juried Showcases
Artist Showcase & Conference
October 16-18, 2026 in Helena, MT
The MPAC Juried Artist Showcase is a competitive opportunity for performing artists to present their work to presenting organizations from throughout Montana. Showcase performances are a core part of the annual Artist Showcase & Conference and play a significant role in helping presenters plan upcoming seasons and coordinated tours.
The showcase is designed to support cost-effective touring, meaningful relationship-building, and increased access to live performance in Montana communities.
What Conference Attendees Say
"I attend multiple conferences a year, and MPAC is the hidden gem among them. Not only is it run incredibly well, but the number of opportunities to comfortably sit and talk to presenters and agents is second-to-none. You make real connections here. MPAC also remains the runaway leader in block booking. The presenters cooperate so well and work hard to make touring Montana incredibly easy for the artists. I didn't believe it when a fellow artist said I had to go to MPAC. Consider me converted!"
—Justin Varnes
Jazz Legacy Project, Atlanta GA
Important Dates & Application Info
​
-
Application fee: $50 (general) | $30 (Montana-based artists)
-
Applications open: February 1, 2026
-
Early-bird deadline: March 15, 2026 (save $10)
-
Final application deadline: April 24, 2026 (11:55 PM MT)
-
Selection notification: Late May 2026 (no later than May 29)
-
Conference registration opens: April 2026
-
Conference registration closes: September 21, 2026
All showcase applications must be submitted through IWantToShowcase.ca.
Incomplete or unpaid applications will not be considered.
Watch our info session on applying and showcasing!
The MPAC Conference: an intro to Montana's showcase and booking conference
Thursday, January 29, 1:00 pm MST, Zoom
What's in this session?
General information about booking conferences
juried vs. independent showcases, other conferences in North America
Review of the MPAC conference
schedule, goals, key events for artists/agents
Walk through of the application process
preview of iwanttoshowcase.ca, tips for your application
Resources to help you get to the conference and more!
funding $$$ for artist opportunities like this, more professional development resources like NAPAMA
Who Should Apply
Performing artists of all genres and disciplines are encouraged to apply, including but not limited to music, dance, theatre, comedy, magic, and variety acts.
 |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
​​A diversity of showcase offerings is a priority for both the jury panel and the presenters who attend the conference. Artists at a wide range of career stages are encouraged to apply.
​
MPAC’s juried showcase is highly competitive. Each year, there are significantly more qualified applicants than available showcase slots.​
Contact Us
If you are wondering whether you are ready to showcase, are new to booking conferences, or have questions about whether the MPAC showcase is a good fit for your work, we encourage you to reach out. You are welcome to contact MPAC Executive Director Emily Wolfram at 406-284-5524 or info@mtperformingarts.org for guidance before applying.
Why Showcase at MPAC
The MPAC showcase is particularly valuable for artists seeking to connect with Montana presenters who may not attend large national or regional booking conferences.
​
Each year, approximately 20-24 nonprofit presenting organizations from communities across Montana attend the conference. Many rely on the MPAC showcases to book a significant portion—or the entirety—of their upcoming performance seasons.
​
Showcasing at MPAC offers artists the opportunity to:
-
Reach presenters serving rural and small communities
-
Explore coordinated touring opportunities across the state
-
Build relationships that support repeat bookings over time
What Conference Attendees Say
We attended and showcased at MPAC in 2022 and can honestly say that it was the best showcase experience we've ever had! From the sound to the stage management everything was in order and very professional. We especially liked the way that they interviewed the acts right after their showcase while they were setting the stage for the next artist. It gave you a little extra time with the presenters. We booked several concerts and we will attend again and apply to showcase as well.
—Acoustic Eidolon
Colorado
Alternate & Additional Opportunities
High-scoring applicants who are not selected for a juried showcase may be invited to:
-
Serve as a showcase alternate in the event of a cancellation, and/or
-
Participate in Five for Five, a short pitch session held Friday evening
Five for Five is a fast-paced opportunity for artists and agents to share performance and outreach offerings. Each participant is given five minutes and a microphone.
Showcase Format & Schedule
​
-
Showcase performances are 12 minutes in length
-
A five-minute transition occurs between acts
-
An informal onstage interview is conducted during transitions
-
All juried showcases take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026
Showcase performances are free and open to the local public. All other conference events (workshops, Resource Room sessions, etc.) require registration.
What MPAC Provides to Showcase Artists
MPAC provides a professionally produced showcase environment designed to support clear presentation, efficient transitions, and consistent production quality.
Showcase artists can expect:
-
Professional front-of-house and monitor sound with operators
-
A general static lighting wash
-
Standard main-stage backline (as available)
-
Access to a tuned concert grand piano
-
Basic video projection capability
-
A scheduled 30-minute technical rehearsal/sound check
Detailed technical specifications, production policies, and equipment lists are provided to selected artists on IWantToShowcase.Ca.
The Jury Process & Selection Criteria
Showcase artists are selected by a jury panel composed of presenters and artists or artist representatives who are not applying to showcase.
The panel selects a diverse slate of approximately 17 artists based on the following criteria:
-
Quality of performance (audio/video work samples)
-
Quality and relevance of outreach offerings
-
Marketability within Montana communities
-
Fee range
-
Technical and touring compatibility
Application materials should reflect the specific program and configuration you intend to tour. Showcase performances must accurately represent the performance being offered for booking.
Artists should be comfortable touring Montana during all seasons.
There are no restrictions on how often artists may apply to showcase; however, performance material should be new. Some artists choose to stagger the years they apply.
​
Artists and artist representatives are always welcome to register for and attend the conference, regardless of showcase status.
Terms & Conditions (Summary)
The following highlights key requirements and policies for the MPAC Juried Showcase:
-
Applications must be submitted by April 24, 2026 (11:55 PM MT) and include full payment
-
Application fees are non-refundable
-
Selected artists or their representatives must hold an active MPAC membership
-
Selected artists or representatives must register for the conference (registration includes a Resource Room booth)
-
Independent showcases are not permitted during the conference
-
MPAC does not cover travel, lodging, or meal costs
-
MPAC may use submitted promotional materials for conference-related promotion
Submission of an application does not guarantee selection.
Application Support
MPAC partners with IWantToShowcase.ca, which offers video tutorials and step-by-step guidance to help applicants navigate the platform.
Helpful resources include:
-
Applicant and performer profile setup
-
Showcase information and touring details
-
Multi-show and single-show pricing
-
Uploading photos, audio, and video
-
Payment assistance
If you have questions after reviewing these resources, please contact MPAC.
MPAC is a partner of IWantToShowcase.CA. All artists interested in showcasing must submit their application and pay the application fee through this platform. Incomplete applications or unpaid applications will not be considered.
.jpg)
Need help with your application?
IWANTTOSHOWCASE.CA has created several video tutorials to help artists and agents navigate the application platform. See the links below for help. If you still have a question, contact us!
Not showcasing this year? You can still get involved!
Become a member of MPAC
​Artists and agents are welcome to join MPAC as members anytime. Becoming a member puts you on our agent and/or artist directory and gives you access to our presenter directory. Join today.
Come to the Conference
All MPAC members are welcome to register and attend the Annual Showcase & Conference, regardless of showcase status. Registration for artists and agents includes a booth in the resource room and access to workshops and networking events.
Stay Connected
Join our mailing list and follow MPAC on social media to stay connected about upcoming showcase applications and other opportunities!
