MPAC's 2025 Artist Showcase & Conference will be held on October 10-12, 2025 at the Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts in Great Falls, Montana.

Approximately 17-21 presenting organizations from a wide range of communities from throughout Montana attend the conference. Many of them book their entire seasons from the MPAC showcases.

Juried Showcase: The juried showcases are a significant promotional opportunity for artists who wish to be considered for booking by Montana presenters who do not attend large national or regional booking conferences. Showcases performances are 12 minutes long. All showcase performances will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

Resource Room Hours: Each showcase block is followed by a dedicated Resource Room session where artists and presenters can connect and explore booking opportunities.

Turn-the-tables: MPAC's unique "Turn-The-Tables" event is held on Friday, the first day of the conference. Presenters are assigned to a table or booth while the artists and agents are free to roam and inquire about the presenters' venues, season, and community.

Five For Five: Five For Five is a conference event that give artists and agents the opportunity to make a quick 5-minute pitch to presenters. This session is held in a conference facility (not the showcase theater) and a vocal mic and simple PA system is provided. MPAC does not provide sound or equipment for this session. All showcase applicants who are not selected for a juried showcase performance will be considered for the Five For Five session.

The Jam Session: After the showcases have ended on Saturday night, all attendees are invited to the ever-popular "Jam Session" at a local bar or restaurant. The conference tech crew sets up basic sound and backline so that artists can jam in spirit of spontaneity and collaboration. This event is informal and very well-attended by presenters. It is highly recommended that artists participate in the Jam Session as it can be a game-changer for booking interest among the presenters in attendance.

Performing artists of all genres and disciplines are encouraged to apply for a showcase performance. A diversity of showcase offerings is an important priority for for the jury panel and for the presenters who attend the conference.

Selected showcase artists will be featured in 12-minute showcase performances on stage in the Mansfield Theater at the Mansfield Center for Performing Arts. There will be a 5-minute break between acts for set changes. During the 5-minute break, the emcee will conduct a brief, informal interview with the artist who has just performed.

All showcase blocks will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

MPAC will provide the following to showcase artists

Notification: Showcase applicants for MPAC's October 2025 conference will be notified of results no later than May 30, 2025.

Sound: A full FOH and monitor sound system will be provided for showcasing artists. This will include FOH and monitor consoles with operators, monitor wedges, microphones, and cabling.

Lighting: A general static wash will be available. This will be preset and cannot be modified for showcases. If you have any special lighting needs such as black lights, blackouts, etc., please indicate these in your application.

Backline: A standard main stage backline package will be provided, including: an acoustic drum kit, electric piano, synthesizer, two guitar amplifiers, and a bass amplifier/cabinet. This equipment is provided as a convenience to the artists and to assist in keeping showcases running smoothly and on time.

Piano: A tuned 6’ or 9' grand piano will be available for use during showcases.

Video: Equipment for projected video or slideshow will be available. Showcasing artist must provide the media source and a device with an HDMI port.

Tech Time: Performers must be available on Friday, October 10 or Saturday, October 11 to run a 30-minute tech/sound-check and review final needs with the technical staff, sound engineer, and stage manager. All showcasing artists will be notified in advance of their load-in/sound check schedule.

The MPAC Stage Manager and Sound Engineer will work closely with showcase artists to best meet their needs, but certain modifications may be necessary due to time constraints and production flow. Only technical staff provided by MPAC and the Mansfield Theater may operate equipment during the juried showcases, unless otherwise agreed upon in advance.

Other than professional sound, lighting, standard stage equipment, and concert grand piano, MPAC will not be financially responsible for, or supply any special equipment or instruments required by the showcase artist.

Showcase applications are open to performers of all genres and types, from music (traditional, contemporary, classical, jazz, hip hop, country, etc.), to dance, theatre, comedy, magic, and variety acts.

Showcase artists are selected by a panel comprised of presenters and artists (or an artist agent) who are not applying to showcase. Each applicant submits work samples in the form of video or audio files along with their promotional materials. The panel chooses a varied selection of approximately 17 acts to showcase based on:

• quality of performance (work sample audio/video)
• quality of outreach offerings
• marketability in Montana
• fee range
• compatible tech/tour requirements

Application materials should reflect the configuration and program you plan to tour and showcases must reflect the performance to be toured. You should be comfortable and prepared to tour Montana during the fall, winter and spring months.

There are no restrictions regarding artists applying to the showcase every year, however, the performance material should be new. Some artists stagger the years they apply to showcase. Artists and agents are always welcome to register and attend the conference regardless of showcase status.

MPAC's juried showcase is a highly sought-after opportunity and each year there are far more qualified applicants than the showcase slots available.

Artists not selected to showcase may be invited to present a quick-pitch in MPAC's "Five For Five" session and they may also be asked to serve as alternates in the event they have the opportunity to step in to showcase on short notice.

Showcase applications for MPAC's October 2025 conference will be accepted until 11:55pm on April 25, 2025. Late applications will not be accepted, and incomplete applications will not be considered. All applicants must pay a non-refundable non-refundable fee of $50 per application, which is required by credit card at time of submission or at the application deadline. An early-bird application discount ($40 fee) is available until March 15, 2025. MPAC offers a discounted $30 application fee for artists based in Montana.

If selected, the following is required of showcase artists:

• Be available to perform a 12-minute showcase on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Be available for a 30-minute tech time on either Friday, October 10, or Saturday, October 11. Showcase and tech times are assigned by conference management. Special requests will be considered but accommodation is not guaranteed.

• The showcasing artist or the representative agent/manager must have an active MPAC membership. To start an MPAC membership, go to www.mtperformingarts.org and sign up and pay dues through the website. Information on MPAC membership benefits and dues is available at www.mtperformingarts.org/membership.

• The showcasing artist or the representative agent/manager must register for the conference. Artist and Agent conference registration includes a booth with table and electrical power in the Resource Room (exhibit hall). Registration will be available in April 2025 and full details will be posted at www.mtperformingarts.org as well as emailed to artists and their representatives. Booth registration is approximately $170-200.00 USD (please check MPAC's website in April for updated information).

• Complete and return the showcase agreement and technical production form by the deadline indicated on the notification. Showcase applicants will receive notification of selection by May 30, 2025.

MPAC does not allow independent showcases at the annual conference.

MPAC reserves the right to use showcasing artists’ submitted images and content for the promotion of Montana Performing Arts Consortium and the annual conference.

This application does not represent a commitment by MPAC to provide a showcase.

The Montana Performing Arts Consortium assumes no responsibility for costs associated with showcasing, including travel and accommodations.

The showcase application fee is not refundable.