Black Cherry Puppet Theater's 2026-2027  Slamwich Application for Puppeteers 

Greetings, performers! Please use this form to apply for a slot in an upcoming puppet slam. Acts should be 3-10 minutes long. (If you are interested in pitching a longer show on a solo bill, please contact Michael Lamason, Executive Director: mlamason@blackcherry.org). Slamwich artists will perform their act TWICE on the day of the show; be prepared for a long - and rewarding - day!

Musicians: please use this application to be a Band in an upcoming Slamwich. Puppet Filmmakers: please write to puppetslamwich@gmail.com.
Volunteers: discover lots of opportunities on our volunteer interest form.

Puppet Slamwich acts will be scheduled based on performer availability, seasonality, scale, complexity, audience feedback, and the goal of putting together effective line-ups that deliver variety and surprise. 

If you would like to propose multiple acts, please fill out a separate form for each. Black Cherry tries to avoid scheduling puppeteers for consecutive slams, although this sometimes happens if we bring in a stand-by act (more information below).

TECH: Acts are encouraged to keep their tech needs simple: lights up/down with simple sound cues. If you are using a recorded soundtrack, please send your audio file to puppetslamwich@gmail.com at least one week prior to your scheduled slam, or include a link in this form. Tech rehearsals typically run from about noon to 4pm. Individual load-in and tech times will vary; if selected, we will contact you with more information.

PERFORMER COMPENSATION: All artists (and some crew) are paid from ticket sales. Artists' can elect to be paid within one week via online app, or by check - mailed within 2 weeks after the slam. Because our seating capacity is limited and ticket sales are the basis of artists' pay, we are unable to provide comp tickets to performers. If you have any questions about compensation, please email Michael at mlamason@blackcherry.org.

MERCH SALES: Very limited space is available at Black Cherry OR at Current Space, but we make the most of what we have! Be sure to indicate on this form, where asked, that you are requesting space for merch (not to exceed about 4 square feet). Artists are welcome to sell their own original artwork, reproductions of their artwork, and promotional items such as stickers, postcards, t-shirts, pins and patches. Due to space limitations, please limit your offerings to these types of items. Please also provide clear signage, readable in low-lighting, with prices and Venmo information. The Black Cherry concession team will not be able to accept payment and are not responsible for any sales discrepancies.

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Email *
ABOUT YOU 
Your (off-stage) name *
Introduction, before your performance (optional) 
What are your pronouns? 
Company name or stage name (how should your name appear in promotional materials or Black Cherry documentation?) *
Email  *
Phone number *
Mailing address  *
City, state/province
 *
Would you like us to be aware of any access/ability considerations, such as sensory issues, mobility, communication style/method, etc?
ABOUT YOUR SHOW
If you are submitting multiple acts, please fill out this form each act.
Title
 *
Description. Please provide a synopsis, and give us a sense of the energy level and emotional tone of your act. (For example: is it contemplative or frenetic? Funny or poignant?)
 *
What style(s) of puppetry/animation are used in your act?
 *
Required
Images. Please share any links to video or still images of this show, or footage/images of past work if you are proposing a new act that is in development. 
Running time (10 minutes max)
 *
Expandability. Is your act a segment from a longer show or could it be expanded to a solo show? *
How many performers are in your act? 

 *
Additional hands. Does your act need supplemental performers, assistance from a stagehand, or participation from a member of the audience?
Slam dates. Please check ALL dates when you would be able to perform this act if selected. (The more options you provide, the better your chances of being booked!) *
Required
Stand-by. If we are unable to book your act at this time, would you like to be scheduled on stand-by to perform on one of the dates you checked above? (We'll provide as much notice as possible, but openings can arise at any time.) Stand-by is recommended for artists based in Baltimore and others who live within 1.5 hrs of the theater and have access to a car. *
Multiple acts. Do you anticipate submitting multiple acts for consideration in the upcoming Slamwich season? *
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Spatial needs. How much floor space does your act require?  How much overhead clearance do you need, if more than 6'?  Do you need to move through the audience? *
Equipment. Black Cherry's expectation is that artists will supply all stage furniture and equipment needed to perform their shows unless we agree otherwise well in advance of the slam. Accommodations can be made occasionally if we happen to have a piece of equipment you need that works well in our space. Feel free to ask here if there is something you are hoping to be able to access. 
Lighting. Does your act require darkness? Does it require any spotlighting? Please describe any light cues for the act beyond lights up/down. 
Voice amplification. Do you need a hand-held microphone, stand, or headset? 
Other audio. Please describe any cues. Also, please provide a link to your pre-recorded audio track (if applicable) at least one week prior to the slam for which you are booked. You can include the link here if already available. 
Language(s). What language(s), if any, are used in your act? 
Content advisory. If your performance contains adult content, nudity and/or violence, gore, or other elements that might be triggering to audience members, please let us know so we can share that information in slam promotions and at the event. 
OTHER
Merch. If you wish to request space to sell merch, please describe your items here after reviewing the merch information above. Space is not guaranteed, but we are usually able to accommodate artists.
Meal. Performers are asked not to leave the theater between shows, so please plan accordingly.  A vegetarian, gluten-free meal will be available to cast and crew during the break. Please be prepared to contribute $5-$7 per person (sliding scale) on show day if you would like to participate. (Please eat if you're hungry, regardless of your ability to contribute!) 

Do you have any dietary restrictions? 
Payment method for your performance honorarium. Please indicate your preference and provide the information requested. Options include: check (mailing address above); Paypal (confirm email address); and Venmo (provide @handle). *
Visiting artists. If you are joining us from out of town, please let us know about any accommodations you may need. 

Network opportunity. Black Cherry is a member of the Puppet Slam Network which shares information among participating theaters. We hope this will make it easier for artists to plan tours and make connections.

Would you like us to share your information with the PSN’s Northeast Region?

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Within the Puppet Slam Network, there are a number of performer identity groups. Would you like to tell us how you identify (gender, race, sexual orientation, class, etc.)?
Social Media: If you would like to be tagged in Black Cherry social media posts about the Slam, please include your IG or FB handle below
Is there anything else we should know?
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