2026 Performance Application

The Cucalorus Film Festival has a long history of showcasing outlandish, alternative, heartwarming and original new performers. Festival favorites like Dance-a-lorus, Bus to Lumberton, and Visual/Sound/Walls distinguish Cucalorus as a venue for exploration at the boundaries between music, theatre, dance, comedy, performance, installation, and film.

We’re interested in all kinds of performances: stand-up, storytelling, music, cabaret, theatre, comedy, happenings, installations, live art, and more! We’re especially looking for new works, North Carolina or Wilmington premieres, works that speak to current political concerns, and fringier experiences. Think of it as a mini-fringe festival embedded inside of a four-day film festival. There are no limits - so send us all of your far-fetched visions and dreams. We welcome the weird and wonderful! 

This applications includes artists submitting to Dance-a-lorus and GigSalad members applying to be the featured GigSalad performer at this year's event.

The 32nd annual Cucalorus Film Festival will take place November 19-22, 2026 in Wilmington, NC.

Deadline: August 17, 2026

Notification Date: September 2, 2026 in

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Category of Performance *
First and Last Name *
Your role in the project? (ie: Director, Creator, Producer) *
Primary Email *
Secondary Email *
City *
State *
Zipcode *
Phone Number *
Title of Performance *
Runtime *
Logline
This short description of your work should be 25 words or less and may be used in print and online materials if you are selected. 
 *
Synopsis
Please describe your project in detail here in two paragraphs. The first paragraph should be the work's description as it would appear in print. The second paragraph should describe in detail the technical aspects of the project that will be important if the work is staged.
 *
Work Sample
Please add a link that is 3 minutes or less. The work sample can be a documentation of your proposed work, an excerpt of the work, or an example of previous work that relates directly to your application project.
 *
Premiere Status
Has this piece or project been presented in the past? Would this be a world premiere of the work?
 *
Work Sample Description *
Performance History?
Where has this piece been presented in the past? Where else have you performed. 
 *
Bio(s)
Please add the bio for up to three key collaborators, if applicable.
 *
Performers / Dancers / Musicians / Collaborating Artists *
Please indicate who needs to be present in Wilmington for the work to be presented and where they will be traveling from: *
Could your work take place in a non-traditional space, such as a foyer, bar, backyard, or street corner? Tell us more: *
What are the practical requirements to know about programming your work? *
Other Work Sample
Please add a link that is 3 minutes or less. The second work sample should further represent your work or be an additional item related to your proposed work.
 *
Other Work Sample Description *
Lead Artist Ethnicity (or Race) *
Lead Artist Gender *
Are you a Cucalorus alumni?
Have you been to Cucalorus Film Festival before? Have you presented work at the festival in the past? 
 *
Is there anything else you want us to know? *
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