Submissions open!

The Festival is back! Come performer with us Wed 16 to Sun 27 June 2021.

Things to note before you submit:

- due to the recent propensity of State Governments to close borders, we're preferencing submissions from Victorian-based performers this year.

- diversity and quality are our two key programming tenants.

- while tribute-style shows have their place, we have a soft spot for original songwriting.

- we supply and cover the costs for the venue (Chapel Off Chapel - both spaces), all the techs and front of house staff, quality pianos, and conduct an extensive marketing campaign. Aside from having these costs covered you receive a generous door split.

- if we don't know you, a video link is highly recommended. It doesn't need to be high quality footage - just enough for us to gauge your suitability for the festival.

- your show needs to no more than 60 minutes with no intermission to enable fast turnarounds.

- once we confirm a season we'll send you another form to fill out to obtain all technical information we need for your show. You'll have access to current equipment at the venue.

- all enquiries must come through us, not the venue.

Submit here before end March. The sooner you submit, the better your chance of being programmed.

Melbourne Cabaret Festival postponed

It is with a heavy heart that we have to join with so many festivals and venues to announce that the 2020 Melbourne Cabaret Festival will not go ahead as planned from 17 to 28 June due to the latest round of COVID-19 public assembly restrictions and no public appetite for buying tickets into the coming months.

We are saddened that the decision forced on us has dealt another blow to our much loved and respected performers, producers and directors, our FOH and technical contractors, venue staff and suppliers, who are already suffering indescribable pain and hardship from sudden wholesale cancellations of live performance here and internationally. Our heartfelt wishes go out to them.

To our loyal Melbourne Cabaret Festival audiences we can only promise you that we will return when this crisis is past and you are able to join with us to celebrate cabaret once again returning to our stages.

THE DAYS WILL RETURN WHEN WE CAN SING WITH YOU:

"What good is sitting, alone in your room? come hear the music play!
Life is a cabaret, old chum!
Come to the cabaret!

Put down the knitting, the book and the broom It's time for a holiday
Life is a cabaret, old chum!
Come to the cabaret!"

- The Board & Producers, Melbourne Cabaret Festival