Performing Arts Discovery Showcase 2024 — Applications are Open!

International Showcase Opportunity for U.S.-Based Performing Artists

Applications for the 2024 cycle of the Performing Arts Discovery (PAD) Showcase program are open!

PAD Showcase introduces international presenters to U.S.-based performing artists, with the goal of generating overseas touring opportunities.

If you are a U.S.-based performing artist ready to tour your work, this may be the opportunity for you’ve been waiting for; if selected for the program, you will work with our expert video production team to create a professionally produced live performance video to be promoted via a virtual showcase platform. The virtual showcase will be shared throughout the year at international performing arts events through digital ads — and can be used by the artists for their own promotional purposes, a benefit that is ideal for artists or ensembles with limited digital assets.

In addition to the virtual showcase, this year’s PAD Showcase artists receive a one-year complimentary WAA membership, year-round professional development offerings, and travel/accommodation support to attend the 2024 WAA Annual Conference in San Diego, CA.

U.S.-based artists/ensembles from all music, dance, and theater disciplines artists/ensembles with a demonstrated capacity to tour internationally are eligible to apply.

Applications opened on Monday, November 13 and will close at 5pm PT on Friday, January 5.

You can see the work of the 2023 PAD Showcase cohort here.

PAD was launched in 2015 by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The program, which is funded by the NEA and the International Trade Administration’s (ITA) Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP), is managed by WAA on behalf of the US Regional Arts Organizations.

More information is available at the PAD webpage and questions can be directed to WAA’s PAD Program Manager, Lucero Cortez, at lcortez@westarts.org