FAQ’S
What Types of Shows Does Bridges Festival Present?
Bridges Festival presents Canadian and international puppet shows, for adults and children, of at least 30 minutes in length. Bridges Festival is attended by families and parents with young children. We are interested in all forms of puppetry, including traditional forms as well as innovation in puppetry that employs the use of robotics, AR, and technology.
Does The Festival Happen Online or In Person?
Bridges Festival has online and in person events in Mississauga.
Does Bridges Festival Present International Shows?
Yes! Bridges Festival is an International puppetry festival! We present puppetry from across Canada and around the world.
How Do I Submit My Show for the Bridges Festival?
Each Year we hold an annual submission call, where you can submit your work on our website.
When Do You Accept Show Submissions?
We hold annual submissions typically in the Spring/Summer, following the Festival. We program shows two to three years in advance. So for example, to apply for Bridges Festival 2024, submission would open in 2022. Follow Us on Facebook to keep up to date on when our submission call happens, and check our website.
How are shows selected?
Shows are selected by a panel of jurors. We select a panel of jurors each year, that are diverse, and represent demographics of Mississauga, Canada. Juries consist of puppetry experts, professional puppeteers who have attended, presented at, and have previously sat on juries of international puppetry festivals. Jurors nominate shows to be presented at Bridges Festival based on evaluation criteria they are provided.
When will I know if my show has been selected for Bridges Festival?
We always try to notify all applicants as soon as possible. However we cannot always control how early this will be. Typically applicants are notified a year to six months before the opening of a festival.
Can I submit more than one show?
Yes. You can submit as many shows as you like.
If there is speaking in my show, does it need to be in English?
Your show does not have to be in English, however, we ask that you provide English surtitles. Mississauga is a diverse city filled with people that speak many different languages. English is used most often. However, we have featured shows in other languages including French, Spanish, and Malaysian.
If my show was not selected for the previous Bridges Festival, can I re-apply?
There is no need. We consider submissions of a show for several upcoming years of Bridges Festival.
Does Bridges Festival Pay Me for My Show?
Yes. The Festival provides a presentation fee and accommodation. We do not cover travel expenses. We can assist with grant applications to cover travel costs as needed.
Does Bridges Festival Cover Travel Expenses?
Selected Shows will be responsible for travel expenses. We do not cover travel expenses. We can assist with grant applications to cover travel costs as needed.