Community Performers / Open Mic

Stage Uzume is once again pleased to invite attendees to apply to perform solo/group acts on our community stage! Our stage is primarily focused on performance-based activities. If you are interested in performing for your fellow Tekko con-goers, read on!

DISCLAIMER: This is specifically to apply for a space on our schedule dedicated to your performance. Regardless of whether or not you are selected, anyone is free to use Stage Uzume during its downtime or “Free Stage” events, but note that you may be unable to use the A/V equipment during downtime.

In addition, this is for those who are already attending Tekko. As such, you will not be compensated or reimbursed to any extent for your badge and you are expected to have a badge in order to perform.

Timeline and Deadlines

• March 26th: Application opens!
• May 16th: Application closes at 11:59p ET that night.
• May 30th: Applicants will receive notice of their acceptance or rejection for a performance block by this date.
• June 13th: Applicants must acknowledge their acceptance to the event(s) by this date. Failure to do so will be interpreted as the applicant rescinding their interest to perform.
• June 30th: Performers must send in all required resources by this date, including tech rider (if applicable), audio/video files, and so forth.
• July 17th-20th: Tekko 2025 takes place! Will you be performing on our community stage?

Eligibility

• You must have a valid Tekko 2025 badge to participate. Anyone found not to be registered will not be allowed to perform and/or disallowed from applying for Tekko 2025.
• You must be 14 years or older to participate, and all minors (17 or younger) must either have signed parental permission to perform or have an adult member in their group or present at their event to claim responsibility if needed.

Application Process

1. Fill out the application form.
2. Make sure to select the amount of time you wish to perform on stage! If you want more or less time after receiving notice of acceptance, please send Stage Uzume an email so we can discuss further.
3. Stage Uzume staff will choose who will perform based on the audition videos/performances sent in.
4. Decisions on acceptance will be sent out within two weeks of the form’s closing.

Audition Guidelines

1. Please send in an audition video of you performing. Audio submissions will be accepted, but videos are preferred.
2. Submissions must be at least 2 minutes long and you must demonstrate the skill you wish to showcase on stage (dancing, singing, playing music, etc.).
3. Your audition recording should be something you have worked on recently (2024-2025 recordings preferred). Anything uploaded before July 2023 will not be accepted.
4. If your audition material is covering existing material (i.e. covering a song or using existing choreography), please make sure to include the name and artist for the song(s) you are auditioning with, alongside a link to a video with the original choreography if you are auditioning to dance using existing choreography.
5. Make sure that whoever is performing is clearly visible/audible in the recording.
6. You do not need to audition with something you are planning on performing on stage, as long as your audition reflects the type of content you will be performing.
7. If performing in a group, all performers must be present in the audition recording. You may send separate recordings of any individuals in your group if you do not have a video of everyone together, but you may not exceed 3 videos sent total to achieve this. If possible, please have one video with all performers involved performing together! Please email Stage Uzume (email address can be found at the bottom of this document) if you have any concerns or need assistance with this.
8. Audition recordings will not be shared with anyone outside of Stage Uzume staff.

Responsibility of Performers

• You must respond to emails that require confirmation or important information from you in a timely fashion. If something is needed from you and you do not respond to an email sent before the deadlines stated in previous correspondences, your performance may be canceled. If you know you will not be able to make a deadline, please communicate this ahead of time so we can work something out!
• Performers who are accepted and require the use of backing tracks will need to send their audio files, track order, tech rider (if applicable), and other necessary information by June 30, 2025.
• Your performance time will depend on other scheduled events at Stage Uzume and will be included in your acceptance email. If you cannot perform at that time, please email Stage Uzume immediately so that changes can be made.
• You must be ready to perform on time. Please arrive at Stage Uzume no later than 30 minutes prior to your start time. Larger groups should prepare to arrive earlier to make sure they can be soundchecked and start on time. We will not be extending time for any acts that start late.
• You must present a good attitude as a performer to your fellow performers, the staff, and your audience. You are representing not only yourself but also the best of what Stage Uzume and Tekko have to offer, so please hold yourself to a high standard!

Other Notes

• Both events take place at Stage Uzume at Tekko, which is on the fourth floor of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The stage is 32’ x 18’ and is carpeted. Pictures of the venue can be provided upon request.
  • Note: Stage Uzume has a backstage area, but will not be monitored consistently. Stage Uzume and Tekko staff assume no responsibility for any belongings that you leave backstage, and that you do so at your own risk.
• Reminder: Tekko is an all-ages event. Attire for your performance must fit within Tekko’s clothing policy (“Standard of Dress” at https://tekko.us/rules) and your performance must be appropriate for a standard audience. Please keep everything suitable for our all-age attendees!
• Groups must not be larger than 5 performers. The stage won’t be big enough to hold you all if you have any more than that! Please email uzume@pittjcs.org if you have more than 5 people in your group and we can discuss potential options!
• We will have electrical outlets and other electrical apparatuses available for you to plug into if needed.
• Please do not perform for longer than you are scheduled. If your performance goes over time and the next act/event is ready to go, your performance will be interrupted and you will be asked to teardown so that the next Stage Uzume event can begin. Keep an eye on the time!

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, contact us at uzume@pittjcs.org and we’ll do our best to get back to you as quickly as possible!