VERMONT BURLESQUE FESTIVAL
PERFORMER REGISTRATION
& INFORMATION
PAGE 2 of 4

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CHANGES TO THE FEST FOR 2026​

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The Vermont Burlesque Festival has grown over the last 12 years to become more recently knows as a five-day, multi-city experience filled with classes, showcases, after-parties, vending, and social gatherings. By 2020 through January of 2025 VTBF had grown to annually welcome thousands of attendees and hundreds of performers from across North America and the world.​ Due to recent financials, venue closings, staffing, and attendance challenges in the Queen City -- for 2026, the festival will take on a slimmed down new form -- reminiscent to its 2013 inaugural roots. 

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This year’s event will be focused on creating one incredible showcase night — Friday Night -- the Granite City Showcase at the Barre Opera House -- A show, venue, and location that has a deep rich history of being the most rowdy, the most spirited, and the most attended night of the Vermont Burlesque Festival.  VTBF2026 and The Granite City Showcase will combine live music, multi-media reviews, vending, and live performance art rolled all into one big festive night.

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This streamlined format allows us to keep the festival’s soul and mission alive, to support artists, continue building community, and celebrate burlesque in all its expressive beauty. However, space will be more limited than in years past. Unfortunately, VTBF is no longer in a position where it is able to guarantee a performance spot for every performer who applies.

 

For 2026, there will be 14 performance spots available. These performances will be chosen from performer submissions/applications. Performers are encouraged to submit their very best acts for consideration.

 

There will be no singular headliner this year — because everyone on stage will be the headliner. Every selected performer will receive equal billing and be featured on official festival materials -- each being celebrated as one of the festival’s stars.

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In an effort to uphold our tradition of inclusivity and participation for all those who are interested in joining us in Vermont to experience this event -- We encourage you to register and submit your act. Even if your act isn't selected for the stage this year, registered performers will still receive an invitation to attend as alternate performers and enjoy the festival as part of our vibrant community.

 

Say yes to our invitation and enjoy the sparkle of alternate perks — heavily discounted and free show tickets, complimentary headshots, exclusive lodging deals, and a few delightful surprises we’ll reveal soon!

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Simply put, if you want to be in Vermont and part of the fun, we want you here — shining bright with the rest of us.

 

The Vermont Burlesque Festival remains devoted to its mission: creating a positive, inclusive, and inspiring space where artists can flourish, strengthen their portfolios, make connections, and have a grand old time doing what they love.

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Smaller stage. Same big heart. Same sparkling spirit. ...Just a bit more intimate.

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