WELCOME TO THE PASTIE PORTAL
THE OFFICIAL PERFORMER ENTRANCE TO THE VERMONT BURLESQUE FESTIVAL STAGE & RENDEZVOUS
For years, we prided ourselves on an all-inclusive model where anyone who registered was guaranteed a spot on stage. You spoke, and we listened: while inclusivity was our goal, high registration fees and production costs became a barrier.
We have moved to a traditional curated application process with ZERO application fees. While our main stage is tighter this year—featuring about a dozen performance slots—we are refocusing our community energy into a brand-new "choose your own adventure" Winter Rendezvous so we can still gather, learn, and grow together.
TWO WAYS TO PARTICIPATE
The Vibe:
Our crown-jewel event. A high-production, heavily promoted, curated evening of breathtaking burlesque & variety acts.
Slots Available:
12 curated performance slots.
Cost:
$0 to apply.
What We're Looking For: Innovation, polish, storytelling, and acts that bring the house down. All styles and performance art welcome.
WANNA LEARN MORE?
CLICK ON THE PASTIE
ATTEND
THE RENDEZVOUS
The Vibe:
The ultimate burlesque performer winter rendezvous. Witness the showcase and participate in a day of education, connection, and professional growth.
Slots Available:
Open to All.
Cost:
You Choose
What Are The Options:
Thursday Mixer & Showcase, Friday showcase ticket, professional headshots, round-table discussions,
and more!
WANNA LEARN MORE?
CLICK ON THE PASTIE
Burlesque is performance art.
Performance art is not only a form of entertainment — it’s a form of expression. It moves people. It evokes emotion.
The Vermont Burlesque Festival is a gathering place for like-minded artists to connect, learn from one another, and showcase their craft. Through a variety of festival-provided tools, workshops, and performance opportunities, participants are empowered to evolve their artistry and strengthen their portfolios.
The festival proudly programs and regularly features a diverse blend of headliners, registered performers, and visual artists — entertaining audiences through both free and ticketed events. Many of these events are intended for mature audiences and will most likely contain a wide variety of disciplines, adult themes, explicit language, and expressions designed to entertain, stir emotions, and to provoke thought or perspectives. VTBF is a platform for art.
Burlesque has always been surrounded by controversy and will most likely remain controversial.
Our Core Belief
We believe art should be accessible to all — and our community should reflect that. The Vermont Burlesque Festival is committed to creating a positive, fun, friendly, and safe environment for everyone, regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, religion, world views, body size or shape, or nationality.
We encourage all participants and attendees to:
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Be open and understanding of diverse themes and expressions.
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Be kind and learn from one another.
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Celebrate individuality and different perspectives.
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Build friendships and community through the arts.
We invite our sponsors, speakers, attendees, media partners, performers, and all participants to join us in upholding these values — helping us maintain a safe, educational, welcoming, and joyous experience for all.
Please take a moment to review our [Codes of Conduct] for further details.
We’re here to entertain, grow together, learn from one another and make the world a better place through the performing and visual arts.
If you live by a similar doctrine — we welcome you to join us.
ACTS WE ARE LOOKING FOR???
All performance artists are welcome to apply to perform. With regards to what acts will be considered for the public main stages -- we're looking for all types of live performance art (doesn't have to be strip tease--variety acts are welcome too).
Calling all talented...
• Burlesque Performers
• Dancers
• Magicians
• Balloon Twisters
• Comedians
• Contortionists
• Hula Hoop Artists
• Mimes/Clowns
• Gymnasts
• Jugglers
• Puppeteers
• Group Acts
• Speed Artists
• Vaudeville
• Hypnosis Artists
• Bands/Musicians
• ALL LIVE PERFORMANCE ARTISTS. Show us what you can do! ...We might just put you on stage.
© 2026 by VERMONT BURLESQUE FESTIVAL