Do you have an art-based event that you want to bring to life?
Then we’d love to host it! Fill out the form below if you’re interested in becoming a youth project leader for our tenth Juvenis festival (running May 6th-10th 2026).
We have 5 categories that you can pitch for:
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(If you are interested in pitching a fully staged production for Blue Canoe’s 20th Season see…)
Original works
One act plays
Stand Up Show
Improv Show
Found Space/ Immersive
Radio Play
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Concerts
Gigs
Multi-artist Showcase
Open Mic
Music Video
Sound Installation
Opera
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Showcase Style performance
Performance Pieces
Dance Film
Flash mob
Dance Battle
Line Dance
A Ball (whether Bridgerton inspired or Ballroom culture)!
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Galleries
Installations
Projection Mapping
Mural
Sculpture
Digital Art
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Fashion Show
Spoken Word
Geocaching
Interactive Installations
Culinary arts
To pitch, you must be a Kingston-based youth who is between the ages of 13-30. The project must take place in Kingston since the youth project leader (YPL) must be present for the event. Please include 2-3 venue options in your pitch.
We’ll be accepting pitches until August 31 2026. Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.
Please note: If you have a production pitch for Season 20 that you’d like to pitch, please apply here.
Application
Contact info@bluecanoetheatrical.ca with questions.
FAQs
If I want to direct a play, does it have to be one I wrote?/Does my project have to be original content?
Nope! You can pitch any play or event to us as long as the idea is yours. In regard to a play, the rights need to be available for purchase.
Is this a paid position?
Yes! Project leaders will be given an honorarium at the end of the festival. The honorarium amount depends on our funding. In previous years, the honorarium has been around $400.
What is the time commitment?
If your project is selected, you are the leader for that project. That means you are responsible for curating the project and acting as a liaison between the festival co-managing directors and your team. This includes monthly meetings, identifying what production items you’ll need, meetings with a mentor, attending your rehearsals/project meetings, attending interviews/auditions for your team members, etc. Depending on your project, you may only have 2-3 hours/week on average or it could be much higher.
If my project is submitted, what role do I play in the project’s creation?
The role you play is largely flexible, however most project leaders take the role of “director” or “production manager” within their projects. All project leaders must be the liaison between their project and the Juvenis Festival and are responsible for their team and the creation and development of their project.
Can I have a co-project leader?
Yes, as long as you pitch the project together and both satisfy the Youth Project Leader Program requirements by the end of the festival. We recommend that younger applicants (<18) have someone above 18+ to pitch with.
How much are typical project budgets?
It depends on the project. Most projects often have budgets of around $1000 including space rental and materials. However, larger projects like musicals may have budgets of a few thousand dollars because of the need for rights, sets, costumes, props, etc
What type of project can I submit?
Any artistic project that engages other youth in the process will be considered. Previous projects include a fashion show, an anthology, a yarn art museum, a dance showcase, a musical, and more! You can also check out the Juvenis 2025 page on our website to see all of last year’s projects.
Can I be a full time student or work full time while I do this?
Yes! We do our best to accommodate your schedule and most of our previous Youth Project Leaders were full time students and workers.
Can I submit more than one project?
Yes, you can submit several projects. However, only one project will be selected.
What is the relationship between Juvenis and Blue Canoe?
Blue Canoe is the company that produces the Juvenis Festival. They run arts programming throughout the year and are made up of three main portfolios with Juvenis being one of them. The festival is included as part of their season’s programming.
Do I get to keep the revenue that my project generates?
No. Blue Canoe and the Juvenis Festival provide the budgets and use the revenue to reimburse the costs and support next year’s festival.
