The Auckland Live Cabaret Festival is a cornerstone of Aotearoa’s performing arts calendar – a celebration of cabaret in all its forms, from the classic to the contemporary, the intimate to the spectacular. Across multiple stages, foyers and unexpected corners of Auckland’s iconic Civic Theatre and beyond, the festival showcases unforgettable performances that spark connection, provoke thought, and delight audiences.

For 2026, we’re inviting artists to join us in shaping the festival’s next chapter. Whether you’re wanting to premiere a bold new work, bring back a polished production, or offer a striking solo or roving act, we want to hear from you.

Why an EOI?

The festival is curated through a mix of direct invitations and open call-outs. We run an EOI process because it allows us to:

• Be transparent about programming opportunities.
• Connect with artists and producers we may not yet know.
• Discover fresh ideas and distinctive voices.
• Reflect the diverse communities of Tāmaki Makaurau and Aotearoa on our stages.

Programming Priorities

We welcome EOIs from professional artists and producers with a track record of creating and presenting live performance work. For 2026, we are particularly interested in:

• Works by artists that are representative of the diverse communities of Aotearoa.
• Projects by mid-career and established practitioners.
• Works that have a clear sense of audience and how they connect with them.

New Works

For shows that have not yet been presented to a ticket buying audience. This includes premieres and works-in-development that are on track for presentation in 2026 or beyond.

Express Your Interest for 'New Works'

Existing Works

For shows that have already been staged for a ticket buying audience and are ready to tour or be remounted. Productions supported by technical specifications, marketing assets, and a strong performance history are encouraged to apply.

Express Your Interest for 'Existing Works'

Roving Performers & Live Art

For artists whose work thrives in intimate, unexpected, or high-energy moments. From singers and musicians to drag, burlesque, circus, and beyond, this pool of performers will feed into lineup shows, foyer activations, and special festival events. EOIs for Roving Performers and Live Art remain open year-round.

Express Your Interest for 'Roving Performers and Live Art'

What Happens After You Apply

• EOIs are reviewed by Auckland Live’s Performing Arts Programming team. They may also be shared with other internal teams (for example Marketing or Production) if relevant to the assessment process.
• Projects may be shortlisted, and if so, artists will be invited to meet with the programming team to discuss further. Budgets will be requested at this later stage.
• We will do our best to respond to everyone who submits an EOI, but due to the volume of applications this may not always be possible. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a conversation with our team, though detailed feedback may not be available for all submissions.

Accessibility

We want this process to be as accessible as possible, therefore, you can submit your EOI in writing, or as a video or audio recording to cabaretfestival@aucklandlive.co.nz

Key Dates

• EOIs for New Works and Existing Works close 11:59pm, 12 October 2025.
• EOIs for Roving Performers & Live Art remain open year-round.

We can’t wait to hear your ideas and proposals.

Express Your Interest Now!

New Works 
Existing Works 
Roving Performances

Curious to know more about the festival? Read Alice Pearce's article on this year's festival here.