Performing with House of Hush

***There are a small handful of spots reserved throughout the year for out-of-town established/experienced performers, so if you’re travelling through Edmonton at any point, send us an email with your info and dates! ***

Applying to perform (edmonton performers)

The deadline for 2025 applications is January 31, 2025. The outcomes of submissions (number of new performers/who is chosen) is entirely at the discretion of the Founders (Violette and LeTabby), who have the ultimate responsibility and latitude to shape the company.

Due to the skill and technique required for our shows, applicants who do not have established burlesque acts will not be considered at this time. If you are new to burlesque, we recommend taking classes, requesting mentorship from an established performer, and pursuing shows created for new(er) performers!

Your application should include:

  • Act summaries and links to videos for at least two burlesque acts – performance pieces – fully costumed, developed and realized with high quality footage and photos.

  • If you have experience learning and performing group choreo, please include videos and/or a list of your previous experience.

  • Please include your bio and 2 recent images.

  • We may also require 2 to 3 professional references (these should be previous burlesque producers that you have worked with in a professional capacity).

  • Please email the above information to hello@houseofhushburlesque.com.

Hiring criteria:

  • For 2025, we are in particular looking for Edmonton performers with: strong solo burlesque acts (great costuming, strong stage presence, well-rehearsed and great choreo), strong group dance skills, good team players (willing to take on a variety of roles: for example, perform, kitten, corporate gigs), and availability for travelling shows!

  • Highly skilled, established burlesque performer with at least two years of burlesque-specific performance experience on a variety of different stages and events.

  • Comfortable performing in pasties and a thong or underwear.

  • Able to command an audience with your presence and performance, possessing skills in either music, dance, song or drama (or a combination of all).

  • Highly polished burlesque act(s) and dazzling, memorable costume(s) that showcase strong act creation, choreography, and stagecraft skills.

  • Comfortable and confident performing on both large stages as well as in small venues without stages. This includes roving acts, performances "in the round" and audience interaction throughout an event or show, all of which require a certain amount of improvisation skill.

  • Some shows require strong technical dancers with specific technical dance skills and the ability to quickly pick up group choreography.

  • Burlesque artists come in all shapes, sizes, and performance styles. We strive to celebrate performers of all bodies and a variety of backgrounds, and the unique powerful voices and art that comes from each.

  • All performers must be 18+.

Fair Hiring Practices

House of Hush is committed to fair hiring practices. We do not tolerate discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, age, body size, gender identity, gender expression, ethnic origin, and other personal characteristics, as outlined in The Alberta Human Rights Act.

Black folks, people of colour, Indigenous persons, persons with a disability, members of the LGBTQ2SIA+ community, and bodies of all sizes are encouraged to apply.

tiers of performing ensemble

If your application is accepted, you will be invited to join the House of Hush Ensemble for the year at one of these three tiers. All members of the Performing Ensemble are considered professional performers as artists being paid for a skilled activity.

Please note that all performers are hired as freelance artists/independent contractors and casting is based on best-fit for each individual show.

“SHOW KITTEN”

This level is for new talent who have been successful in our application process. Generally new talent will participate in shows and corporate gigs as stage assistants, and be may be required to learn choreography for group acts.

"PERFORMER"

Performers are hired to perform in shows. These performers may be considered for certain corporate gigs with House of Hush on a case-by-case basis.

"SENIOR PERFORMER"

Senior Performers have the experience, repertoire, and leadership to host and/or perform in all types and sizes of shows, lead workshops, teach classes, etc. Senior Performers are considered to be first in line for corporate gigs. They are usually long-standing members of House of Hush, though direct induction into the senior tier is possible on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Producer.

Senior Performers may also be designated as "show leads" in cases where the Producer is unavailable, and/or for larger events that require two points of contact on the floor.

“GUEST PERFORMER”

Guest artists of all types are invited on occasion to perform in a specific show or event.