ARTIST FAQ
Why do I want to teach or perform at the WRF?
Offering your services as a workshop leader and/or performer is an important and valued way to help strengthen appreciation and knowledge of rhythm traditions in available in North America. In addition to the satisfaction of being an essential part of the WRF, you will benefit from the professional exposure it provides. As the world's largest free rhythm festival, thousands of drum and dance enthusiasts from the region, nation, and world regularly attend this event.
When do artists apply?
Artist applications are open November through the end of January. If you have questions about the application process please email WRF Artist Coordinator.
What happened to the old form?
Due to the website upgrade, the old form is no longer available. The new form has been designed to be easier and more user friendly. Average time to fill out the form is approximately 10 minutes.
What makes the WRF special compared to other festivals?
The WRF's grassroots history and volunteer character makes it one of the the most unique and vibrant festivals in the world. WRF production staff is entirely volunteer with the "Rhythm Community" feel being a big part of what attracts our teachers, performers and participants. WRF is produced by drummers and dancers for drummers and dancers and for the love of the music.
From the Opening Ceremony to the Closing Drum Circle, you'll have a unique opportunity to share your musical spirit and traditions in a cross-cultural environment full of knowledgeable teachers. Artists will also find an enthusiastic and affluent audience. WRF has attracted internationally known artists representing many vastly different cultures. Most Artists request to come back year after year.
How long are workshops and performances? What is the typical workshop format?
Workshops are typically 60 minutes long. The format is participatory. Your workshop participants will bring drums and be ready to play what you teach or they will be in dance clothes, ready to work up a sweat. Because participants are choosing from among 5-8 concurrent workshops covering many drum styles, you'll see a wide range of drums in your workshop. Please keep in mind that all participants are eager to learn about your style and traditions and incorporate them into their rhythmic sensibility.
Performances are typically 30-50 minutes long with 10-30 min for load in and load out. We are always looking for vibrant and interesting performances from our local communities and the world.
How are artists are chosen?
This is a list of some of the qualities we look for when choosing artists:
- Diversity in the overall Festival lineup. We seek to produce the most exciting mix of styles and cultures possible and we area always seeking performers from all traditions
- Local artists. We wish to fill most of the schedule with artists from the Puget Sound Area with national and international artists providing added highlights to the lineup
- Artists new to the WRF. We love to promote and introduce the WRF community to artists and help build fan-bases
The artists we invite back support the Rhythm Community feel of the WRF. They often participate in WRF when not performing or teaching by assisting other artists and taking others' workshops.
Is there compensation to artists?
Seattle World Percussion Society (SWPS) operates through donations of time and money from its volunteers and supporters. From the early days, both SWPS and the WRF have been a grassroots phenomenon, blessed by the dedication and talent of our rhythm community. Due to our limited funding we generally are not able to pay artists for workshops and performances, nor for travel expenses. In some cases, we can assist with lodging expenses. We can NOT pay for large touring companies.
We will consider applications from those who have their own sponsorship, or who will be in town for the weekend and would like to be part of the WRF. If you would be coming from out of town, please tell us about your sponsorship resources and/or needs in the comments box on your application.