Booked, Not Overlooked: Build an Act Festivals Want to Book

Whether you perform burlesque, drag, circus, comedy, music, magic, or another variety art, this workshop is designed to help you create a polished, memorable act that stands out on the festival stage. Join Maria Bella, producer of The Charm City Burlesque & Variety Festival, for an insider’s look at what producers and selection committees actually look for—from concept, pacing, music, and storytelling to professionalism, applications, and common mistakes that can cost performers a spot.

Bonus: Every participant will also receive a personalized critique of one act they are considering submitting, delivered within one month after the workshop, so you’ll leave with practical feedback to strengthen your next festival application. Please send link to shareable YouTube or Vimeo video of act to mariabella006@gmail.com following class.

What to Bring: A notebook

Instructor Bio:

Maria Bella, known as “Baltimore’s Sicilian Queen”, is an award-winning international burlesque performer, touring producer, and musician based in Baltimore, Maryland. She is the founder of Gilded Lily Burlesque, established in 2007, which has performed across the United States and internationally. She is co-producer of The Charm City Burlesque & Variety Festival, which debuted in September 2023. Maria Bella’s work spans stage, music, and community building, making her a prominent figure in the burlesque scene both locally and globally.

Career Highlights

★ Producer of the Carnivalesque Roadshow: A touring East Coast stage show, which opened for Storm Large of Pink Martini at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

★ Festival Performances: Headliner and featured performer at major events including:

• Asheville’s Americana Burlesque & Sideshow Festival (Artist of the Year 2016)
• Toronto Burlesque Festival
• London Burlesque Festival (2014)
• New York Burlesque Festival
• Show-Me Burlesque Festival
• Texas Burlesque Festival
• Southern Fried Burlesque Festival (Queen category)
• Festival of Poe (South Carolina)
• Great Southern Exposure

This is An Official Workshop of the Charm City Burlesque & Variety Festival