Become a Music Center Performing Artist
The Music Center is seeking music, dance, theatre and storytelling artists on an ongoing basis to join our performing artist roster. If you have an interest in sharing your talents with youth and community-oriented audiences, we encourage you to apply!
Before applying, please review our current roster of artists to consider how your proposed program differs from programs already available through The Music Center. It is important to read the artist descriptions as we do not duplicate programs. We are especially interested in programming that reflects the diverse populations that best represent Los Angeles County.
We are not adding theme-based (bullying, environment, etc.) or non-performing arts based (science, drawing, etc.) performances to our roster. If you are interested in becoming a teaching artist, you can learn more here.
We are unable to accept phone calls or email inquiries. Any unsolicited calls or emails received may result in the automatic rejection of your application.
Performing Artist Criteria
Artists must:
- Have excellent public speaking skills and feel comfortable simplifying complicated topics for audiences of all ages.
- Possess a thorough knowledge and understanding of the history of the art form and background in the culture.
- Be able to articulate the creative process in, or through, their discipline. The program should ideally draw connections to California Arts Standards and Common Core State Standards.
- Be open and receptive to evaluation and the artistic development process. If accepted onto the roster, artists will work in collaboration with members of The Music Center staff to ensure the show is in alignment to the needs of schools and neighborhood settings.
- Have a working draft for a 45 minute school-ready presentation prepared.
- Have an online presence and links to video samples demonstrating the performance. Performances should be engaging, exciting, interactive, educational, and of the highest artistic quality.
- Have the flexibility to perform during regular school hours in addition to evenings and weekends.
- Have reliable transportation and be able to judge traffic patterns in order to be on time for set-up and performance. Equipment, including a sound system beyond a basic 1-2 mic set up, will be the responsibility of the artist.
- Be able to supply a social security number, Tax ID, or proof of authorization to work in the United States. Performing artists work as independent contractors and are responsible for maintaining liability insurance. Bookings are determined by school and community demand, and we are unable to guarantee a set number of yearly performances. Block booking is possible, but not preferable. Being based in Southern California is preferable, but not a requirement.
About the Process
After submitting an application, you will receive an email notification that your application is active. A panel reviews the submitted applications approximately every 2-3 years and applicants will be informed of the status of their application via USPS mail.
We are able to provide limited panel feedback upon request to applicants who do not make it past the initial panel review. If the applicant is not accepted, applicants may reapply, but we do encourage artists to make significant changes to their performance before doing so.
If the application passes the panel review process, applicants will be invited to interview with members of Music Center staff. Upon successful completion of the interview, you will be invited to an unpaid audition in a school setting. In addition to student response, a panel of teachers, school and district administrators, consultants, Music Center staff, and current roster artists make the final decision on whether an applicant is accepted onto the roster. If accepted, the artist will undergo a period of show development with a member of The Music Center staff. Artists are expected to work cooperatively with the Music Center staff to ensure recommendations are made. After successful entry onto the roster, Music Center staff will continue to provide show notes and make any necessary adjustments to the performance.