***Changes to the MCS Event Proposal System***
Beginning with events occurring in January 2027 or later, the Events Committee will begin considering performance and special event proposals for MCS-hosted shows, MCS co-presented (door split) shows and all other performance and special event rentals on a quarterly basis, with a staggered review timeline for first and second consideration tiers to accommodate different production needs.
Use this form to submit a proposal for all special events: an MCS-hosted show, a co-presented show, or a basic rental of the full space. Please pay attention to the deadlines for each quarter and tier below. If your performance proposal would involve only a partial space rental or otherwise fall outside of the parameters listed below, please email info@madisoncircusspace.com to discuss options.
Submission deadlines
Proposals must now be submitted either 4.5 months before the start of the relevant quarter or 2.5 months before the start of that quarter, depending on the consideration tier (more below).
- Q1: Shows occurring in January, February, March – Submissions are due Aug. 15 or Nov. 15
- Q2: Shows occurring in April, May, June – Submissions are due Nov 15. or Feb. 15
- Q3: Shows occurring in July, August, September – Submissions are due Feb. 15 or May 15
- Q4: Shows occurring in October, November, December – Submissions are due May 15 or July 15
For both first and second consideration deadlines, those who submit performance proposals will receive notice of acceptance or declination of their show within two weeks of the final date of submission. E.g.: for Q1, those who submit within the first consideration tier will receive notification by no later than Aug. 29; those who submit within the second consideration tier will receive notification by no later than Nov. 29.
Please note that show proposals submitted after the second consideration deadline will be automatically disqualified from consideration or acceptance for that quarter.
What’s the difference between the first and second consideration tiers?
Submitting before the first consideration deadline allows for priority placement on the MCS calendar and includes a higher likelihood that the exact proposed dates are available and accessible for the proposed show. This tier also gives producers an earlier response time and allows for sooner and more proactive planning, which is highly recommended for multi-day shows.
Submitting before the second consideration deadline allows for later show submissions, up to 2.5 months before the start of the quarter, but these shows are not guaranteed approval if the planned show calendar is already full for the given month or year of the proposed performance. (Note that MCS’s current performance policy allows for no more than two shows per month or a total of 15 shows per year, whichever comes first.)
Folks who would like to submit their shows even further in advance are welcome to submit proposals on a rolling basis. However, please note that any shows submitted well before the first consideration deadline will generally still be notified of the Committee’s decision on the first consideration notification date with the rest of the first consideration show proposal cohort, unless there are extenuating circumstances that require an earlier decision.
Eligibility
Circus and movement arts groups, performance groups, instructors, and MCS members are eligible to rent space for special events upon approval by the MCS Events Committee/Board.
Terms
All special event renters must review the Special Event Rental Policy and abide by its terms and provisions. All events must have an Event Sponsor and an MCS Production Manager if approved. See below for a summary of these roles. More information is contained in the Special Event Rental Policy linked above.
The Event Sponsor is the primary person submitting the show proposal to the Events Committee and driving the project. They may or may not have production experience; if they do not have experience producing shows at MCS, they will be assigned a Production Manager. If they do have experience producing shows at MCS, they will functionally be responsible for the duties of both the Event Sponsor and the Production Manager.
The Production Manager is the point person at MCS who is available to assist in the production process and make sure that MCS members, equipment, and infrastructure are protected and treated with respect and MCS does not incur any excessive liability. Production Managers must have previous experience producing shows at MCS. They should be active members of MCS who are familiar with current MCS rules, regulations, and production templates.
MCS-Hosted Show
For an MCS-hosted show, all proceeds go to MCS, rental fees are waived, MCS’s ticketing platform is used, and performers are covered under MCS insurance. This typically includes events that are closely aligned with the MCS mission, involve a large number of MCS community members, and/or are produced by MCS members.
If you are proposing an MCS-hosted show, additional dress/tech/rehearsal times may be available at no cost. Please consult the Producers’ Handbook for more information.
MCS Co-Presented Show
For an MCS co-presented show, MCS and the performer(s) will reach a profit-sharing agreement, and performers must have their own insurance. Co-presented shows include a door split, where part of the proceeds go to MCS to waive rental fees and part of the proceeds go to the performers. Co-presented events may receive varying levels of support from MCS depending on the profit-sharing arrangement agreed upon between the Events Committee and the Event Sponsor. Currently, co-presented shows do not have guaranteed access to MCS’s ticketing platform.
Basic Rental
For a basic rental, the event sponsor/performers are responsible for all tasks, including set-up and strike, ticketing, technical direction, stage management, and rigging. A basic rental is a space rental for a non-class or workshop event (i.e., a performance or special event of some kind). Basic rentals are charged hourly like other space rentals and come with very limited production support: a Production Manager to lock and unlock the space as needed, the use of 150 chairs, and the ability to plug into the existing sound system.
