ZURICH BURLESQUE FESTIVAL 2026
PERFORMER APPLICATIONS
Are you a performer interested in being a part of the Zurich Burlesque Festival? We are currently open to applications!!!
· 4th of April 2026 "The Rising Star of Burlesque" Crown & "The Rising Star of Classic Burlesque" Crown
It's your chance to shine! This event features the best of the international burlesque scene, so don't miss your chance to be a part of it.
Just apply with your strongest act and we'll watch your video carefully. We're open to all genders, styles, and type of performance.
So whether you're a classic diva, a drag queen, a neo-burlesque performer, or anything in between, we want to see what you've got!
Just express yourself and let your creativity shine through in your strongest act!
If you are interested in performing, please fill out the application form. We can't wait to see what you've got!
– Application period begin 25.01.26
– Application deadline 15.02.26
– Announcements 17.02.26
Applications close on Saturday 14th of February 2026 at midnight, Zürich time
Announcements: Tuesday 17th of February 2026
The Zurich Burlesque festival Team
GENERAL CONDITIONS
One night. Two crowns.
The Zürich Burlesque Festival 2026, taking place on Saturday 4th of April 2026, presents an exceptional showcase of the finest burlesque artists from around the world.
This evening features two international competitions for burlesque newcomers, each artist performing for one of the following titles:
• The Rising Star of Burlesque Crown
• The Rising Star of Classic Burlesque Crown
A single night where emerging talent meets recognition on the international burlesque stage.
NEWCOMER
A newcomer is an artist who is starting out in burlesque for a few months or years and wants to get more exposure and visibility in the burlesque scene. This contest gives you the opportunity to be seen by several producers and known artists and to get more bookings for your future career.
TWO CATEGORIES
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“BURLESQUE” AND “CLASSIC BURLESQUE” categories.
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You can apply for ONE category or BOTH categories if you have two acts but you will be selected for one act only.
YOUR ACTS
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You can only apply with 1 act per category, pick your strongest one!
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Accepted: aerials, fire, acts with liquids, glitters, confetti...
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Only solo acts are possible for this edition.
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All genders, backgrounds, bodies, ethnicities, orientations… are welcome!
We love variety and diversity!
HOTEL
We offer the hotel rooms to the competitors on the Saturday evening, shared hotel rooms with twin beds at Olympia Hotel.
EXPENSES / PAYMENT
If you are selected, you will receive 250 euros (€) to cover your expenses including your transportation.
You will provide an invoice to receive the bank wire transfer not later than 10 days after the show. Please note that the festival production will not cover any other expenses or other fee.
JURY
The Jury is composed by:
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Kokeshi Momo (Kokeshi Momo (Burlesque artist, showgirl, artistic director. Trained in musical theatre at Stella Academy Hamburg, West Side Story at Staatstheater Kassel, Art Director of Miss Miu and Cabaret d’Harlequin, she books international artists.)
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Liu Bohème (Host and Co-Producer “Drag me to Bruch”, Founder of the Swiss Burlesque House of Bohème, school owner Zurich Burlesque Academy, Team Orga Member Hamburg & Berlin Burlesque Festival / Zurich Pride).
- Olivia Deppe (Ohh! Lala! Cherie! manager, event organizer, burlesque lover).
PRIZES
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The Crown and “The Rising Star of Burlesque 2026” title
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BURLESQUE CROWN WINNER: 1 paid booking at Ohh! Lala! Cherie! In Zürich, Switzerland, during season 2026-2027
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BURLESQUE & CLASSIC BURLESQUE WINNERS: 1 paid booking at Ohh! Lala! Cherie! In Zürich, Switzerland, during season 2026-2027
APPLICATION FEES
The application fee is 10€ and will be reimbursed if you are selected.
Please send the application fee per Paypal to ohhlalacherie@gmail.com
If you are in Switzerland, you can send It by TWINT +41787436110
We wish you good luck!
The Zurich Burlesque Festival Team
Here's what some of our past performers have said about the Zurich Burlesque Festival:
"The Zurich Burlesque Festival was an amazing experience! The organizers were so supportive and the crowd was incredible. I can't wait to come back!"
"This was my first time performing at Zurich Burlesque Festival and it was an amazing experience. I was made to feel welcome and supported by the organizers and the other performers. Can't wait to come back next year!"
