NWAAT Announces Call For Artists in 9th Annual NW Asian Arts Festival,
May 13-23, 1999

The Northwest Asian American Theatre is pleased to announce a call for artists to perform at A-Fest, the ninth annual Northwest Asian Arts Festival during Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month May 13-23, 1999. This 8-night Festival will offer the best of Asian works at NWAAT's home, the Theatre Off Jackson(409-7th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104). Applications are now available at the theatre.

Over 10 different artists will be selected to perform original and innovative works. Although most of the presenters are expected to be local, there will also be notable national and international artists performing as well. A rotating format of two different performances per evening will be presented each night.

There are many changes in the application process. These changes include mandatory meetings and a shortened technical rehearsal schedule. No exceptions will be made. We are looking for innovative or original works, i.e. traditional works done in an untraditional way, or works that represents a different process or presentation of current Asian works.

The key dates in the call for artists process are as follows:

November 23rd, 1998 Applications are available
January 8th, 1999 Deadline for applications, NO EXCEPTIONS
January 29th, 1999 Application selection meeting
February 12th, 1999 Notification letters sent out
April 12th, 1999 Mandatory meeting of festival participants, NO EXCEPTIONS

Formerly known as WinterFest, our annual winter presentation of Asian art and artists has been moved to May and renamed A-Fest to celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month. A-Fest is undergoing a transition to support NWAAT's renewed mission to discover, create, develop and promote exceptional Asian Pacific Islander and International works, emphasizing the original and innovative.

Our annual festival began in 1990 as a vehicle for local Asian artists and groups to present their work. Through the years musicians, playwrights, comedy groups, dance groups, actors, singers, and others have shared the warmth of our lights. WinterFest 97 proved to be the most successful festival, highlighted by the world premiere of HOME: PLACES BETWEEN ASIA AND AMERICA, an innovative production which fused artists from Asia and America.

For questions, please contact NWAAT's artistic director, Chil Kong, at 206-340-1445, or set up an appointment on any Friday of the week.