THE VELVET THROWDOWN

🔥 THE VELVET THROWDOWN – PERFORMER GUIDELINES 🔥

Where talent rises and legends are made.

The Velvet Throwdown is a cabaret-style performance competition designed to showcase the next generation of local drag, burlesque, and variety talent. This is a space for bold creativity, strong stage presence, and professional-level performance.

To keep the show elevated and enjoyable for all audiences, performers are expected to follow these guidelines:

 

🎭 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Acts should be entertaining, intentional, and performance-driven

• Bring your unique style—but make sure it’s stage-ready and rehearsed

• This is a competition: effort, creativity, and execution matter

 

⏱️ PERFORMANCE DETAILS

• Sign-ups will be first-come, first-served on the night of the performance starting at 7 PM.

• Acts will be kept to a set time limit of no more than 5 minutes

• No more than 10 acts will be scheduled per night. Once the 10 slots for the night are filled, sign-ups will end

  • Come on down for the next monthly performance.​

• Music must be submitted in advance or ready at check-in

• Keep transitions tight—this is a live show environment

• If you are one of the 3 winners from the original competitions, please make yourself available for the Semi-final show on Friday, July 24 at 8 PM, as well as possibly the Finals: Friday, August 21.
   

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🚫 CONTENT GUIDELINES

• No full nudity

• No simulated or explicit sexual acts on stage

• This is not a strip show—burlesque-style performance is welcome, but should remain tasteful and theatrical

• Avoid content that creates discomfort in a negative way (shock is fine—awkward isn’t)

 

👠 PROFESSIONALISM

• Be on time and ready for your performance slot

• Respect fellow performers, hosts, and staff

• Stay in control of your performance and the room’s energy

• Costumes, music, and props should be prepared in advance

 

🚫 SUBSTANCE POLICY

• No drugs or alcohol use by performers before or during performance

• If a performer appears impaired or unable to perform at an acceptable level, the venue reserves the right to pause, limit, or stop the act

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👑 COMPETITION FORMAT

• Audience reaction plays a major role—engage the crowd

• Top performers from each round advance to the next stage

• This is about more than one moment—it’s about consistency and growth

 

⚠️ VENUE DISCRETION

• The venue reserves the right to limit, adjust, or end a performance if guidelines are not being followed

• These decisions are made to protect the integrity of the show and the experience for the audience

 

⚡ THE SPIRIT OF THE SHOW

This is a space to:

• Push boundaries creatively

• Showcase confidence and artistry

• Command a room

But above all—

Make it something people remember for the right reasons.

 

🔥 FINAL NOTE

We want you to succeed.

The Velvet Throwdown exists to elevate performers, not limit them.
If you bring the energy, the intention, and the professionalism—
you’ll have the room exactly where you want it.