Frequently Asked Questions
About the Texas Touring Company & Artist Roster

• Q: What’s the first thing I should do before applying?
• A: This application is very dependent on the audio visual material submitted along with the application. TCA strongly suggests you begin working on a professional quality audio visual work sample early since it can influence whether or not your organization is approved to be on the roster. All work samples should be taped before a live audience with quality sound, lighting, and clear footage. Remember, your audio visual material is worth 50 points out of 100, so take time to determine your work sample first. This part of the application should not be rushed. Audio visual materials will NOT be returned, so please do not send original or one-of-a-kind material.
• Q: Why is an audio visual sample of my performance required?
• A: The audio visual material is used by the panel to assess Artistic Merit, which is worth 50 points out of 100 in your final score. Your audio visual material should be a professional quality representation of what a live performance is like. It should be 4 minutes or less, and can include a montage of footage or be a short selection of a performance. It should be of the actual program you are touring, or a reasonably similar program. It should be in an appropriate context – that is, if you are a children’s performer, it should include footage of you performing for children. If you are a storyteller, it should be footage of you in front of a live audience.
• Q: How can I submit the most competitive application in TCA’s process?
• A: You should carefully read all the material covered in this FAQ, plus read the program description. In your past touring performances, be sure to provide a representative list of the broad types of presenters who have hired you, and you should highlight any repeat bookings. You should be able to demonstrate performing under optimal conditions, as well as how your company handled less than optimal performance conditions, since not all presenters have their own facilities.
• Q: I've been on the Roster before. Does that mean I should have no trouble getting on the new Roster?
• A: This is a new Roster. TCA has refined it so that it is easier to use and the artists listed in it have more chances to work. The content of the Roster is more in line with our available funding for this program. Acceptance onto the Roster is more competitive than in the past. It is up to you to adequately convey your experience both as a performing artist and as a touring artist, plus your appeal to nonprofit presenters, schools, and libraries, through your application, website, and audio-visual sample.
• Q: Has anything changed on the application form since last time?
• A: Yes. We have reworked some of the application questions and dramatically reduced the required attachments. Note that evaluators will be instructed to refer to your website (as provided in your application) for additional information.
• Q: What artistic disciplines are considered for inclusion on the roster?
• A: Dance, music, theatre, literature, and storytelling, visual arts, and film/media arts.
• Q: Visual artists and film/media artists don't "perform." How are they eligible for this program?
• A: TCA is opening the roster up to all disciplines and wants to include visual arts and film/media artist. However, those artists must be able to offer a program that is performative or interactive/collaborative and able to fit within a pre-specified timeframe. Examples might include a drawing demonstration/talk, community mural project, film screening with Q&A. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact TCA staff to discuss their program prior to applying.
• Q: Who is eligible to apply to be on the Roster?
• A: Individuals and performing groups residing primarily in Texas are eligible to apply. Nonprofit organizations that are recognized by the IRS as Texas-based organizations are also eligible.
• Q: How do I apply to be listed on the Roster?
• A: You will need a user ID and password for TCA's online application system. If you don't already have one, or if you need to be reminded of yours, please contact TCA at 512/463-5535 extension zero and for Program Staff assistance. Once you have your account established, you will need to fill out and submit the online Touring Roster Inclusion application form. You will also need to mail TCA the attachments listed here.

• Q: I'm with a group, but I also do work as a soloist. Can I submit one application for my group, and a second application for myself?
• A: No. You can indicate in your group's application that soloists (or smaller groups) are also available, but that's as far as you should go.
• Q: When is the deadline for the application form?
• A: The application must be submitted online by midnight on January 31, 2010. Note that this deadline is actually a few hours later than the attachment deadline (see next question).
• Q: When is the deadline for the attachments?
• A: The attachments have a postmark deadline of January 31, 2010.
• Q: What is a presenter?
• A: Some artists think that because they are the performers, they're the presenters. In fact, the touring arts world uses the term "presenter" to refer to the organization that hires an artist to perform - they present you to their community. When you see the term "presenter" or "presenting organization" in TCA's application materials, please understand it in this way.
• Q: What is the Touring Advisory panel looking for in an application to the roster?
• A: Evaluators are asked to focus on the artistry of the program you are touring (as demonstrated in your AV sample), the appropriateness of your fee schedule, your demonstrated ability to perform in less than optimum circumstances, and your willingness to travel and tour outside of your community.
• Q: Will I be expected to do anything futher if approved to the roster?
• A: Yes. Approved companies and artists will be asked to submit their marketing materials, a sample contract, and technical specification sheet to TCA for staff review and feedback. Additionally, TCA will require a webinar training for all approved companies and artists to ensure familiarity with the TCA grant processes.

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