It is The Music Center's full intent to produce a live performance. However, in response to evolving COVID-19 conditions, the Holiday Celebration may be produced in a different manner, which may affect the final production of the show. Nevertheless, we are confident that the program will provide selected artists with a safe platform to continue to engage all residents of L.A. County. More concrete information will be available as it is confirmed.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Each year, since 1959, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors funds the production of a free holiday celebration at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on December 24. The show, which is curated and produced by The Music Center under the direction of its arts division, TMC Arts, features community and professional arts ensembles and companies that represent the diverse cultures and traditions of the county. The program is broadcast live on local public television, rebroadcast on December 25, and also shown via livestream and on social channels. Thousands attend the program in person, and hundreds of thousands of Southern California households tune into the live broadcast.
This year, the 65th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration will be held on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Both the event and parking are free to the public.
Who is eligible to apply for the Holiday Celebration?
Artists and groups must be based in Los Angeles County and be able to provide proof if requested. Artists and groups must fit one of the appropriate performance categories: Music, Dance, Choral, Musical Theatre, Circus Arts and/or Vocal Arts. Performance must be suitable for an all-ages crowd. Individual artists applying alone and the group leader must be over the age of 18. All accepted performers must be fully vaccinated as required by The Music Center policy.
Applications will be reviewed and selected based on the following selection criteria:
Artistic excellence as demonstrated by Work Sample. Suitability for the Holiday Celebration.
(Suitability to the programming of a multi-cultural, multi-denominational program; quality of performance scaled for a large-sized venue; and appropriateness for an all-ages crowd. Artists and groups are welcome to present secular content).
NOTE: Artists and groups that have not performed in the past at the Holiday Celebration are strongly encouraged to apply. All applications are evaluated based on ability to meet the two criteria.
Application Requirements:
You must complete all required fields to the best of your ability. Applicants will be reviewed and selected based only on the material provided. All applicants are required to submit supporting documentation. Supporting material must be uploaded digitally. Hard copies of documents/photos, CDs or DVDs will not be accepted.
Work Sample – All applicants must submit one (1) video-only work sample to be considered for the program. This sample must be:
A live performance. A maximum length of three (3) minutes. Recorded within the past three (3) years. Unedited. No montages or excerpts.
You may submit a video performance of your proposed Holiday Celebration performance, though that is not required. We ultimately want to see a video that demonstrates your best work. All performance samples should be of the highest quality possible. This video submission is the most important part of the application.
Photo – Please submit one photo of yourself or your group. This photo must be: Taken within the past 12 months. High resolution and in focus (300dpi). An original digital photo. Copies of printed images, still images from videos and screenshots are not acceptable.
Expectations if selected:
If selected for the Holiday Celebration, performers will be:
Assigned performance times ranging from 3-6 minutes in length. Willing to adapt their performance length to suit the time constraints of a live broadcast. Required to attend and participate in a one-hour rehearsal on 12/7/2024. Assigned a mandatory spacing rehearsal or soundcheck time. The spacing rehearsal will be on 12/22/2024 and the soundcheck will be on 12/23/2024 or the morning of the show. Specific timeslots will be assigned closer to the dates mentioned. Potentially featured in a mini-documentary film leading up to the production. Encouraged to support The Music Center's social media engagement.
If selected, individual artists or group leaders are responsible for: Communicating with The Music Center staff in a timely manner. Completing all required financial and production-related documents by November 1, 2024. Distributing parent tickets for performers who are under the age of eighteen (18). Tickets will be provided by The Music Center. Ensuring every member of the group completes a media release by November 1, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following answers to commonly asked questions will help you complete your application.
I’m having trouble filling out my application. Can I get help?
If you need technical assistance with your application, please contact SurveyMonkey Apply here. If you have questions regarding the Holiday Celebration or any of the application requirements, please email holidaycelebration@musiccenter.org.
Can I drop off or mail my printed application?
No. We only accept completed online applications. Application and supporting materials that are printed and mailed or submitted by any means other than through the online process will not be considered for the Holiday Celebration.
Can I apply if myself or my group is not based in Los Angeles County?
No. The L.A. County Holiday Celebration is a celebration of the artistic diversity of Los Angeles County. Given that geographical focus, individual artists and groups that apply must be based in Los Angeles County.
How do I find out in which district of Los Angeles County I am or my group is based?
Visit http://rrcc.lacounty.gov/OnlineDistrictmapApp/ to locate which the County Supervisorial District you or your group is based. Click on the first drop down list, and select "District Map Look Up by Address." Enter the address in the format required to locate your County Supervisorial District number. If you are unable to access the website, call (213) 972-3099. Please be sure to enter a street address and not a P.O. Box. We are unable to verify the district without a street address.
As a group, we also ask that you estimate the County Supervisorial District in which the majority of your members reside and the County Supervisorial District in which your group most often performs. If your group performs in more than one district of Los Angeles County, check mark each district in the application. Visit the link below for a County district map:
http://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/lac/1043452_BasicColorMap.pdf.
Are performers compensated for their participation in the Holiday Celebration?
Yes, all participating performers receive honorariums. Honorariums will be determined upon selection and based upon factors including the group’s size, and performance union affiliations (if any).
What if I am a member of a performance union?
We do accept AFM Local 47 Musicians and members of 4-A (SAG-AFTRA, AEA, AGVA, AGMA). All union members are required to show proof of membership and complete agreements and financial documents that are separate from those of the group.
As this is a limited budget production, The Music Center approves only a limited number of union- affiliated members for this program. Please have a full understanding of how many union performers you might have for the performance when completing the application.
My act involves elaborate sets/props/costumes. Is that okay?
Possibly. Artists are required to furnish all necessary props pieces and costumes. Given the fast-moving nature of the Holiday Celebration, we cannot allow any major scenic elements. The Music Center reserves the right to require alterations to props and costumes.
Am I allowed to submit for more than one group?
If you are the group leader for more than one artist group, you may submit up to two (2) unique applications. However, submitting multiple applications for the same group is not allowed.
I want to have a joint performance with another group, should we combine our application?
Yes, if you are proposing a collaboration with another group you would need to submit one (1) joint application.
If myself or my group is chosen to participate, can I bring my family and friends to the show?
Friends and family are encouraged to come early to enter through the general entrance line. Given the high demand for seating and the number of performers that are a part of the program, we cannot guarantee seating for artists’ guests.
Can parents with children in the show have guaranteed early entry?
Early Entrance Passes will be issued to parents of performers under the age of 18 only. Each pass will admit four family members and will be provided in advance for distribution. These passes guarantee early entry only. Additional information about Early Entrance Passes will be communicated closer to the date.
When will I hear back once my application is submitted?
Applications are due by August 13, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. We anticipate that all applicant groups will be notified of their application status via email in in October. Approved applicants will submit a follow-up Artist Production Form that will be due approximately two weeks after notification. Performers will be asked to provide more detailed information at that time, including specific repertoire, composer/publisher and costume information, lyric sheets, stage diagrams, soloist names and approved union artist contact information.