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AnimeIowa Idolfest

AnimeIowa’s Idol Dance Showcase Event!
Friday 7/25 6:00 pm @ Mainstage

AnimeIowa Idol Fest has been creating a stage for idols new and old to perform on and share the love of idols since 2022! Whether you’re a super fan of idols or know nothing about them, everyone can enjoy the heart-pounding performances our idols bring to the stage! Grab your penlights and glowsticks to cheer on the talented performers of our AnimeIowa community!

Performer Application

Performer Applications are open 3/31 – 4/30
Thanks for your interest in performing in the 2025 AnimeIowa Idol Fest! Please read the guidelines below about our event, then find the application at this link: https://forms.gle/9h3PSWZmwYpXSu6t8 

Application Guidelines

  • All types of idols are welcome to apply! Jpop, anime, kpop, cpop, original, etc, we want to see what you’ve got!
  • Performances will be limited to 8 minutes for solos and 15 minutes for groups. Groups may perform sets longer than 15 min with permission of the organizer of the Idol Fest, please contact us at animeiowaidolfest@gmail.com directly if you would be interested. Groups may have up to 12 performers. 
  • Each performer may take part in up to two submissions. You must notify us in your application if you or any of your group members are a part of multiple submissions. We will prioritize scheduling whichever entry has more people taking part. (Example: If you submit with a trio as well as a solo performance, we will prioritize accepting your trio.) If you would need time for a costume change between your entries please inform us as well.
  • A dance video is required as part of your submission. It does not have to be of the song(s) you plan to perform. The video must be at least 1 minute 30 seconds, and can be of a live performance, an MV, or a dance practice. If you are a group entry, you must submit a video that includes at least ⅔ of your group OR several videos to account for at least ⅔ of your group.
  • Applications will be open from March 31st 10:00 am CDT to April 30th 11:59 pm CDT. Acceptance emails will start going out the first week of May. Communications about the fest will be made through email to whoever is listed as your primary contact; please be sure to keep an eye out and check your spam folder.
  • We will try to accommodate everyone if possible, but please understand this form doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be able to perform. If you are not initially selected, you can opt to be put on a waitlist. We will contact you if we have space for your performance.

Practice Videos

  • Applicants who are accepted will be expected to submit a practice video by June 30th. These are collected as a way to confirm that you are working to be prepared for the stage. Practice videos should include at least ⅔ of what you intend to perform onstage; at least ⅔ of the total length of the song(s) you’ll perform, and have at least ⅔ of the performers in your group accounted for. Groups may submit several videos if they cannot all film in person together. 
  • Anyone who does not submit a practice video on time without notifying us prior will forfeit their participation in the Fest.

Event Guidelines

  • All performers must be registered attendees of AnimeIowa. All participants must have a valid badge to AnimeIowa 2025 in order to take part in the performance.
  • All participants are subject to the AnimeIowa Convention Policies. Any violations of AnimeIowa’s rules and policies may result in removal from the Idol Fest.
  • Respect and good sportsmanship towards other performers, volunteers, and con staff are expected. If any performer(s) becomes unruly, disrupts, or interferes with other performers, Idol Fest volunteers, or con staff at any time, they may be removed from the Idol Fest.
  • Any props or materials brought onstage during the performance by the performer must leave with the performer. Glitter, confetti, liquids or other messy materials may not be used onstage. Open flame, lasers, strobe effects, fog/smoke machines, and projectiles are also not permitted.
  • This is a family-friendly show! All songs, performances, and costumes must be kept to a PG / PG-13 level. No explicit gestures, nudity, excessive swearing, overly suggestive dancing, etc.

Rehearsal & Idol Fest

  • A mandatory orientation and rehearsal will occur Friday 12 pm-1:30 pm in mainstage. 
  • Call time for the Idol Fest is Friday 5:30 pm in mainstage. 
  • The Idol Fest is Friday 6:00-7:30 pm in mainstage. (Times are subject to change as the con schedule is still being finalized.)
  • Cosplay is welcome but by no means required. If you are dressing up, please come in full costume and makeup to the Idol Fest’s call time. (You do not need to be in costume for rehearsal, although you may wish to have at least your shoes and any larger costume pieces so you can test how to move safely onstage.)

Reach out with any questions at animeiowaidolfest@gmail.com. We look forward to receiving your applications!