The Zip Fest
A Silent Revolution in Performing Arts.
About The Festival
The Zip Fest is a new curatorial theatre festival created by The Hive to celebrate the art of storytelling through gesture and movement where silence is the language of inclusion, and the heart of diversity beats in unison.
Started in 2024, essentially wordless and multi-disciplinary, The Zip Fest seeks to break free from the constraints of written and spoken language, championing the power of silent storytelling. It aims to transcend linguistic barriers, inviting everyone to share in the universal language of art. The festival is open to everyone who has a silent story to share.
The Zip Fest represents The Hive Performing Arts’ commitment to expanding their programs and services to meet the changing needs of Brampton’s diverse community and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). It’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and connection without borders—a reminder that sometimes, in the absence of words, the most profound stories are told.
The Zip Fest promises to feature a variety of performances, including solo acts, group performances, and even workshops for aspiring artists. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a curious spectator, attending Zip Fest will be an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of mime and silent theatre and witness some of the most innovative and captivating performances.
Expect the unexpected.
The Zip Fest pushes the boundaries of conventional theatre, offering a fresh and exhilarating experience for audiences and performers alike.
A Truly Inclusive Experience
Join us in celebrating the rich tapestry of human expression and talent. At The Zip Fest, inclusivity isn't just a value—it's our guiding principle.
2025 Festival Schedule
Get ready to embark on a journey of creativity and collaboration with our festival schedule, meticulously designed to guide participants through preparation, coordination, and ultimately, captivating performances.
Registrations
01 - 20 MAR 2025
Allocation of Performance Slots
20 - 28 MAR 2025
Briefing & Orientation
29 MAR - 30 MAR 2025
MINGLE & WORKSHOP
04 APR 2025
Technical Run
03 MAY 2025 (GROUP 1)
04 MAY 2025 (GROUP 2)
08 MAY 2025 (GROUP 1)
09 MAY 2025 (GROUP 2)
Performance
10 MAY 2025
2PM (ROUND 1) & 7PM (ROUND 2)
The Finalé
11 MAY 2025
The Zip Fest Embraces Every Genre:
Drama
Thriller
Romance
Absurdist
Romance
Sci-Fi
Experimental
Musical
So, what stories can you bring to life at The Zip Fest?
At The Zip Fest, the stage is yours to craft moments where silence reigns supreme.
Explore the myriad possibilities of performance where silence isn't just an option—it's the essential language of expression. From poignant reflections to exhilarating adventures, let your imagination soar in the realm of wordless storytelling
Below are just a few of the countless ideas for silent storytelling.
Awkward Encounters
You can perform moments capturing the discomfort of a socially awkward situation where words fail, but body language speaks volumes.
Comedic Mishaps
Bringing hilarity to the stage with a slapstick routine or comedic sketch where miscommunication and misunderstandings lead to comedic chaos.
Action-packed Escapes
Enact a thrilling chase scene where the protagonist navigates obstacles, evades danger, and ultimately triumphs, all without uttering a single word
Sci-Fi Encounters
Your performance can be set in a futuristic world, a silent encounter with extraterrestrial beings exploring themes of curiosity, exploration, and the unknown.
Acts of Resistance
You performance can be a powerful examination of social injustice and systemic oppression, expressed through silent acts of resistance and solidarity.
As performers, what's in it for you at The Zip Fest?
Publicity & Marketing
At The Zip Fest, we're dedicated to spotlight your performance with comprehensive publicity and marketing support.
Light-N-Sound Support
Enjoy peace of mind knowing you'll have all the tech support you need to shine on stage at The Zip Fest!
The Performance Stage
All you have to do is step into the spotlight in a state-of-the-art performance stage at The Zip Fest – we'll take care of the rest!
Awards & Recognition
Prepare to earn exciting awards and applause from both audiences and industry experts alike at The Zip Fest.
Guidance & Workshops
Unlock the secrets of silent theatre performance with our expert guidance and hands-on workshops.
At The Zip Fest, we handle the logistics so you can focus on perfecting your performance. From lighting and sound to audience engagement, our team ensures that your moment in the spotlight is nothing short of spectacular. Just bring your talent and passion, and leave the rest to us!
Musical
A Kaleidoscope of Perpectives
From different cultures to varied artistic styles, explore a variety of perspectives as our festival showcases the incredible diversity of talent and storytelling.
Curious about how The Zip Fest operates?
Dive into our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for all the insights you need on participation, performance guidelines, festival format, and more. Let’s unravel the mysteries and get you ready to shine on stage!
What is the One Unifying Rule for The Zip Fest?
Respect the Silence – Throughout the performance honor the essence of silent storytelling allowing each moment of non-verbal communication to unfold and resonate fully.
Who Can Participate in The Zip Fest?
The Zip Fest is open to individual performers aged 16 years (and above), amateur community theatre groups & collectives.
What are the Performance Requirements for the Festival?
Performances should focus on non-verbal communication and may include mime, gestures, physical theatre, and expressions. They should be original creations and within a specified time limit of 7 minutes.
Are There Any Restrictions on usage of Sound and Music?
All sound and music must adhere to the principle of non-verbal communication, complementing visual storytelling without relying on verbal cues or linguistic elements.
How are performances selected for the Finale?
During Days 1 and 2, performances will be evaluated by a combination of audience and judges' (technical) adjudication using a point system. The top performances selected from these days will advance to the Finale performance on Day 3.
Will the Finale performances Awarded?
Yes. At the Finale, select participants will receive awards, either individually or for their performance as a group based on their overall adjudication in the festival.
Intellectual Property Protection
At The Zip Fest, we take the protection of our intellectual property very seriously.
Unauthorized use of our festival name, logo, branding elements, or unique festival format without our explicit written permission is strictly prohibited. This includes reproducing, imitating, or utilizing any aspect of our intellectual property for other events or purposes.
We require all collaborators, performers, and vendors to respect our IP rights and enter into agreements that clearly outline ownership and usage terms. Unauthorized use of our content or branding is strictly prohibited and will be subject to legal action.
By participating in or attending The Zip Fest, you agree to respect our intellectual property rights and contribute to the preservation of our festival's creative integrity.
For any questions regarding our IP policies or to report potential infringements, please contact us at info@thehiveperformingarts.com.
The Zip Fest Team
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Jimish Thakkar
Festival Artistic Director
At The Zip Fest, I am dedicated to curating an unforgettable experience for both performers and audiences alike & bring together a diverse range of talents and artistic expressions that push the boundaries of traditional theatre.
Darshana Thakkar
Sponsorships & Patronage Director
I am thrilled to explore opportunities for partnership and collaboration with businesses, organizations, and individuals who share our passion for the arts and in doing so, maximize brand exposure and impact.