AMPLIFIED – SEASON 3 AUDITIONS

Are you a woman singer-songwriter in Southwest Colorado? This is your stage.

Amplified is a showcase built specifically for women who write and perform their own original music. Every eligible artist who auditions will be selected to perform at the main showcase in September. There are no eliminations and no gatekeeping. Just you, your songs, and a room full of people ready to hear them.

WHAT TO EXPECT Each performer gets a 10-minute slot to perform two original songs. Professional sound is provided by Abboe Sound, a woman-owned audio production company. An on-site piano is available. The audition is open to the public so bring your people.

Live auditions include a Best of Show award selected by a panel of judges and a People’s Choice award, both with monetary prizes. Judging helps us with show placement for the September showcase.

VIDEO SUBMISSIONS Can’t make it in person? Record yourself performing one original song, include your name and the town you live in, and email your video to grow@cortezarts.org by April 30th.

WHO SHOULD AUDITION Women singer-songwriters based in Southwest Colorado performing original material. Solo artists and small ensembles welcome. No covers. All performers and support musicians must be women. You must be available September 18 and 19, 2026 in Cortez.

ABOUT AMPLIFIED Amplified was created in 2024 by Dr. Amanda Mullen to give the women of Southwest Colorado a dedicated stage. Now in its third season as a program of ZU Arts Initiative, the showcase focuses exclusively on women singer-songwriters performing their own original music. Selected artists will be paid to perform.

Amplified exists because women are consistently underrepresented on stages, on playlists, and in recording contracts. This showcase is our answer to that right here in Southwest Colorado.

🎶 Learn more and reserve your audition slot: cortezarts.org/amplified 📧 Questions: grow@cortezarts.org

ZU Arts Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.