SayFest 2026: Selection Call for Emerging Artists, Marche

SayFest is a widespread, multidisciplinary festival for artists under 35, dedicated to the art of the word in its musical, poetic and theatrical forms, now in its fifth edition. For emerging artists it has become a reference point in the Marche region of Italy, offering opportunities for visibility, training and professional development. The 2026 festival unfolds over four days, August 20 to 23, across three cities in the Marche, each associated with a section of the festival: Fano for theater, Urbino for poetry and Pesaro for music.

The program includes formative masterclasses, performances by selected artists, awards and talks with notable national guests. To be eligible at the application deadline, candidates must be between 14 and 35 years old, be members of EXNOVO ETS (the festival's organizing body), and submit an original, signed work. For collectives, theater companies or bands, it is enough that one member of the group is the author.

Each candidate may apply to one or more categories. The theater section accepts short theatrical pieces, self-contained studies, monologues and stand-up, with a maximum performance length of 15 minutes, supported by a script and full video or development materials. The festival provides a basic technical setup and a 6x4 meter stage.