We especially hope to receive interactive programmes related to the event’s topics, such as workshops, contests and quizzes. At Shumicon, you may come and tell people about your hobby and share your latest interests with fellow hobbyists in the form of presentations or panels. We also accept offers for separate stage performances at least 45 minutes in length. Only the sky is the limit for what programme YOU can organize at Shumicon!

As a performer, you also have the opportunity to apply for Shumicon’s brand new programme format: Show Mi Your Show! The programme consists of shorter and more compact dance and singing spectacles, creating a magical show to enjoy.

If you have a fresh new idea for a programme that we did not mention above, feel free to submit an application. We are always looking forward to brand new programmes to inspire and delight the congoers of Shumicon!

Application instructions:

Apply to organize a programme or a workshop, or to perform using a digital application form. Application period opens on 1st October 2026 at 19:00 and closes on 1st November 2026 at 18:00. We use Google Forms as an application form.

Please read this page’s instructions and tips carefully before submitting your application. Only applications submitted during the application period via the application form will be taken into consideration. Please do not send your application via email.

If you encounter problems with the application, please do not hesitate to contact the programme managers via email: ohjelma@shumicon.fi 

General instructions for programmes at Shumicon

• Shumicon does not tolerate the use of any type of generative AI in any programme format. This includes:
  • Programme information such as the name, description and possible promotion material
  • Programme manuscripts
  • Programme slideshows
  • Photos, music and videos showcased in programmes
    
    
• The only exception to this rule is inside the programme’s material. For instance, a programme about the use of AI in the anime industry may include examples of anime series or parts of a series generated by AI. Such use is alright, because showing the AI generated end result is the point of the programme.
  
  
• We do not accept programmes that are about R18 (k18) media.

Instructions to organizing interactive programmes:

• Interactive programmes can be discussion circles, games, RPDs and playful stage shows, where the audience may take part in the show or register beforehand.
  
  
• Contests, quizzes, competitions etc. are given 75, 105 and 135 minute slots in the programme schedule. Contests, quizzes and competitions can be lighthearted and fun, like “Do you recognize the character’s silhouette?”. Competitions and quizzes at Shumicon can not include money or gift cards as prizes. If you want to hand out a small prize, such as a diploma, Shumicon’s merch or candy, you can suggest and request this in your application (prize must be worth 5€ at max.)
  
  
• If you need help or you have any questions, please contact the programme manager: ohjelma@shumicon.fi. The programme team will be happy to assist you with your programme.

Instructions to organizing speech programmes:

• Please make sure your programme is somehow related to Shumicon’s core principles — cosplay, anime, manga, video or roleplay games, Japanese or other East Asian pop culture phenomena or this year’s theme, Magic powers.
  
• A speech programme may be a lecture, a discussion circle or a panel. You can organize the programme alone or with one friend. Multiple speakers can take part in panels.
  

• We hope the speech programmes held at Shumicon have not been performed before. Programmes held at events abroad may be reused at Shumicon. If you have organized your programme at another Finnish event, we hope you update your programme’s contents.
  
• Shumicon has reserved 45 and 75 time slots for speech programmes. Before the programme begins, an organizer is given 15 minutes of preparation time during which you may get your slideshow ready, iron out any technical issues with the help of a volunteer tirppa, and get ready to hold your speech.
  
• Make sure that you are capable of using all of the reserved time for your programme by practicing beforehand. It is often a shame for the audience if the programme ends long before the supposed ending time.
  
• When making a slideshow, we recommend using more photos than text.
  

• We recommend your performance does not include age restricted, offensive, illegal or violent material. We will not accept programmes about series that are rated K18 or R.
  • If you suspect your performance to require an age restriction or are unsure if your performance is allowed, please contact the programme manager via email: ohjelma@shumicon.fi
    
• If you need help or you have any questions, please contact the programme manager: ohjelma@shumicon.fi. The programme team will be happy to assist you with your programme.

Instructions for performances:

• A performance programme may consist of dancing, singing, music, cosplay, stand-up comedy, magic shows or whatever you may imagine performing on a stage!
  
• Shumicon programme slots for performances are 45 and 75 minutes. Prior to the performance we have reserved 15 minutes of preparation during which you may ensure the tech functions and the high quality of the performance. During the application process you may inform us of your performance’s length and other technical demands.
• Performance programmes are required to send a running order that details exactly what the performance will entail. Instructions for the running order will be sent separately to selected entrants.
• If your performance is shorter than 45 minutes, we recommend that you consider applying to Show Mi! Your Show rather than having your own slot in the programme listing.
  
• In addition to the main hall, we have another room that can be used for performances, the auditorium Lumituuli. The auditorium stage can fit 4 people at the same time, and behind the stage is a screen that can show video. There are no additional color or effect lights.
  • Performances with live singing and speech have the option to use either a headset microphone or a handheld microphone.
  • Lumituuli’s performance area is about 3,8 meters deep from the audience and 10 meters wide. The area narrows near the front where the width is only 5 meters.
• If your performance involves props, we hope they are lightweight and easy to carry up and down stairs as we do not have a freight elevator. It is not possible to use instruments that require electricity in the performance due to logistical issues.
  
• We recommend your performance does not include age restricted, offensive, illegal or violent material.
  • If you suspect your performance to require an age restriction or are unsure if your performance is allowed, please contact the programme manager via email: ohjelma@shumicon.fi
    
• If you need help or you have any questions, please contact the programme manager: ohjelma@shumicon.fi. The programme team will be happy to assist you with your programme.

Instructions to Show Mi! Your Show application:

• Shumicon’s new Show Mi! Your Show program format is dedicated to Japanese music with a special focus on idols, and thus we hope your performance is somewhat related to Japanese music such as J-pop and anime songs. We won’t outright reject applications containing other genres from applying. You may perform with your own songs or songs from movies, tv-series or games. Music generated by AI is not allowed and offering them may lead to disqualification of your application.

• You may apply to Show Mi! Your Show alone or as a group (with the maximum of 4 people on stage). Singing, dancing and combinations of both are most welcome.
  • Performances with live singing and speech have the option to use either a headset microphone or a handheld microphone.
    
• Show Mi! Your Show applicants are required to send us an audition tape. The tape can be a past real performance or a practice video. The tape is used to evaluate the suitability in Shumicon. We will prefer performances that fit this year’s Shumicon’s theme Magical powers, but we will also accept performances that don’t follow this theme exactly.
  
• Show Mi! Your Show gives each performer a maximum time slot of 15 minutes. Prior to the show, we have reserved time for rehearsals to ensure the tech functions and everything runs smoothly. During the application process, please tell us in detail what your performance will entail during the application process.

• If your performance involves props, we hope they are lightweight and easy to carry up and down stairs as we do not have a freight elevator. It is not possible to use instruments that require electricity in the performance due to logistical issues.
  
• We recommend your performance does not include age restricted, offensive, illegal or violent material.
  • If you suspect your performance to require an age restriction or are unsure if your performance is allowed, please contact the programme manager via email: ohjelma@shumicon.fi
    
• If you need help or you have any questions, please contact the programme manager: ohjelma@shumicon.fi. The programme team will be happy to assist you with your programme.