Cabin Fever Act Development
Our Cabin Fever Burlesque Festival is back! This year we are focusing on our amazing local talent and offering (supported) performance opportunities.
Do you have an idea for a saucy act (or two)? Have you felt inspired or excited leaving a VA show? Our Cabin Fever Act Development offers you time in a studio with other performers and our VA team. Lead by Kate, you will take time to refine your concept and polish an entire act. This course also offers mentorship with our favourite burlesque beauties, Chelsea Hart and Portia Favro. The festival will have three appropriate events for these acts, the VA team along with Chelsea and Portia will curate each event and decide which show your act will be assigned to.
Video taken January 25th for initial mentor feedback
Classes Held
- Jan 11,25 and Feb 8 2026
- Sundays - 2:00 – 4:00pm
Course Registration Fee
Festival Act Development events:
Table Tops at the Dirty Northern – February 19
Floor Show at Woodcutter’s Blanket – February 19
Burlesque Brunch at Coopers – February 22
Please Note – these are not paid performances. This is a training and mentorship opportunity for you to expand as a performer. Tipping will be advertised and encouraged at all events and all performers are welcome to keep the tips they earn.
Email velvetantlerproductions@gmail.com to register!
Mentors
Chelsea:
Born and raised in the Yukon, Chelsea Hart kicked off her performance career as a can-can dancer. After seven summer seasons of Vaudeville life, Hart made the move to the west coast where she has been high-kicking her way about Vancouver for nearly 13 years. Since living in Vancouver, Chelsea has found her niche as a dancer, vocalist and host in burlesque and cabaret productions. She also teaches Chair Dance at the Vancouver Burlesque Company. In June 2023 Chelsea Hart competed in The Burlesque Hall of Fame Tournament of Tease with the Pin-Up Posse where they won Best Large Group!
Portia:
Portia Favro is a professional dancer turned powerhouse showgirl who jetéd into showgirl life full-time—and hasn’t looked back.
An internationally recognized choreographer and performer, Portia’s work has earned her top accolades, including “Best Large Group” at the prestigious Burlesque Hall of Fame (2023). As the headmistress of the Pin-Up Posse, she has cultivated a reputation as a dynamic leader, fostering a vibrant community of performers.
Most recently, Portia was voted #13 in the 2024 Burlesque Top 50 Most Influential Performers worldwide and “Most Erotic” at the 2025 Hollywood Burlesque Festival.
Beyond the stage, Portia is an in-demand dance teacher, renowned for her expertise in movement, technique, and performance. Her workshops are highly sought after, offering dancers of all levels the tools to build confidence, creativity, and stage presence.
VA’s Kate and Allyn
Kate and Allyn are the creative forces behind the VA productions. From choreography, costume, prop, concept and shade of lipstick, no detail is small enough to overlook or not care about. With keen eyes for details, an understanding of local audiences, and high expectations and standards, the two make an excellent team when it comes to producing professional quality, polished productions.