You do not need competition experience to obtain a DA. However to be succesful at competition aeros, positioning plays a large part as it does for a pleasing display.
You may be taken more credibly is you have comp experience - all down to your relationship with the DAE. First DA issues are generally restricted to Std level Aeros and 500' base with fly-by's down to 100'. DA's are renewable annualy.
You need to fly 3 practices within the 90 days preceeding a display. I find that is never an issue as we practice so much.
In terms of funding - the larger airshows do pay, the smaller ones tend to cover costs.
PM me for more info.
Stik