PERPETUAL TROPHIES MUST BE
RETURNED AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH DISCIPLINE’S EISTEDDFOD WEEK GENERAL CONDITIONS 2026 - The
use of video cameras, cameras and mobile phones is strictly
prohibited. Patrons are warned that unauthorised filming or
photography of any performance is not only a contravention of the
Copyright Act but can also contravene areas of the Child Protection
Act particularly when mobile phones are used. Offenders will be
removed from the theatr
- All
notifications are to be made to the Secretary by email: devonporteisteddfod@yahoo.com.au
- The
Eisteddfod is open to amateurs only, excepting in “Open” classes which are
for competitors of any age - professional or amateur. A PROFESSIONAL is
defined as a person who earns a full living from the discipline through
either performance or teaching.
- A
competitor's age shall be determined as at JANUARY 1 2026. A
competitor’s Certificate of Birth may be requested.
- All
competitors are required to register 15 mins prior to the
Section commencement. Dancers are required 30 mins prior
to the Section commencement.
- Competitors
are responsible for royalty payments, if any. The Society will accept no
responsibility for copyright infringements. Copyright Bylaw:
Entrants may perform only from original or licensed copies from
publishers. Photocopies for accompanists and adjudicators must be
destroyed after the performance.
- A
competitor must not use the same item more than once during the
Eisteddfod.
- Where
competitors are performing in solo/duo/trio/groups/ensemble classes, no
competitor shall be allowed to appear twice in that class.
- A
competitor’s dress, grooming, posture and presentation are an important
part of their performance and will be taken into consideration by the
Adjudicator. Material chosen should be appropriate to the age of the
performer and considerate of the audience.
- Competitors
who restart a performance will be awarded points and/or placings at the
Adjudicator’s discretion.
- Competitors
will not be transferred from one class to another if
incorrectly entered unless the error is the fault of the Committee. Please
check thoroughly your entry invoice and if an error appears
please contact the Committee immediately. All competitors must
appear in the order as shown in the program.
- Movement
in the auditorium during a performance will not be permitted. Patrons
are requested to wait until the end of each section before moving,
thereby giving competitors the respect they deserve. Only the
teacher and one assistant to be backstage.
- Performers
are only to use the stage stairs at the direction of the Usher.
- A current
RWVP card must be provided for ALL backstage access.
A backstage pass is also to be collected from the Eisteddfod
Office.
- The
Committee reserves the right for the media or official photographers to be
present for promotional purposes. Competitors’ names or photographs may be
used by the media for this purpose. If for any reason competitors
photographs are not to be publicised, it is the responsibility of the
school or guardian to provide notice in writing/email to the Secretary
prior to the Eisteddfod commencing. A photo disclaimer is also available
in Stardom.
- The
Adjudicator has the right to disqualify any competitor whose item is
deemed unsuitable. This includes inappropriate lyrics in dance or music
performances.
- Time
limits in all classes will be STRICTLY MONITORED. An item may
be shorter than the limit specified, but not exceed it. Entrants
whose performance exceeds the time limit may forfeit any placing and
be eligible for comments only.
- Unless
invited by the adjudicator, under no circumstances, before completion of
the relevant discipline (eg music), can a competitor, parent or
teacher approach or address the adjudicator.
- Signed
protests in writing must be lodged with the Secretary within one hour of
adjudication, together with a deposit of $50.00. This amount will be
forfeited if the protest is deemed unsuccessful. In all questions
and disputes, whether covered by the general conditions or otherwise, the
decision of the Committee shall be accepted as final.
- The
Committee reserves the right to substitute
adjudicators.
- Props
and Scenery. Props
are defined as simple hand-held items that competitors can bring on stage
by THEMSELVES and are only permitted if actually used in
the routine/performance. Examples of these are a bunch of flowers, a teddy
bear or basket, etc. There will be two chairs and a small table available
for competitor use. Each entrant is responsible for placing
and removing their items on stage; the STAGE MANAGER OR TEACHER
MAY assist. All props must be removed from side stage immediately
and from the venue after the session has concluded. All props should
be mess free (no straw, glitter) and be able to be cleaned from stage
immediately by the competitor. No lighted candles, sparklers, or any
naked flames are permitted. NO FREE-STANDING SCENERY IS ALLOWED.
For clarification regarding this ruling please contact the Secretary.
- All
electrical items (including hair dryers) must have a current tag &
test certification.
- All
house lights, stage lights and curtain will be controlled by the
technician or Stage Manager.
- No
outside electrical equipment is permitted to be used on stage.
- Entries
are via Stardom. Entry fees must be paid in order to validate your
entry. Unpaid entries will be automatically deleted after 5
days. Primary and High school entries unable to pay at time of entry
are to notify the Secretary at time of entry. Entry Fees are
non-refundable.
- The
Committee will endeavour to accommodate all reasonable requests but
reserves the right to the final decision. ALL requests
must be in writing and forwarded to the Secretary.
- All
care will be taken in compiling the schedule and the program. The
Committee reserves the right to alter or amend the program at any time.
- The
Committee reserves the right to refuse any entry and will not be
responsible for any incorrect entry.
- If
less than three entries are received in any class, the Committee reserves
the right to cancel or combine classes. Classes with only one entry will
proceed at the discretion of the Committee.
- In
all classes in which not more than three competitors perform, only first
prize will be paid.
- In
the event of a tie for first place, the first and second prize money will
be divided equally between the tied competitors. In this case there will
be no second prize awarded. In the event of a tie for second place, the
second-place prize money will be divided between the competitors.
- Aggregate
awards will be allocated points on the basis of 4 points for first, 3 for
second and 2 for third, 1 for HC/HM.
- All
prizes are not refundable or transferable.
- All
engravings or repairs to damaged perpetual trophies are the responsibility
of the recipient, and are to be completed before returning to the
Eisteddfod Committee. Perpetual Trophies are to be returned by the
commencement of the Discipline.
- The
Society does not accept liability for loss or injury to persons or
property during the Eisteddfod.
ADDITIONAL MUSIC CONDITIONS 2026 - All
Competitors and accompanists must arrive 15 minutes prior to commencement of
session (not class).
- A minimum of
Lead Sheet Music must be submitted for all performances. Lyrics only conditions
have been removed.
- PRIOR
TO ARRIVAL teachers or students must ensure that
the adjudicator’s copy of all music is stapled together; and clearly labelled
with competitor's name, class number, competitor number, have all bars
numbered, and state the title of the piece and composer's name. The
adjudicator’s music score/s are to be handed in at the registration desk at
least 15 minutes prior to the commencement of the session. FAILURE TO
PROVIDE MUSIC OR A LEAD SHEET MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION.
- All teachers must wear a badge clearly
displaying their name and school to enable them free admission. All parent help
will be required to purchase a ticket from the ticket box upon arrival.
Teachers who do not have a school badge (eg private instructors) can organise a
Teacher’s Pass at the Eisteddfod Office.
- Any teacher requiring access to back stage, for any
reason, must arrange this with the Event Manager (0472 719 071), or via the
Eisteddfod Office (in the venue foyer).
- In
Examination Level Piano, only one class can be entered, and competitor
needs to be studying at that level in the current Eisteddfod year.
- In
piano classes arranged music as listed in an examination syllabus will be
acceptable.
- The venue and piano are not available
for rehearsals during the competitions.
- In all stage,
film or musical theatre classes, competitors MUST clearly mark on the
adjudicator’s copy the name of the musical show from which the song is
selected.
- Use of microphone will not be permitted
unless specified.
- Piano or instrumental accompaniment may
be used.
- Competitors must arrange their own
accompanist.
- ORCHESTRAL BRASS: Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba & French
Horn are the only instruments accepted for entry in Orchestral Brass Classes.
- Recorded accompaniment must be uploaded
to Stardom by SEPTEMBER 7 2026 and be instrumental music ONLY. All
teachers should have a back-up of music on a phone style device and may be
responsible for starting the music for the performance. No CD or USB options
are available.
- Original
compositions are to be in the hands of the secretary by SEPTEMBER 1 2026, together
with a signed declaration stating it is a completely original work by
the composer.
The Committee will not be held responsible for any original composition
music not claimed on the day of the performance.
- Groups
(including schools) are requested to use a group name NOT competitor names, and
for multiple entries for the school/group to add a letter (A, B, C – not
numbers). The use of numbers causes confusion for competitors and volunteers as
they do not correspond with the performance numbers in the programme. The names of the students performing a solo/duo/trio in a school entry,
need to be emailed to the Secretary by SEPTEMBER 1 2026.
- The conductor of any choir may be
professional. Members of competing choirs must be bona-fide members of that
choir. Conductors must not sing or speak with
any choir. Choirs may be disqualified
for any breach of this rule at the adjudicator’s discretion.
- Years K-6 and Years 7-12 SCHOOL
CHOIR members must be from one specific school. Up to 3 small rural schools
may be permitted to amalgamate. Students can only compete with one choir per
Class. Students are not permitted to be swapped between part (a) and part (b)
of a two part performance.
- All groups
and/or bands needing stage seating supplied by the Devonport Eisteddfod
Society, are required to email their requirements to the Secretary by SEPTEMBER
1 2026, or include it in the additional requests/entry notes when entering
via Stardom.
- Performers are only to use the stage
stairs at the direction of an Usher.
- Stage wings are out of bounds to all
persons except teachers, competitors and accompanists performing in the current
class, at the Stage Manger’s discretion.
- The backstage area is out of bounds to
members of the public.
ACCOMPANISTS: The following pianists are available for
accompanying this year. Please contact them a few weeks prior to the eisteddfod
to ensure their availability on the day required. Dominique Baker 0455
568 742 or Petrina Jahnz 0417 509
695
ADDITIONAL BRASS BAND INSTRUMENTAL CONDITIONS 2026 - All Competitors and accompanists must arrive 15
mins prior to commencement of session (not class).
- PRIOR TO ARRIVAL teachers or
students must ensure that the adjudicator’s copy of all music is stapled
together; and clearly labelled with competitor's name, class number, competitor
number, have all bars numbered, and state the title of the piece and the composer's
name. The adjudicator’s music score/s are to be handed in at the registration
desk at least 15 mins prior to the commencement of the session.
- Competitors
must not use the same item more than once during the competitions nor in more
than two consecutive years. No competitor may use the same piece with which they
have won a first prize at these competitions until an elapse of two Eisteddfod
years.
- Recorded accompaniment must be uploaded
to Stardom by SEPTEMBER 9 2026 and be instrumental music ONLY. All
teachers should have a back-up of music on a phone style device and may be
responsible for starting the music for the performance. No CD or USB options
are available.
- A
trumpet or french horn will not be accepted as a brass band instrument.
- NOVICE:
One who has
not won a first place on a brass instrument at any competition prior to JANUARY
1 2026.
- Band
players must wear uniform.
- Time
limits will be STRICTLY ENFORCED
by the official timekeeper.
ADDITIONAL
SPEECH & DRAMA CONDITIONS 2026
- All texts and scripts being performed must be
handed in to the registration desk before the commencement of the session, and
clearly labelled with the Class and Competitor Number.
- The Stage Manager will be in complete charge
backstage.
- All teachers must wear a badge clearly displaying
their name and school to enable them free admission. All helpers will be
required to purchase a ticket from the ticket box upon arrival.
- Any teacher requiring access to back stage, for any
reason, must arrange this with the Event Manager (0472 719 071), or via the
Eisteddfod Office (in the venue foyer).
- Competitors and teachers sit in the audience until
the time of their performance, unless arrangements have been made with the
Event Manager (0472 719 071), or via the Eisteddfod Office.
- Companies will be allowed 10 mins for setting up
their stage and 5 mins for striking.
- Groups will be responsible for the provision, safe
keeping and removal of their own equipment, properties, costumes, etc.
- Groups are urged to have their own stage manager,
who will be responsible for all cues i.e. sound and curtain.
- Groups (including schools) are requested to use a
group name NOT competitor names, and for multiple entries for the
school/group to add a letter (A, B, C – not numbers). The use of numbers causes confusion for
competitors and volunteers as they do not correspond with the performance
numbers in the programme.
- Student names (if entered
by school name or nickname) for solos, duos and trios need to be emailed to the
secretary by September 1 2026 (one week prior to Speech & Drama
Eisteddfod commencing).
- A copy of any set piece in speech classes will be
supplied to all competitors by June 15 2026. Scripture readings will be
from the Revised Standard Version.
- RECITATION: the action of repeating
something aloud from memory.
- POETRY: In ‘Own
selection’ recitations one poem ONLY should be performed
- ORIGINAL
POETRY
a) Competitor does not
recite poem, unless specified as a recitation class. b) Original poem may also be
performed in Original Poem Recitation class. c) Competitors may only enter one poem in each class. d) The subject matter to be own choice and the poem to
consist of not more than 48 lines. e) Poems must be on A4 paper and forwarded to the
Committee by the August 14 2026. - PREPARED READING FROM A
NOVEL:
Time limit will start when the competitor announces the title of their novel. A
bell will ring when the time limit has been reached, and the reading needs to
finish on that sentence.
- IMPROMPTU READING: In Impromptu reading and
poetry classes, competitors have 1 minute off stage to preview the text, before
performance.
- IMPROMPTU SPEECH: Competitors have 3
minutes off stage to prepare their speech.
- MIME: No
music or sound effects to be used in mime classes.
- TIME WARP/SPACE JUMP. The first team member creates a scene for 30
seconds. A bell is rung and this actor freezes. The second team member enters
and initiates a new scene. The two team members present this new scene for 30
seconds, when a second bell is rung. A third actor enters, and another scene is
performed for 30 seconds, when a third bell signals the actors to freeze. The
last team member enters, and all actors present another scene for 60 seconds
duration and freeze on the fourth bell. The fourth team member leaves the stage,
and the remaining three actors resume the scene for 30 seconds from the point
at which they froze prior to the entry of the fourth actor. On the fifth bell
the third actor exits, and the remaining two actors resume their scene at its
point of departure for 30 seconds, when a sixth bell rings, and the second
actor leaves the stage. The remaining actor resumes the initial scene for 30
seconds and freezes when a bell indicates the conclusion of the performance.
- CREATIVE INDIVIDUAL
PERFORMANCE. Combine Speech & Drama with one other creative
style (dance, music, song). Marks awarded for costumes and entertainment value.
- PROPS AND SCENERY. See Item 21 in
General Conditions.
ADDITIONAL DANCE CONDITIONS 2026 - A competitor’s age shall be determined as at January
1 2026.
- A competitor can only perform once in any
class.
- A competitor cannot perform a Solo/Duo/Trio or
Group of the same dance style in more than one age category.
- All teachers and assistants, accessing backstage,
must have a current Registration to Work With Vulnerable People (RWVP) card and
must wear it displayed on a lanyard.
- Each dance school may only have 1 teacher
and a maximum of 2 assistants backstage at any time. No parents are
allowed backstage, unless they are the designated assistant for that session. Performers
attending without their dance school are allowed one backstage person to
assist.
- Teacher/Assistant passes must be collected from the
Stage Door registration desk, prior to entering backstage. Passes must be
displayed.
- All competitors, teachers and assistants must leave
the auditorium, backstage and dressing rooms within 15 mins of the
completion of the session.
- All Competitors are required to purchase a Dance Pass from the Town Hall
Theatre Box Office ($20). Dance Season Passes: 16 years & over ($40) & Young
performers 5-16 years ($20) can be purchased from the Town Hall Theatre
Box Office. PASSES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND CANNOT BE SHARED BETWEEN COMPETITORS OR
PATRONS.
- STAGE DOOR SIGN IN. Competitors must sign in and sign out on their Dance
School registration sheet each time they report backstage. This is required for
evacuation purposes. The stage door attendant is in full control of all noise
levels and movement in backstage area.
- REGISTRATION DESK: This will be situated at the
stage door sign in counter.All competitors are required to register
their attendance for each class and for each session, at the registration
desk. Signing in and out at Stage Door is not registering for your
performance or intention to perform.
- All Music is to be uploaded to
Stardom one week prior to the start of the Dance Eisteddfod (by August 27
2026). Audio
equipment is to be operated by the theatre technician only. Teachers may have a back-up copy on a device and may be
responsible for starting the music if the backup device is required. No
CDs/USBs can be used for performance. Competitors must use the equipment and speakers provided.
- CLASSICAL: Traditional and formal
style of ballet that exclusively employs classical ballet techniques. Rosin
is permitted only for POINTE shoes. Rosin spray is preferred. If rock rosin is
used, it must be in a towel or a rosin box.
- NEO-CLASSICAL & LYRICAL:
Expressive dance based on classical ballet techniques using music from either
classical or modern composers.
- CONTEMPORARY: Versatile expressive
dance combining elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz and
classical ballet using mostly modern contemporary music.
- CHARACTER/DEMI-CHARACTER: To
portray a character through story. Mime or expressiveness with dance using
classical techniques.
- JAZZ: includes cabaret, disco, broadway and musical theatre. ‘Tricks’ are limited to 3 per
routine for both restricted and non-restricted classes (Also see Condition 18).
NOTE: Jazz Championships may have up to 6 ‘tricks’.
- BROADWAY: Music to be from stage
and film musicals only. Soft shoe only. Heels may be worn.
- ACRO: Combines classical dance
technique with acrobatic elements. Style incorporates routines with more than 3
‘tricks’.
- SONG & DANCE: Any style may be
used. All competitors must sing and dance.
- HIP HOP: A grounded style which
includes street, breaking, popping locking and commercial choreography. Includes FUNK.
- NATIONAL: Stylized representation
of traditional folk dance from other countries. Dance steps, costume, and music
should be authentic of the country represented.
- KICKING GROUPS: All kicks must be
from the hip. Please read Kicking Class age group requirements in schedule.
- IMPROMPTU: OPEN - any dance style;
UNDER AGE - Jazz dance style only. Competitors listen to the 1 minute of music
prior to performing their routine. Dress Females: Basic black leotard. Males:
Basic black dance-wear. Dance footwear MUST be worn. No competitors,
teachers or assistants are permitted side stage during Impromptu classes.
- A group must consist of 4 or more competitors. No competitor can perform in more than
one group in any class.
- GROUPS must wait backstage in order of
appearance. Whilst one group is performing, the next Group waits Side Stage
Right (OP). Entry is from Stage Right (OP) and exit via Stage Left (Prompt).
Groups must leave side stage after performing, and return directly to their
assigned dressing rooms. Back Stage area must be kept clear for ‘Run Arounds’.
Only teachers and rostered volunteers may be Side Stage.
- Curtains may be used for groups only. The time
limit for setting and striking stage is 1 min.
- PROPRIETY:Make-up, costumes and choreography should be suitable
to the age of the dancers and suggestive lyrics/actions avoided.
- PROPS AND SCENERY: See General Conditions Item 21
- RESTRICTED: Competitors who have not received a 1st or
2ndplacing in the relevant dance style entered prior to 2025.
Restricted competitorscannot enter Championships.
- CHAMPIONSHIPS: Can only be entered by dancers who have beenplaced 1st or 2nd in the relevant dance style
in the last 2 years,(excluding restricted sections). Championship competitors cannot
compete in the non-champion class of the championship style. After 3 years of not receiving any
placing (including HC/HM) the competitor can enter the straight age section of
that dance style.
- All championship classes will be held on
Sunday September 6 2026.
- ANY contravention to these Rules MAY result in
disqualification.
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