RULES & REGULATIONS

Age Divisions & Eligibility

1

Age of competitor is determined as at January 1 in the year of participation.

Competitors may compete in their own age section and one age section above, but may not compete down an age group.

If a section is unavailable in a competitor’s age group, they may compete in the closest available higher age division.

Competitors are not permitted to repeat any performance in another age section.


Entry Limits & Performance Restrictions

2

No competitor may appear:

  • More than once in any solo section

  • More than twice in any duo section

  • More than twice in any group section


    No routine may be repeated across different sections unless specifically stated in section rules.


Entry Dates & Late Entries

3

Late entries will be accepted up to one (1) week after the official closing date and will incur a double entry fee.

No late entries will be accepted into the official programme after the closing date, except in the case of committee error.


Programme & Scheduling

4

Events can only be timetabled after the close of entries once total participant numbers are known.

Exact performance dates and times cannot be guaranteed in advance.

The committee reserves the right to:

  • Alter or amend the programme at any time

  • Refuse entries

  • Cancel sections due to insufficient entries

  • Refund entry fees in special circumstances (reasons must be supplied)


Time Limits

5

There is no minimum time limit.

Maximum time limits will be strictly enforced:

  • Solos: 3 minutes

  • Song & Dance / Duos: 4 minutes

  • Groups: 5 minutes


Backstage & Performance Etiquette

6

All competitors must report to the backstage manager prior to the commencement of their section.

Competitors, teachers, and parents must vacate backstage immediately after the performance.

No person may enter or leave the hall during a performance or adjudication.

Mobile phones must be switched off upon entry to the hall.


Music & Props

7

All music must be uploaded via StarBound – Music Uploads.

CDs and USBs will not be accepted.

Props must be kept to a minimum to avoid delays between performances.


Duos & Partner Substitution

8

In duo sections, the names of both partners must be listed on the entry form.

One partner may be substituted with prior approval.

The Convenor must be notified as early as possible for approval.


Videography & Photography

9

The recording of performances by cameras, video cameras, or mobile phones is strictly prohibited.

This is in accordance with the Child Protection Act.

Videography is arranged by the StarBound committee with prior consent from parents/teachers.

Any breach of this rule may result in disqualification.

Any device with a screen is strictly forbidden for audience use during performances.


Protests & Appeals

10

Protests must be:

  • Made in writing

  • Lodged within one hour of the completion of the relevant section

  • Submitted to the Convenor or a committee member

  • Accompanied by a $50 fee (refunded if the protest is upheld)

Protests may only be lodged by:

  • The competitor

  • The competitor’s teacher

  • The competitor’s parent

Adjudicators must not be approached directly.

All protest committee decisions are final.


Responsibility & Liability

11

All competitors participate at their own risk.

Starbound Entertainers Festival accepts no responsibility for injury or accident involving competitors, volunteers, or members of the public at any time.


Teacher & Parent Responsibilities

12

It is the teacher’s responsibility to ensure parents and carers are aware of and comply with all rules and conditions.

SECTIONS

Championships

1

To qualify for a Championship section, competitors must:

  • Compete in at least two other sections (any genre) prior

  • Perform a different routine in the Championship section

    Novice competitors are not eligible to enter Championships.


Novice Sections

2

Novice competitors must not have placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in any genre, at competition as at January 1 of the participation year.

Novice entrants:

  • Are not eligible for Championships

  • May not repeat a routine in any other section


Improvisation

3

Improvisation involves spontaneous movement with no pre-planned choreography.

Competitors will listen to the provided music before performing their interpretation.

Costume restrictions:

  • No costume

  • Basic dance attire only

  • No sparkles or studio logos


Student Own Choreography

4

Time limit: 3 minutes

Routine must be self-choreographed by the competitor.

Costumes are permitted.


Elite Soloist

5

Elite Soloists may perform a routine of any genre that has placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in any competition within the last 12 months.

“StarBound Elite Solos” provides an opportunity to compete against the best of the best in open-style categories.

Competitors will vie for the ultimate title of Elite Winner of Winners.

ADJUDICATION

Guidelines & Conduct

1

The committee reserves the right to appoint a substitute adjudicator if required.

The adjudicator may terminate a performance at any time.

The adjudicator may withhold one or more prizes in any section.

Personal communication with, or representations to, the adjudicator during the festival is strictly prohibited unless approved by the Convenor or committee.

This applies to competitors, teachers, parents, spectators, and any other parties.

Any breach of this rule may result in disqualification.

Performers who have been a pupil of the adjudicator within twelve (12) months prior to the festival are not eligible to compete.

The adjudicator’s decision is final.

FEES, REFUNDS & TRANSFERS

Entry Fees

1

Registration fee (including spectator entry): $50.00

Solos: $27.00

Duos / Trios (per person): $20.00

Groups: $40.00

Championships: $45.00

Elite Solos: $45.00

Winner of Winners: $30.00

Competitor passes (Groups): $15.00


Refunds & Transfers

2

Starbound reserves the right to change competition dates or venues due to unforeseen circumstances. Entry fees will not be refunded; a credit will be issued for a future Starbound event.

In cases of entry error (e.g. duplicate entries) or injury (with supporting documentation), entries may be transferred to another event subject to a transfer fee.

No refunds or transfers will be provided for:

  • Nonappearance

  • Change of mind

  • Scheduling clashes

  • Withdrawal from competition

No refunds or transfers will be issued due to COVID-related concerns or Acts of God.

ADMITTANCE

Audience Conduct

1

Starbound reserves the right to refuse entry to any person.

Mobile phones must be switched off upon entry to the auditorium.

No photography or videography by audience members is permitted during performances.

Audience members must remain seated and refrain from entering or exiting the auditorium during performances and adjudication.


Admittance

2

Spectator entry fees:

  • Solo events: Free entry

  • Group events: $20 per seat, per session

DISCLAIMER

Media

1

Photographs and videography captured by Starbound staff, contractors, or approved media representatives become the property of Starbound.

By submitting a paid entry, participants grant Starbound permission to use images and video footage for promotional purposes for a period of three (3) years.


Safety

2

All competitors participate at their own risk.

Starbound Entertainers Festival accepts no responsibility for injury, loss, or accident involving competitors, volunteers, or members of the public.

By submitting an entry, competitors, teachers, and parents acknowledge they have read and agree to all Rules, Regulations, and Conditions of Entry.