july entries now closed

• Entries must be booked via the relevant booking system, use the ‘book now‘ buttons throughout the website to access, and will be confirmed via the booking system. *In the event of a large entry, the festival reserves the right to close the entry system once maximum numbers have entered which may be ahead of any advertised deadlines.
• Competitors may perform not more than: once in their own age group for each solo class and a maximum of two dances within duet classes.
• Competitors must enter and dance in the correct category for their age and genre.
• Notification of class times/timetables will be available on the relevant booking site prior to the festival.  Full programmes will be available for purchase on the first day of the festival.
• Substitution of another name for one in the programme will NOT be permitted for solo entries. In duets & trios/quartets, a substitution of ONE name may be made. Please note that it may not be possible to reflect the name change on certificates/adjudicator reports provided as these are generated prior to the event.
• We reserve the right to return an entry without assigning a reason.
• Groups are deemed to be made up of 5+ performers. 

• Unlike many other festivals South Theatre Arts take the competitors age on the first day of the competition they are attending. i.e. for our February 2025 Competition – the Qualifying age would be based on their age as of 21st February 2025.   (For February & October festivals only).
• South Theatre Arts Festival reserves the right to request proof of age if necessary, in the case of a dispute.
• Please note that Play and Perform booking system will automatically show classes available to enter applicable to the date of birth provided.  Age categories can be found at here and outlined below.
• Strictly no fees will be refunded under any circumstance – including having to self-isolate as costs will have already been incurred. 

• Full details can also be found in the timing section and should be strictly adhered to, points may be deducted for performances over the allowed time limits.

MUSIC

• Music should be uploaded via your Play & Perform Account in MP3 format only at least four weeks prior to the commencement of the festival.   
• A deadline date will be  listed on the Music Upload page communicated via the usual social media channels and emailed to subscribers for closure in preparation of the event.   
• No music can be accepted on the day and therefore please ensure all music uploaded by the deadline date to avoid disappointment.  Please always check your music to ensure the correct version is uploaded, we cannot be held responsible for incorrect music. 
• No amendments past the deadline date will be accepted as music is compiled into playlists for the event and will be taken as the versions uploaded on the deadline date.   
• Any entries without music will be withdrawn from the class. 
• Please bring back up copies with you in the event of any issues.  Backup copies should be in the form of digital track on either a phone or USB (CD’s are NOT accepted). This must be with a teacher or parent in the auditorium - you will not be asked to hand it in.  

DANCE TITLES

• Dance titles for Global Dance, Character & Greek Sections  should be uploaded via your Play & Perform Account.
• A deadline will be announced via the usual social media channels and emailed to subscribers by way of a reminder.
• To access - please log in to your Play & Perform Account, go to your entries (usually entitled 'View my entries'.
• Find the entry to update, click the pencil icon on the left-hand side to edit. 
• You will see the heading 'Q. What is the title of the dance?', in the text box directly underneath, simply add the title and any synopsis to be read out at prior to the start of the performance.
• Please try to keep introductions to a minimum where possible.

• One complimentary Teacher’s pass will be provided for one teacher per school and are required to be named in advance.
• Competitors must report to the entry desk on arrival and may spectate on the days they are performing free of charge.
• All other persons attending including those escorting dancers must pay an entry fee as they enter the venue and must be advised of such to avoid any embarrassment or difficulty at the front desk. 

• No other persons other than teachers may be present backstage and teachers only permitted for Primary and Junior classes.
• No prompting of routines from the wings or auditorium. 

• Props should be of acceptable size to allow placement by one individual (preferably the performer).
• Props must be transported to the dedicated Prop area and collected prior to the class they are performing in to take backstage.   Props must be collected immediately after the performance and all Props must be labelled with dancer's name and dance school.
• Any props requiring the stage to be swept or cleaned after use are strictly forbidden.
• Props must not block any fire exits or entry to and from the backstage area 

• Adequate changing facilities will be provided and wherever possible assigned by dance school.  Schools and parents are responsible for leaving the premises, especially the changing rooms, clean and tidy at the end of each day.
• Any accidents/spillages must be reported to the organisers to minimise the cost and effort involved in cleaning them up. 

• Performers age 10 and over (Intermediate and above) will not be entitled to dance again should they leave the performance area during their routine accept in the case of unforeseen technical issues.
• In fairness to all competitors, this festival is not appropriate for performers in full time dance or theatre training.
• Pointe work is not permitted for competitors under the age of 13 years.
• Classes may be amalgamated if there are insufficient entries in any class or split in the case of a very large entry.
• Competitors must book in at least 1 hour before the class is due and competitors must dance in the correct order unless previously agreed with the festival organisers.
• South Theatre Arts Festival reserves the right to start any class up to an hour earlier than advertised. Please ensure that all dancers and visitors are aware to avoid any disappointment.
• Adjudicator’s decision is final and no discussion or correspondence concerning such a decision may ensue.
• The stage may not be used for rehearsal during the lunch or tea breaks.
• Any inappropriate, unsportsmanlike or unsupportive behaviour will not be tolerated, and we reserve the right to disqualify an entry on these grounds and not refund entrance fees.  

• Medals are awarded for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place.  All competitors will receive a certificate of achievement and an Adjudicator Report with feedback.  In the case of duets, trios/quads & groups, only one adjudicator written report will be provided.
• Adjudicator's marks and certificates will be available for collection from the assigned collection area.  NB. We are unable to post any uncollected certificates and therefore please ensure all collected by the end of the festival.
• Plaques are awarded to the winning performer at adjudication.
• The Adjudicator will award ‘Special Awards’ at the end of each festival and may be announced on the day or via social media following the event. 

• No unauthorised photography, audio or video recording of children and young people is allowed at our Festivals. Where parents/guardians/carers do not wish photos to be taken at all, then this should be advised via your Play & Perform Account for the performer in question.  All permissions are recorded and made available to staff at the festival.  The responsible adult attending should ensure that their child is not included in official photos.
• Please ensure all mobile phones are turned off so it doesn’t disturb the performance.
• Please respect the venue and ensure you leave all areas clean and tidy using the waste bins provided, leaving all areas in a clean and tidy condition.
• The organisers are not liable for any loss or damage to articles and are the responsibility of individuals.
• The Festival carries public liability insurance, details have been verified with the venue and a copy is available on request.
• Failure to comply with rules & regulations, or follow instruction from accredited personnel, could lead to disqualification.
• This is a non-smoking venue, including e-cigarettes and attendees must use designated areas or outside the venue grounds. 

These rules are final, but complaints will be carefully considered by the festival organisers.   Please email any complaints to southfestivals@gmail.com.  

We look forward to welcoming you! 

• Entries must be booked via Festival Connect and will be confirmed via the booking system. *In the event of a large entry, the festival reserves the right to close the entry system once maximum numbers have entered which may be ahead of any advertised deadlines.
• Entries are not confirmed  until payment has been made online via the booking system.
• Entries held on the system without payment may be cleared periodically.
• Competitors may perform not more than: once in their own age group for each solo class and a maximum of two dances within duet classes.
• Competitors must enter and dance in the correct category for their age and genre.
• Notification of class times/timetables will be available via the Festival Connect site prior to the festival.  
• Full programmes will be available for purchase on the first day of the festival.
• Substitution of another name for one in the programme will NOT be permitted for solo entries. In duets & trios/quartets, a substitution of ONE name may be made. Please note that it may not be possible to reflect the name change on certificates/adjudicator reports provided as these are generated prior to the event.
• We reserve the right to return an entry without assigning a reason.
• Groups are deemed to be made up of 5+ performers. 

• The age of competitors for our July Festival is taken as on 31st August 2024. Accuracy in birth dates is essential. Submission of incorrect ages may lead to disqualification and, in cases of doubt, a birth certificate may have to be produced.
• No dancer in a solo section may dance in a higher age category.
• South Theatre Arts Festival reserves the right to request proof of age if necessary, in the case of a dispute.
• Please note that the Festival Connect booking system will automatically show classes available to enter applicable to the date of birth provided.  Age categories can be found here and outlined below.
• Strictly no fees will be refunded under any circumstance – including having to self-isolate as costs will have already been incurred. 
• Please visit the Age Categories - AED page for full details.

• Full details can also be found in the timing section, and should be strictly adhered to, points may be deducted for performances over the allowed time limits.

MUSIC

• Music should be uploaded via Festival Connect in MP3 format only at least four weeks prior to the commencement of the festival.   
• A deadline date will be communicated via the usual social media channels, on the Music Upload Page and emailed to subscribers for closure in preparation of the event.   
• No music can be accepted on the day and therefore please ensure all music uploaded by the deadline date to avoid disappointment.  Please always check your music to ensure the correct version is uploaded, we cannot be held responsible for incorrect music. 
• No amendments past the deadline date will be accepted as music is compiled into playlists for the event and will be taken as the versions uploaded on the deadline date.   
• Any entries without music will be withdrawn from the class. 
• Please bring back up copies with you in the event of any issues.  Backup copies should be in the form of digital track on either a phone or USB (CD’s are NOT accepted). This must be with a teacher or parent in the auditorium - you will not be asked to hand it in.  

DANCE TITLES

• Dance titles for National, Character & Greek Sections  should be uploaded via your Festival Connect Account.
• A deadline will be announced via the usual social media channels and emailed to subscribers by way of a reminder.
• Please try to keep introductions to a minimum where possible.

• One complimentary Teacher’s pass will be provided for one teacher per school and are required to be named in advance.
• Competitors must report to the entry desk on arrival and may spectate on the days they are performing free of charge.
• All other persons attending including those escorting dancers must pay an entry fee as they enter the venue and must be advised of such to avoid any embarrassment or difficulty at the front desk. 

• Props should be of acceptable size to allow placement by one individual (preferably the performer).
• Props must be transported to the dedicated Prop area and collected prior to the class they are performing in to take backstage.   Props must be collected immediately after the performance and all Props must be labelled with dancer's name and dance school.
• Any props requiring the stage to be swept or cleaned after use are strictly forbidden.
• Props must not block any fire exits or entry to and from the backstage area 

• No other persons other than teachers may be present backstage and teachers only permitted for Primary and Junior classes.
• No prompting of routines from the wings or auditorium. 

• Adequate changing facilities will be provided and wherever possible assigned by dance school.  Schools and parents are responsible for leaving the premises, especially the changing rooms, clean and tidy at the end of each day.
• Any accidents/spillages must be reported to the organisers to minimise the cost and effort involved in cleaning them up. 

• Performers age 10 and over (Intermediate and above) will not be entitled to dance again should they leave the performance area during their routine accept in the case of unforeseen technical issues.
• Pointe work is not permitted for competitors under the age of 13 years.
• Classes may be amalgamated if there are insufficient entries in any class or split in the case of a very large entry.
• Competitors must book in at least 1 hour before the class is due and competitors must dance in the correct order unless previously agreed with the festival organisers.
• South Theatre Arts Festival reserves the right to start any class up to an hour earlier than advertised. Please ensure that all dancers and visitors are aware to avoid any disappointment.
• Adjudicator’s decision is final and no discussion or correspondence concerning such a decision may ensue.
• The stage may not be used for rehearsal during the lunch or tea breaks.
• Any inappropriate, unsportsmanlike or unsupportive behaviour will not be tolerated, and we reserve the right to disqualify an entry on these grounds and not refund entrance fees.  

• Medals are awarded for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place.  All competitors will receive a certificate of achievement and an Adjudicator Report with feedback.  In the case of duets, trios/quads & groups, only one adjudicator written report will be provided.
• Adjudicator's marks and certificates will be available for collection from the assigned collection area.  NB. We are unable to post any uncollected certificates and therefore please ensure all collected by the end of the festival.
• Plaques are awarded to the winning performer at adjudication.
• The Adjudicator will award ‘Special Awards’ at the end of each festival and may be announced on the day or via social media following the event. 

• No unauthorised photography, audio or video recording of children and young people is allowed at our Festivals. Where parents/guardians/carers do not wish photos to be taken at all, then this should be advised via your Festival Connect Account for the performer in question.  All permissions are recorded and made available to staff at the festival.  The responsible adult attending should ensure that their child is not included in official photos.
• Please ensure all mobile phones are turned off so it doesn’t disturb the performance.
• Please respect the venue and ensure you leave all areas clean and tidy using the waste bins provided, leaving all areas in a clean and tidy condition.
• The organisers are not liable for any loss or damage to articles and are the responsibility of individuals.
• The Festival carries public liability insurance, details have been verified with the venue and a copy is available on request.
• Failure to comply with rules & regulations, or follow instruction from accredited personnel, could lead to disqualification.
• This is a non-smoking venue, including e-cigarettes and attendees must use designated areas or outside the venue grounds. 

These rules are final, but complaints will be carefully considered by the festival organisers.   Please email any complaints to southfestivals@gmail.com.  

We look forward to welcoming you!