Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod

The annual Eisteddfod stage is a nurturing platform for artistic growth, where performers can develop their talents and flourish in the spotlight, or simply develop a love and appreciation for the performing arts.

What will you perform on our stage this year? 

2025

2025 Dates

June

June 14 Calisthenics Solo Auditions

June 15 Graceful Solo Auditions

Founders Theatre, Federation University

July

Jul 18 - 20 Vocal - Ballarat Mechanics Institute

Jul 21 - 27 Pianoforte and Celebrating Chopin - Ballarat Mechanics Institute

Jul 28 - 31 Vocal (cont'd) - Ballarat Mechanics Institute

August

Aug 01 - 04 Vocal (cont'd) and Aria - Ballarat Mechanics Institute

Aug 04 - 08 Debating Heats - ACU 

Aug 11 - 15 Speech, Drama & Comedy - ACU

Aug 19 Debating Semi-Final - ACU

Aug 26 Debating Grand Final - ACU

Aug 27 - 30 All Abilities - The Farm Campus, Ballarat Specialist School

September

Sep 02 - 06 Instrumental Solos and Bands - Founders Theatre

Sep 08 - 11 Choral - Founders Theatre

Sep 19 - 30 Dance - Her Majesty's Theatre 

October

Oct 01 - 04 Dance (cont'd) - Her Majesty's Theatre 

Oct 05 - 31 Calisthenics - Her Majesty's Theatre 

Oct 10 - 11 Calisthenics Solo Finals - Her Majesty's Theatre

Oct 26 RSSS CountPro Showcase - Her Majesty's Theatre

Dates may be subject to slight change pending entries.

Enter

Enter Entries Open on 01 March

Our Eisteddfod comprises many different disciplines presented throughout the year.

Each discipline has its own:

  • Process for Entry
  • Rules and Guidelines
  • Entry requirements and deadlines

Please refer to each specific Discipline on the ENTER menu for current important details.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

The Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod

Where and when does the Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod take place?

The Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod takes place from June to October each year and is conducted at various quality venues throughout the Ballarat region including, Her Majesty's Theatre, Founders Hall Federation University, Connor's Hall ACU, Ballarat Mechanics Institute, Ballarat Specialist School Farm Campus and others. 

What types of competitions/disciplines are available?

Check out the disciplines listed on the Home page or under ENTER on the menu for a full list of current disciplines on offer. The Eisteddfod includes options for solo, duo, trio, troupe, group, bands, choirs etc depending on the discipline. Talk with your performing arts teacher to see what options might be suitable. 

Why would I take part in the Eisteddfod?

Performing at the Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod offers a chance to build confidence and skills through performing to an audience and provides helpful notes from expert adjudicators.

Whichever discipline you practice, it’s a unique opportunity to meet others with the same interests and compare performances. Many people take part for personal satisfaction and enjoyment, while aspiring professional performing artists attempt to win cash prizes and scholarships to help fund further study. Whether for fun or financial reward, performing in public helps them develop the confidence they will need to succeed on whatever path they follow in future.

Who can participate in the Eisteddfod?

Anyone! While our disciplines and events are subject to individual guidelines, they cover all ages, and are open to entrants from anywhere across the country!  

Our eisteddfod also caters for beginners through to advanced.

Where can I purchase tickets to watch the competitions/eisteddfod?

Tickets are generally available from the venues. Refer to the Ticket Information and keep an eye on our latest news for what is on and when. 

Entering the Eisteddfod

Why do entries have an open and close date?

All disciplines have an entry opening and closing date. This is important to provide time for necessary event scheduling and preparation of guidebooks and publications. Please refer to the Rules and Guidelines for each discipline. 

How do I enter?

It’s easy – visit our ENTER page, select your discipline and follow the prompts. 

Do I enter, or does my performing arts teacher enter me?

This will depend on the discipline you are wishing to enter. Please speak with your performing arts teacher to determine the most suitable sections for you. Generally teachers will enter group performances in any discipline, and solo performances may be entered by the individual or through their teacher, please communicate with your performing arts teacher. 

How do I know my online entry has been processed?

You will receive an email confirming your registration for an event, which will include instructions on finalising your entry and payment.

Be sure to check your Junk and Spam folders, as this is an automated email.

If I can no longer perform or participate, can I get a refund?

In the case of a competitor needing to withdraw due to timetable/schedule issue, a refund is available up until 30 June with formal notification via email to the RSSS office. Email admin@royalsouthstreet.com.au 

After this date no refund is available. Unfortunately, entry fees are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.

From the entry closing date, how long before I receive my schedule of performance?

Approximately 3 to 4 weeks after entries close, you will receive your schedule of performance via email. It will also be published on our website. 

Participating in the Eisteddfod

When do I need to arrive for my performance?

Depending on your discipline, aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled section start time. This allows the registration team time to ensure they have the correct details for you and allows you time to settle into the venue and find your way around. 

Dance and calisthenics will most likely require an earlier arrival, as guided by your teacher.

What do I need to bring for my performance?

Depending on your discipline and teacher's instructions, there are a few things similar across disciplines:

If your discipline requires music:

  • Bring a spare copy of all your backing tracks on a labelled USB.  You only need to hand this in if there is a problem with your uploaded track. 

Vocal:

  • If singing in a classical section, bring your original music for us to ‘sight’ at registration.  This is legislated by the Copyright laws.

Piano:

  • Bring your original music for us to 'sight' at registration. This is legislated by the Copyright laws.
What do I need to wear for my performance?

Depending on your discipline and teacher's instructions - Dress for your performance!  For example - If singing a classical song, usually competitors will dress in a more formal manner than if singing a pop rock song. 

Remember, it’s a performance, so take pride in your appearance and this may help you to present confidently on stage.

Where do I park?

The Royal South Street Society Eisteddfod is conducted at various quality locations throughout the Ballarat region. Information about parking will be provided to all participants prior to their scheduled events. 

Where do I register for my event on the day?

Seek or ask for the Registration Desk, one of our friendly volunteers will help you find your way! Register at the Registration Table at least 30 minutes before the start of your session or EST time (Estimated Starting Time).

What order do entrants appear in?

Random entrant numbers are generated by our system and entrants must perform in this program order except in circumstances approved in advance by Royal South Street Society. 

What happens if I am late and miss the start of my event?

Unfortunately, if you arrive late and do not register prior to the event commencing then you may not be eligible for any prizes. You may perform at the end of your division for a ‘comments only’ report.

How is my performance marked in the competitive sections?

All disciplines have a "crit sheet" that is used to provide feedback to participants and allocate points. At the end of each section, please collect your crit from the registration desk.  This constructive feedback from the adjudicator is one of the most important reasons to enter a competition!

Whilst most sections are competitive, it is important to remember that your participation and enjoyment of the performance experience is the most important aspect of the Eisteddfod. Feedback/critique is just one component the learning and improvement process in the performing arts. 

I cant stay until the end of my section, how can I get a copy of my critique?

Please send an email to admin@royalsouthstreet.com.au  with your name, event and entrants, and a digital copy will be sent to you.

Please allow up to 10 working days to receive your report.

I can't stay until the end of my section, how will I know who won?

You can look up the results on our website – please allow up to 5 working days for these to be published.

Some results will also be shared on social media platforms.

How do I contact the RSSS Office Staff if I need help?

If you have any issues on the day and need to contact us, please phone the office on 5332 1054.  If the office is unattended the call will be forwarded to a mobile contact. Please leave a message and we will reply as soon as possible.

Please contact any of our volunteers and they will also direct you to a RSSS staff member. 

RSSS Volunteers

Please remember that the eisteddfod is run largely by a group of passionate volunteers who just enjoy helping out in the community.  They enjoy seeing young performers and giving them a chance to get up on stage.  Without our volunteers, the Eisteddfod would not be able to run.  Please take a moment to say thank you or a kind word, and have patience if someone seems to be learning or unsure. 

Prizes and Critiques/Feedback

Will I receive written feedback on my performance?

Yes, one of the reasons for participating and competing in the Eisteddfod is to provide you with formal feedback and critique to help you develop and improve. 

Following adjudication, written reports are available for the competitive discipline sections. 

How do I receive my prize money?

Prize money is payable via EFT. Those applicable are requested to supply their bank details no later than one month after winning a prize.

More information on this process will be given to the recipient at the conclusion of the event. If you do not receive this information, please email info@royalsouthstreet.com.au  to follow up.

Prizes need to be finalised no later than 30 October or may be forfeited.

Photography and Videography

Can I take photos of my child performing or back-stage?

Legal requirements prohibit private use of cameras or recording devices at Royal South Street Society venues and events. Depending on the discipline, no photos are permitted to be taken whilst performers are on the stage.

Please be respectful of child safety laws at all times and only take videos or photos of your child.  No photography or videography is permitted back stage or in any dressing rooms for any discipline. 

RSSS staff reserve the right to request confirmation of this or to request you stop at any time.

Will Royal South Street Society take photos of my child performing?

The Royal South Street Society requests parents/carers and performers over the age of 18 to select or decline approval for professional photography/videography when completing the entry process. 

Permission may be changed by parents/carers and performers over the age of 18 at any time throughout the Eisteddfod by contacting the Royal South Street Society staff at any time. 

Can I purchase photos of my child or myself from the Eisteddfod

Some disciplines have professional photographers on-site for photography and videography. Photos and video are available to purchase and this can be arranged at the event. 

RSSS Volunteers

How do I become a RSSS Volunteer?

Please visit our VOLUNTEERS Page on the website for more information and contacts. 

How do I contact the RSSS Office Staff if I need help?

If you have any issues on the day and need to contact us, please phone the office on 5332 1054.  If the office is unattended the call will be forwarded to a mobile contact on site. Please leave a message and we will reply as soon as possible.

Do Volunteers need to sign in each day?

Yes. All Volunteers must be registered with the Royal South Street Society and sign in and out each day. Please refer to our Volunteer information page. 

Disciplines

Disciplines

The Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod is the country's oldest running Eisteddfod and home to Australia’s rising stars.

The annual Eisteddfod stage is a nurturing platform for artistic growth, where performers can develop their talents and flourish in the spotlight, or simply develop a love and appreciation for the performing arts.

News

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Don Huntley Memorial Piano Recital – Sunday 15 March 3pm

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History

Explore our history through the decades

The Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod stands as Australia’s preeminent Eisteddfod, boasting an illustrious heritage of delivering outstanding performance opportunities for over a century, commencing in 1891. Our enduring commitment to fostering and showcasing talent places us at the pinnacle of the Australian cultural and artistic landscape.

Memorabilia

Merchandise

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