Info Centre

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?

2024

2024 Dates

June

June 15 Calisthenics Solo Auditions

June 16 Graceful Solo Auditions

September

Sep 01 Celebrating Chopin

Sep 03 - 06 Choral

Sep 07 - 12 Bands / Instrumental

Sep 21 - 31 Dance

July

Jul 22 - 26 Debating

(Debating Finals scheduled for: Semi Final - 06 August and Grand Final - 13 August)

October

Oct 01 - 04 Dance

Oct 12 - 31 Calisthenics

August

Aug 06 - 09 Pianoforte

Aug 12 - 17 Vocal

Aug 19 - 23 Speech and Drama

Aug 31 Celebrating Chopin

Dates may be subject to slight change pending entries.

Enter

Enter Entries for 2024 Open on 1st 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?

What types of competitions/disciplines are available?

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?

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

Entering the Eisteddfod

Why do entries have an open and close date?

How do I enter?

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

How do I know my online entry has been processed?

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

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

Participating in the Eisteddfod

When do I need to arrive for my performance?

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 and a spare copy of your sheet music with numbered bars to hand in. This goes to the adjudicator and due to copyright laws, will be shredded after the competition.

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. If singing in a stage and screen section, you are welcome to dress in costume to suit your character (optional!). 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?

Where do I register for my event on the day?

What order do entrants appear in?

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

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?

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

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

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?

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?

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

RSSS Volunteers

How do I become a RSSS Volunteer?

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

Do Volunteers need to sign in each day?

Disciplines

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

All Abilities Performing Arts

Aria

Calisthenics

Celebrating Chopin

Choral

Dance

Debating

Festival of Schools Instrumental Music

Pianoforte

Speech and Drama

Victorian Bands League

Vocal

News

Latest News See all news items

Apr 24

Dr Tony Cole – 40 years of Dance and Service to Royal South Street Society

Apr 24

Peter Zala devotes over 40 years to Royal South Street Society

Apr 23

Dawn and Ron Harrington O.A.M. Devote 40 Years to Royal South Street Society

Don't miss this opportunity to say farewell to Stephen Marsh who is on his way to Berlin to sing with the Deutsche Oper. As an alumnus of Royal South Street Society, we wish him every success in his travels and life on the operatic stage.

Apr 21

Stephen Marsh Farewell Concert

Apr 19

VOX Vocal Ensemble Presents

Apr 18

Don Huntley Memorial Piano Recital

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.