Inaugural 2027 season
Every performer
deserves a stage& real feedback
A performing arts festival and competition with a century-old tradition behind it, now running as an online platform across the United States. You record your performance, upload it here, and a professional adjudicator marks it — speech, voice, instrument, dance, theatre and art, at every age and level.
- 8
- Categories
- 40+
- Sections
- 6
- Age divisions
- 50
- States eligible
New here?
What is aneisteddfod?
An eisteddfod (say eye-STEHTH-vod) is a performing arts festival and competition. The tradition began in Wales, and today eisteddfods are a fixture of the performing arts calendar across the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa — where Allegretto has run one of the largest for years.
Here is what makes it different from the competition circuit you already know: you are not only ranked. You perform for a qualified adjudicator in your discipline and receive a written adjudication explaining what worked, what didn't, and exactly what to take into the practice room next. It is a recital, a competition and a masterclass in one.
What every entrant receives
- A written adjudicationDetailed, constructive feedback from a professional in your discipline.
- A mark and a certificateFor every section you enter, judged within your own age division.
- Merit-based awardsGold, Silver and Bronze are given on merit — not one winner per section.
- A path to the FinalTop performers are invited to the National Final in June.
Wherever you are
An eisteddfod you enter by video
The United States is a big country, and a fixed timetable in one city decides who can take part before anyone performs a note. Allegretto USA is online end to end: every entry is a video submission — or, for Visual Literacy and Fashion Design, a photograph of the work — so where you live never decides whether you compete.
Record where you are
One unedited take, filmed at home, at your studio or at your school. A phone is fine — the adjudicator is marking the performance, not the camera. Upload it here and it goes straight to our video host, resuming if your connection drops.
Every category, every section
Judged, not just ranked
The adjudicator watches your submission in full and marks it against the published criteria for your discipline, then writes the adjudication by hand. You get a mark, a certificate and detailed written feedback.
Results released May 2027
Take your pick
Eight categories,forty sections
Enter as many as you like — there is no limit, and each is judged within your own age division.
- 23Speech & DramaSpoken word from memorized poetry to dramatic monologue, judged on interpretation, diction and stage presence.
- 07VocalSolo and group singing across classical, musical theatre, contemporary and sacred repertoire.
- 08InstrumentalEvery instrument, every level — from first-year beginners to advanced concerto performers.
- 08DanceSolo, duo and group dance across classical and commercial styles, judged on technique and performance quality.
- 05Allegretto TeatroSong, acting and movement together — solo numbers through to full ensemble production pieces.
- 06Choir FestivalSchool, church, studio and community choirs of all sizes, in any language or tradition.
- 06Visual LiteracyPhotograph or scan the finished work and submit it for written adjudication — the section Allegretto has always called Visual Literacy rather than art.
- 07Artistic AcrobaticsTumbling and acrobatic work judged on element execution and performance quality, at novice through advanced level.
- 05Fashion DesignDesign work submitted as photographs — from a first mood board to a full portfolio.
- 04One Act PlaysShort-form theatre from schools, studios and community groups, filmed in one take and submitted online.
Numbers show the sections available in each category. See every section and the age divisions
From entry to adjudication
How it works
- 1
Choose your categories
Pick any sections you'd like to compete in. There's no limit — many entrants entered several across different categories.
- 2
Complete your entry
Register online with your age division, chosen pieces and your teacher or studio details. Entry fees are paid per section.
- 3
Record and upload
Record your performance in one unedited take — or photograph your artwork — and upload it here. It goes straight to our media host, and a video resumes if your connection drops.
- 4
Receive your adjudication
Every entrant receives a written adjudication, a certificate and a mark. Top performers are invited to the National Final.
Mark your calendar
The 2027 season
- October 2026Interest list opensJoin the mailing list to be first to receive the syllabus.
- January 2027Entries openFull syllabus and online entry forms published.
- March 2027Entries closeFinal deadline for every entry and every upload.
- April 2027Adjudication windowEvery submission is viewed and marked by the adjudicator.
- May 2027Results releasedWritten adjudications, marks and certificates sent to every entrant.
- June 2027National FinalTop performers in each division are invited to submit a final-round performance.
Dates are for the inaugural season and may still shift a little before entries open.
Be part of thefirst American season
Entries open in January 2027. Join the interest list and you'll get the full syllabus, fee schedule and entry forms the day they're published.
Join the interest list