The syllabus at a glance
Categories §ions
Eight categories and more than forty sections. Enter as many as you like — every section is judged within your own age division, so you're only ever compared to performers at your stage.
Age divisions
Your division is set by your age on January 1 of the season year. The grade band is the usual US equivalent — where the two disagree, age decides.
Speech & Drama
Spoken word from memorized poetry to dramatic monologue, judged on interpretation, diction and stage presence.
Entered online: one unedited take, uploaded here and marked by the adjudicator.
Sections
- Formal poetry: prescribed
- Formal poetry: own choice
- Informal poetry
- Classical poetry
- Dramatized poetry
- Dramatized group poetry
- Dramatized prose
- Undramatized prose
- Bible prose
- Monologue
- Duologue
- Mime
- Concert presentation
- Public speaking
- Storytelling
- Prepared reading
- Experimental theatre
- Stand-up comedy
- Impersonation
- Characterization
- Musical drama theatre
- Improvisation
- Any other — “Out of the Box”
Vocal
Solo and group singing across classical, musical theatre, contemporary and sacred repertoire.
Entered online: one unedited take, uploaded here and marked by the adjudicator.
Sections
- Classical / art song
- Musical theatre song
- Contemporary & pop
- Sacred & gospel
- Folk & traditional
- Vocal duet / trio
- Small ensemble
Instrumental
Every instrument, every level — from first-year beginners to advanced concerto performers.
Entered online: one unedited take, uploaded here and marked by the adjudicator.
Sections
- Piano
- Strings
- Woodwind
- Brass
- Guitar
- Percussion
- Chamber ensemble
- Concerto / advanced recital
Dance
Solo, duo and group dance across classical and commercial styles, judged on technique and performance quality.
Entered online: one unedited take, uploaded here and marked by the adjudicator.
Sections
- Ballet
- Contemporary & lyrical
- Jazz
- Tap
- Hip hop
- Musical theatre dance
- Cultural & traditional
- Production / group routine
Allegretto Teatro
Song, acting and movement together — solo numbers through to full ensemble production pieces.
Entered online: one unedited take, uploaded here and marked by the adjudicator.
Sections
- Solo song from a musical
- Song & dance
- Duet / duologue
- Group production number
- Scene study
Choir Festival
School, church, studio and community choirs of all sizes, in any language or tradition.
Entered online: one unedited take, uploaded here and marked by the adjudicator.
Sections
- Elementary school choir
- Middle school choir
- High school choir
- Community & church choir
- Chamber choir
- Show choir
Visual Literacy
Photograph or scan the finished work and submit it for written adjudication — the section Allegretto has always called Visual Literacy rather than art.
Entered online: photograph or scan the work and upload it for written adjudication.
Sections
- Drawing
- Painting
- Mixed media
- Photography
- Digital art & illustration
- Sculpture & 3D
Artistic Acrobatics
Tumbling and acrobatic work judged on element execution and performance quality, at novice through advanced level.
Entered online: one unedited take, uploaded here and marked by the adjudicator.
Sections
- Novice (straight)
- Intermediate (straight)
- Advanced (straight)
- Lyrical acrobatics
- Duets & mixed duets
- Trios
- Quartets
Fashion Design
Design work submitted as photographs — from a first mood board to a full portfolio.
Entered online: photograph or scan the work and upload it for written adjudication.
Sections
- 3D design
- Mood board
- Fashion sketches
- Fashion portfolio
- Open creative category
One Act Plays
Short-form theatre from schools, studios and community groups, filmed in one take and submitted online.
Entered online: one unedited take, uploaded here and marked by the adjudicator.
Sections
- Elementary / middle school
- High school
- Community & youth theatre
- Devised / original work
The full syllabus publishes in January 2027
It will list every section with its time limits, prescribed pieces and fees. Join the interest list to get it first.
Join the interest list