Apprentease Applications

The Apprentease – Burlesque Excellence Awards!

Please see competition dates on the Tickets/Dates page.

Stay tuned for 2025 application dates.

Application Criteria

  • The Apprentease is open to solo performers over the age of 18 years old, and they must live or have their primary occupation in the state they’re applying for.
  • Performers must perform one Burlesque act. The act must include the art of tease.
  • Competition is open to all genders and backgrounds.
  • Open to solo performers who are not yet working professionally (being booked regularly in paid burlesque show spots) in the Burlesque industry.
  • Performers will be judged on Characterisation, Engagement, Visual Presentation, Art of Tease and Movement & Musicality.

Competition Rules

  • Hand held props only, strictly no major props
  • 1 cabaret style chair available, no tables to be used due to storage unavailability.
  • No more than 1 backup dancer/ person prop
  • Act must be under 5 minutes and all music edited into one track.
  • No acts which depict cultural appropriation.
  • Venue licensing adhered to, ie: pasties worn and modesty coverage.
  • No mess. This includes the use of glitter, confetti, mylar, streamers and liquids
  • No use of real glass due to stage safety.
  • No fire due to venue regulations
  • No animals

Judging Criteria

(10 points each section, 50 points total)

  • Characterisation
  • Engagement
  • Visual Presentation
  • Art of Tease
  • Music & Musicality

Statement of Appropriate Behaviour

The Apprentease is committed to providing a platform to build a positive and supportive environment for the Australian burlesque community. We aim to support a thriving and diverse space, where performers from any background are welcome.
The Apprentease encourages and celebrates diversity

Bullying

Bullying of any kind is not tolerated within The Apprentease contest, including both physical and online spaces.

Cultural Appropriation

No acts that depict cultural appropriation will be accepted into The Apprentease contest.

Want to know more? Get culturally educated here.