GUIDELINES & POLICIES

Age Calculation: Calculated based on age on 1st January 2027.

Oldest Performer Rule: For Duos, Trios, and Groups, the category is determined by the oldest performer. No averages are used.

Proof of Age: Please be prepared to show valid ID if requested.

Refunds: All fees are strictly non-refundable.

Administrative Fee: A £10 fee applies per change (spelling, music, or performer swaps) for any updates requested within 2 weeks of the event.

Force Majeure: If the event is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control (including acts of God, strikes, pandemic restrictions, or venue closures), registration fees will be credited toward a future event. No cash refunds will be issued.

Submission Deadline: All audio tracks must be uploaded at least 14 days prior to the event. Performers whose tracks have not been uploaded will not be permitted to perform.

USB Backup: You must bring a USB flash drive containing your backing tracks on the day as a backup. If system issues arise and no USB backup is available, the performance cannot go ahead.

Vocal Restrictions: No lead vocal tracks are permitted on backing music for Singing or Song & Dance categories. Backing harmonies are allowed.

Accepted File Formats: All tracks must be uploaded in MP3 or WAV format only. Streaming links (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube) are not accepted.

Schedule Flexibility: We reserve the right to run up to 60 minutes ahead of schedule.

Check-In: Performers must be backstage 45 mins prior to their scheduled slot. If you are not present when called, you will forfeit your performance slot.

Performance Time Limits: Strict time limits apply across all categories:

• Solo (Singing/Song & Dance): 3 minutes maximum
• Solo (All other Disciplines): 2.5 minutes maximum
• Duo / Trio / Quartet: 3 minutes maximum
• Group (5+ performers): 5 minutes maximum

Props: Maximum 20 seconds allowed for set-up and 20 seconds for stage clearance.

Set Pieces: Minimal stage sets only, due to backstage space restrictions. The 20-second set-up and clearance rule remains strictly enforced.

Copyright: Do not copy choreography. Exact replicas of Broadway, West End, or music video routines are strictly prohibited without written permission.

Content: All material must be age appropriate. Profanity, suggestive movements, or sensitive themes (including self-harm, suicide, and graphic violence) are strictly prohibited.

Costuming: Costumes must be appropriate for the performer's age group and ensure suitable coverage and fit.

Floor Protection: No glitter, liquids, oils, confetti, or powders on stage. Any substance that alters the floor surface is banned.

Stage Debris: Any items dropped on stage during a performance (e.g., feathers, hairpins, costume elements) must be cleared immediately by the performer or team.

Safety Restrictions: Strictly no pyrotechnics/fire, live animals, or sharp objects.

Risk & Liability: Participation is at your own risk. We are not liable for personal injury, damage, or loss of property unless caused by proven negligence. Studios/organisations must hold their own comprehensive insurance cover.

Backstage Access: Backstage access is strictly restricted to wristband holders only. A maximum of one teacher or chaperone per school/studio is permitted in the wings. Parents are not permitted backstage.

Cleanliness & Venue Care: Changing areas and venue spaces must be left as found. A £50 cleaning fee will be billed to any school or group leaving areas untidy.

Zero Tolerance Policy: Any bullying, harassment, or aggressive behaviour from parents, performers, or staff will result in immediate removal from the venue without refund.

Chaperones & Supervision: Studio Principals and group leaders are responsible for ensuring all minors are always supervised by a licensed chaperone (recommended ratio 1:10). Broadway Breakthrough staff are not responsible for supervising children outside of the immediate stage area.

Media & Audience Photography: Photography and video recording from the audience are strictly banned. By participating, you grant Broadway Breakthrough and By the Collectives full rights to use any photography or video captured during the event for marketing, website, and social media purposes in perpetuity, without financial compensation. Written opt-outs must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the event.

Data Privacy & Scouting: By registering for the event, you agree that participant data may be shared internally across By the Collectives brands for the purpose of talent scouting, recruitment, and industry opportunities. Personal data is never sold to third parties.

Showcase Platform: Broadway Breakthrough is an international showcase connecting emerging talent directly with industry leaders, casting directors, talent agencies, and vocational college heads.

Industry Evaluation & Feedback: Every performance is observed by our elite industry panel. Panellists evaluate performances based on artistic clarity, storytelling, technique, character embodiment, and professional presentation. Written feedback is provided to support each performer's ongoing development.

Industry Awards & Opportunities: Rather than traditional placement scoring, the grand showcase focuses on industry recognition and career-defining pathways. Panel members award special distinctions, including:

• Vocational college summer school scholarships and training placements
• Mentorships
• Broadway Dreams NYC Showcase scholarship
• Direct agency representation

Scouting & Representation: Performance in the showcase grants direct consideration for talent scouting, agency rosters, and professional creative opportunities.

Panel Decisions: All feedback, awards, and scholarship selections made by the industry panel are final and delivered at the panel's professional discretion.

Our panel awards Industry Selects in each category.

What Are Industry Selects?: These are performers highlighted by our industry panel as possessing immediate commercial potential, exceptional stage presence, or unique artistic promise.

Focus on Potential: Being chosen as an Industry Select isn't strictly about technical perfection – it's about identifying artists who are ready for industry exposure, agent representation, college placements, or professional mentorship.

Opportunities: Industry Selects will automatically be invited to the Grand Showcase and will receive priority consideration for incoming scouting opportunities, agency meetings, and special industry awards.