Rising Star Talent Productions

If you have any questions about these rules or which category to enter, please email or call our office.

Returned Checks:	There will be a service charge of $40.00 for all checks returned by the bank. After a check has been returned by the bank, all future entries or purchases must be made by a money order or a cashier's check. If payment has not been received on a returned check by the competition date, the contestant will not be allowed to perform. NO CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR ENTRY FEES THAT ARE TO BE PAID AT THE DOOR!
Score Sheet Discrepancies:	Any discrepancy in score sheets must be brought to the attention of the Rising Star directors on the day of competition. No protest of score or age will be accepted after the day of the contest. ONLY TEACHERS WILL BE ALLOWED TO SEE THE MASTER CONTROL SHEET AND STATE A PROTEST.
Changes at the Door:	There will be a $10.00 fee for each change (category, age group or music) made at the door. This can be avoided by double-checking the confirmation information that is mailed to you. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS!
No Smoking:	Absolutely, no smoking will be allowed in the competition area.
Music:	All contestants must furnish their own music on a good quality CD or cassette with the tape rewound to start. Rising Star Talent Productions, Inc. recommends one (1) song per tape or CD. Any tape or CD related delay will result in a deduction of one (1) point per judge. Act number must be prominently displayed on the tape or CD.
Music Procedures:	The master of ceremonies will call for music approximately 5-10 numbers before your performance. Once your number has been called, turn in your labeled and rewound tape or CD, then report backstage. Rising Star labels need to be used on all cassettes or CDs!
Admission Charge:	There will be no admission charge at the door.
Dangerous Props:	Fire, swords, knives or live animals on stage are prohibited. Props are allowed, however, smoke or props that are connected to an electrical outlet may not be used. Contained dry ice is acceptable. Studios are responsible for getting props on and off stage. There is a three minute time limit for prop set up. After that time period a five point penalty will be accessed. Check with Stage Manager about where to leave props backstage.
Preliminary Schedule:	A tentative time schedule and directions to the competition location will be sent to all entries approximately five (5) days before the competition date. Late arrivals will receive a 10 point penalty unless you cannot perform on time due to costume change. If your act # is passed, you are considered late! If you cannot perform at your scheduled time, due to costume change, you will be given five (5) acts to change before being considered late. YOU MUST BE PREPARED TO PERFORM ONE (1) HOUR AHEAD OF YOUR SCHEDULED TIME.
Images:	Contestants give their permission to the directors of Rising Star Talent Productions, Inc. to use their photographs or video of any act in connection with advertising, promotions or news coverage of our competition.
Judging:	Contestants will be judged by a panel of competent judges, and all entrants agree that the time, manner, and method of judging the contest shall be solely within the discretion of the directors and producers of Rising Star Talent Productions, Inc. and that all decisions of the judges are final.

Overall Age Groups:

There are five overall age groups, each with subgroups:

● Petite (8 & Under):	4 & Under, 5-6 and 7-8
● Junior (9-12):	9-10 and 11-12
● Teen (13-14):	13-14
● Senior (15-19):	15-16 and 17-19
● Adult (20+):	20-39 and 40+

No Repeats:

Contestants may enter as many categories as desired but each routine must be different. The same contestants cannot compete more than once in the same category and age group in solo, duet/trio, small group, large group, line or super group competition.

Average Age:

The average age determines which age group one fits into. THIS AVERAGE MUST INCLUDE ALL PERSONS APPEARING ON STAGE AT ANY TIME DURING A NUMBER. When an average age ends in 0.5 or above, it is rounded up to the next age. Names, ages and birthdates of all contestants must appear on the entry form. Contestants will be responsible for producing proof of age to contest directors, should a question arise. Failure to do so may result in disqualification and forfeiture of award. PROOF OF AGE MUST BE AVAILABLE AT EVERY CONTEST.

January 1:

All ages are set as of January 1; however, at Nationals, all contestants will compete in the same age group that they qualified in at Regionals. (EXCEPTION: If an act qualifies in more than one age group at Regional Competitions, they must compete in the higher age group, no matter what the category, at Nationals.) If a duet/trio or group has ANY CHANGES of performers between regional and nationals, Rising Star will re-average the age with the new performer(s) and they must compete at the new average age at nationals. No solo performer will be allowed to compete in more than one age group, e.g., (11-12) Jazz or (13-14) Open -- the act must perform in one age group, not both.

Adult Acts:

Adult acts are only eligible for Top Adult Act award. Any act that has a minimum of 50% of the participants 20 years of age or older performing in it, or any one person who is 20 years of age or older and a full-time dance studio owner or dance teacher. They can win the category but will not be eligible for top awards. Example: In a duet, if a participant is 20 years old or older it would be an Adult act. In a group, 50% or more of the total number of participants must be 20 or over or a full-time owner or teacher; if a solo, in the 17-19 age group is a full-time teacher at a studio; these are considered an Adult act.

# of Performers:

There are seven divisions:

● Solo:	1 performer appearing in only 1 solo category
● Soloist:	1 performer appearing in more than 1 solo category
● Duet/Trio:	2-3 performers
● Small Group:	4-9 performers
● Large Group:	10-19 performers
● Line:	20-29 performers
● Super Group:	30+ performers

No Repeats:

The same contestants cannot compete more than once in an identical combination of age group, category and division. Improper entry will be determined by the judges or Rising Star staff.

Level 1 vs. 2:

Level 1 is for any performance in the beginning stage of their competitive career (it is not eligible for gift certificate awards). Level 2 is for experienced performers (eligible for gift certificate awards). Teachers, please use discretion in determining levels. Any act in Level 1 that scores a 269 or above will be automatically moved to Level 2!

No Repeats:	Contestants may enter as many categories as desired but each routine must be different. The same contestant cannot compete more than once in an identical combination of age group, category and division, e.g., one performer or more cannot be in two groups that are “11-12 Small Group Jazz.” If you have any questions about what category to enter, please contact our office. Improper entry will be determined by the judges or Rising Star staff.
Gym/Acro Tricks:	All gym/acro tricks and/or props in technical dance categories ARE ALLOWED. NO MORE THAN 2 TRICKS PER ACT. Rolls on the floor are acceptable. One (1) trick done simultaneously by members of a Duet/Trio or Group is counted as only one (1) trick. Passes such as round-off-backhand-spring would be counted as two (2) tricks.
Trick Definition:	When the feet pass over the head or vice versa, it is counted as a gym/acro trick. However, rolls on the floor are acceptable, e.g., shoulder rolls, front- and back-rolls. Two tricks per routine are allowed, e.g., round-off-back-handspring is two tricks.

Category

Technical
Category

3+ Tricks
Allowed

Definition

Ballet	Yes*	No	Routine must consist of Ballet technique movements.
Character	No	Yes	A routine portraying an easily recognizable character throughout; with music, costume, and dance. Must incorporate some form of DANCE. This is not to be used as another option for "Tap", "Jazz", etc. No straight vocal performances in this category.
Clogging	Yes*	No	A routine incorporating "Clogging" technique and style.
Contemporary	No	Yes	Routine incorporating lyrical, modern and jazz movements. Showing extensions and balance while interpeting the music.
Gymnastic/Acrobatic	No	Yes	Routine must demonstrate gymnastic moves incorporated with rhythm of music. The routine must be mostly Gymnastics/Acrobatic moves. This category must have nine (9) or more tricks in the routine.
Hip Hop	No	Yes	A routine consisting of funk, street style or pop and lock moves.
Jazz	Yes*	No	Routine must consist of primarily Jazz technique.
Lyrical Dance	No	No	Routine should demonstrate balance, extension, isolations and control using contemporary lyrical styles. The dance should somewhat tell the story of the music.
Musical Theater	No	Yes	A form of dance, tumbling or vocalization featuring interpretation of a song from a Broadway-style show or movie musical.
Novelty	No	Yes	A routine that incorporates two or more styles of dance or a routine that does not fall under one of our other categories. Example: Baton, Modern or Tahitian. This category can not be used to enter another "Tap", "Jazz" etc. These types of additional routines should be in the Open category. If the judges feel that this is being done, a ten point penalty will assessed.
Open	No	Yes	Any type of routine can be entered in this category. This is also the place to put your second Tap, Jazz, Clogging, etc. number; but the number must be different from your original category number. No performance can be questioned for category placement in Open.
Pointe	Yes*	No	Same as Ballet, but must be performed in hard toe pointe shoes.
Pom Pom/Cheer	No	Yes	Routine incorporating the use of Pom Poms to upbeat or marching music. Pom Poms must be used at least 80% of the time, with 50% of the routine incorporating any type of dance.
Photogenic	No	N/A	All entries in this category must bring a single recent 5×7 or 8×10 photograph (preferably nothing smaller) in any pose in black & white or in color. This category is divided into two (2) age groups: 12 & under and 13 & over. Only the top three (3) in each age group will be recognized. This is the only category that can be entered at the door. We would prefer you not send photos, but bring them to the contest. You must be entered in the talent competition to win. No composite photos will be accepted. You may enter more than one (1) picture, but you will pay a separate charge for each picture entered.
Production	No	Yes	Must have ten (10) or more members in the group; incorporating different styles of dance or formations and/or rhythm changes. This category has been allotted a maximum of eight (8) minutes.
Song & Dance	No	No	Must contain both singing and any style of dance (Tap, Jazz, etc.). Accompaniment must be on tape or CD, there must be absolutely no lead vocals on tape or CD -- this will be a 10-point deduction. Microphone will be provided; no lapel microphones may be used. No more than one (1) microphone will be available! No special equipment may be hooked into Rising Star's sound system.
Tap	Yes*	No	Routine must contain Tap technique and primarily Tap work. There will be a 10-point penalty for Tap or tap-like sounds on tape or CD; if tap sounds are on tape or CD, this should be entered into Open or Novelty category.
Vocal	No	Props are allowed, tricks are not.	Routine can be any type of Vocal presentation showing musical range, pitch, style and timing. Accompaniment, if used, must be on tape or CD and THERE MUST BE ABSOLUTELY NO LEAD VOCALS ON THE TAPE OR CD or there will be a 10-point deduction. Microphone will be provided; no lapel microphones may be used. No more than one (1) microphone will be available! No special equipment may be hooked into Rising Star's sound system.

* Technical dance category -- 2 tricks are allowed!!!!!

Deadlines:	Entries must be postmarked twenty-one (21) days before the competition date. ENTRIES POSTMARKED AFTER THAT DATE MUST BE SENT EXPRESS MAIL OR FAXED TO OUR OFFICE WITH A MONEY ORDER OR CASHIER'S CHECK (original form must be mailed stating that it had been faxed) and will be assessed a late fee of $5.00 per act and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Entries are limited to the amount of performance time available.
Refund Policy:	Entries are not normally refundable! A 50% refund may be obtained with proof of medical reasons. Rising Star Talent Productions reserves the right to cancel any competition. At that time, all entry fees for that contest will be refunded or transferred to another contest. Entries labeled "Routine To Be Announced," "the name of the studio" or entries with "Team Titles" in the place of the music being performed WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Video Submissions:	If you are unable to attend one of our Regional Competitions, but wish to come to our National Competition, you may qualify by videotape. You must pay the normal entry fee, but will receive no awards. The videotape will be taken to the next Regional Competition and the judges there will watch the tape and determine if the performance qualifies for the National Competition.
No Entry Form:	If you do not have an entry form; fill out your name, address, birthdate, telephone number, studio name, category, and name of your music on a plain sheet of paper. If you have any questions, regarding what category to enter, please feel free to contact us.

Level 1 vs. 2:

Total points required in award levels are lower for Level 1 than other divisions. All Platinum, Gold and Silver winners qualify for the National Competitions. Any Level 1 act that scores above a 269 will be autmatically moved to Level 2!

Score	Level 1	Level 2
Platinum	N/A	270 or more
Gold	250 or more	255-269
Silver	235-249	240-254

Score Sheet Discrepancies:

Any discrepancy in score sheets must be brought to the attention of the Rising Star directors on the day of competition. No protest of score or age will be accepted after the day of the contest. Only teachers will be allowed to see the master control sheet and state a protest.

Judging:

A panel of competent judges will evaluate contestants, and all entrants agree that the time, manner and method of judging the contest shall be solely within the discretion of the directors and producers of Rising Star Talent Productions, Inc. All decisions of the judges are final.

Maximum Time:

The maximum time limit for a performance varies by division. There is no minimum time limit. If a Large Group, Line or Super Group competes in the "Production" category, the time limit is extended to eight (8) minutes.

Division	Maximum Time Limit
Solo	Three (3) minutes
Duet/Trio	Three (3) minutes
Small Group	Three (3) minutes
Large Group	Three (3) minutes
Line	Six (6) minutes
Super Group	Six (6) minutes
Production (Large Group, Line or Super Group)	Eight (8) minutes

Overtime:

Any performance going over the maximum time limit below will be charged $5.00 for each additional fifteen (15) seconds over the allotted time. If the overtime fee is not paid, a five-point penalty will be assessed for each fifteen (15) seconds of overtime.

Penalties and deductions are determined by the judges or Rising Star staff.

Action	Penalty/Deduction
Changes at the door	$10 per change
Lead Vocals on tape/CD in "Vocal" or "Song & Dance" categories	Ten (10) points
Tap-like sounds on tape/CD of any act entered in "Tap" category	Ten (10) points
Improper category entry	Ten (10) points
Late arrival (all acts are to be ready to perform one (1) hour before scheduled -- if we pass your act, you are considered late)	Ten (10) points
Intentional littering of the stage (we have to clean stage)	Ten (10) points
Prop hooked to electrical device	Twenty (20) points
Prop set up time over 3 minutes	Five (5) points
More than 2 tricks in technical dance category	Ten (10) points
Unauthorized videotaping or digital camera	Potential disqualification
Run-Off (any act is not completed for any reason, it has the option to re-perform, but will not be re-scored)	Lowest score in its category (no higher than Silver Second Place) and disqualification for top awards. Participant has the option to re-perform, but will not be re-scored.

No Home Video:

Videotaping and digital cameras are not allowed in competition room. Anyone caught videotaping or with a digital camera device may face potential disqualification and the videotape or camera disc will be confiscated.

DVD Orders:

A video or DVD of your performance can be purchased upon request. The cost of a video is $25.00 for the first act and $12.50 for each additional act on the same tape. Any videotape ordered before the performance will be given a discount. If ordered before the performance, videotapes will be available the day of the contest for pickup. If ordered after the performance the videotape may need to be mailed to you, at an additional cost of $5.00.

Trophies vs. Awards:

Trophies are awarded to the three highest-scoring acts in each category that finish either in the Platinum, Gold or Silver scoring range. All other acts will receive an award designating Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze winner. Solos and all members of a duet or trio, will each receive an individual trophy or award; groups will receive one trophy or award for the studio with an award for each member of the group. Additional awards may be purchased for winning acts. All Platinum, Gold and Silver winners qualify for either/both National Competitions.

Special Awards:

A GOLD score or higher must be obtained if you are the only entrant in a division to make your routine eligible for top awards and Rising Star, i.e., Solo, Soloist, or Shining Star, i.e., Duet/Trio, Small Group, Large Group, Line, Super Group. If, at your request, your act does not perform within its age category, it will not be eligible for top awards. THERE MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 5 ENTRIES IN A DIVISION FOR GIFT CERTIFICATES TO BE AWARDED, e.g., Petite Small Group, Senior Duet/Trios etc.

Ties:

Ties for top awards will not be broken. The gift certificate award involved will be divided equally among those tied. Trophies will be duplicated for all acts involved. ALL AWARDS ARE FINAL!

Age Group Awards:

The following will be presented to an act within each age group (Petite: 8 & Under, Junior: 9-12, Teen: 13-14, and Senior: 15-19):

Division	Award
All Level 1	Trophy
Solo Level 2	$25 Gift Certificate* & Trophy
Soloist Level 2	$50 Gift Certificate* & Trophy (Determined by adding the two highest scores of each soloist entering at least two categories.)
Duet/Trio Level 2	$50 Gift Certificate* & Trophy
Small Group Level 2	$100 Gift Certificate* & Trophy
Large Group Level 2	$100 Gift Certificate* & Trophy
Line Group Level 2	$200 Gift Certificate* & Trophy
Super Group Level 2	$200 Gift Certificate* & Trophy
Photogenic (12 & Under and 13 & Over only)	Trophy & free entry to a National Competition as long as the entrant is competing in another category at that competition

* If Gift Certificate is used at Nationals it must be used by the act that won the certificate at the Regional Competition.

Adult Award:

Any act that has a minimum of 50% of the participants 20 years of age or older performing in it, or any one person who is 18 years of age or older and a full-time dance studio owner or dance teacher. They can win the category but will not be eligible for top awards. Example: In a duet, if a participant is 20 or older it would be an Adult act. In a group, 50% or more of the total number of participants must be 20 or over or a full-time owner or teacher; if a Solo, in the 17-19 age group is a full-time teacher at a studio; these are considered Adult acts.

Division	Award
Adult	$25 Gift Certificate

Excellence in Dance:

The “Excellence in Dance” trophy is awarded to the highest score of the day.

Rising & Shining Star:

The following will be presented to an act within each of the overall age groups (12 & Under and 13 & Over) that is judged to be one of the most entertaining as well as one of the highest scoring acts of the competition. This will be a decision of the judges and directors.

Division	Award
Rising Star*	Trophy to the contestant in Solo and Soloist divisions (excluding Adult acts)
Shining Star*	Trophy to the Duet/Trio, Small Group, Large Group, Line or Super Group (excluding Adult acts)

* A studio must have at least 10 acts participating to be eligible for Rising or Shining Star

Trophies vs. Awards:

Trophies are awarded to the three highest-scoring acts in each category that finish either in the Platinum, Gold or Silver scoring range. All other acts will receive an award designating Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze winner. Solos and all members of a duet or trio, will each receive an individual trophy or award; groups will receive one trophy or award for the studio with an award for each member of the group. Additional awards may be purchased for winning acts.

Ties:

Ties for top awards will not be broken. The cash award involved will be divided equally among those tied. Trophies will be duplicated for all acts involved. ALL AWARDS ARE FINAL!

Age Group Awards:

The following will be presented to an act within each age group (Petite: 8 & Under, Junior: 9-12, Teen: 13-14, and Senior: 15-19):

Division	1st Place	2nd Place	3rd Place	4th/5th Place
All Level 1	Award	Award	Award	Award
Solo Level 2	$50 Gift Certificate* & 3-foot Trophy	$25 Gift Certificate* & Award	$15 Gift Certificate* & Award	Award
Soloist Level 2	$75 Gift Certificate* & 3-foot Trophy	$50 Gift Certificate* & Award	$25 Gift Certificate* & Award	Award
Duet/Trio	$75 Gift Certificate* & 3-foot Trophy	$50 Gift Certificate* & Award	$25 Gift Certificate* & Award	Award
Small Group	$100 Gift Certificate* & 3-foot Trophy	$50 Gift Certificate* & Award	$25 Gift Certificate* & Award	Award
Large Group	$250 Gift Certificate* & 3-foot Trophy	$50 Gift Certificate* & Award	$25 Gift Certificate* & Award	Award
Line	$400 Gift Certificate* & 3-foot Trophy	$75 Gift Certificate* & Award	$50 Gift Certificate* & Award	Award
Super Group	$400 Gift Certificate* & 3-foot Trophy	$100 Gift Certificate* & Award	$50 Gift Certificate* & Award	Award
Adult	$75 Gift Certificate* & 3-foot Trophy	$50 Gift Certificate* & Award	$25 Gift Certificate* & Award	Award
Photogenic**	$50 Gift Certificate* & 3-foot Trophy	$25 Gift Certificate* & Award	$10 Gift Certificate* & Award	Award

* There must be at least five (5) entries in a division, e.g., Junior Small Group, Senior Soloist, etc., for a gift certificate to be awarded.
** 12 & Under and 13 & Over only

Rising & Shining Star:

Rising Star, i.e., Solo, Soloist, or Shining Star, i.e., Duet/Trio, Small Group, Large Group, Line, Super Group, awards are determined in a special competition at the end of the 12 & Under and 13 & Over competitions, respectfully.

Award	1st Place	2nd Place	3rd Place
Rising Star	$250 & 6-foot Trophy	Trophy	Trophy
Shining Star	$500 & 6-foot Trophy	Trophy	Trophy

Scholarships:

Hard work, continued dedication and enthusiasm are essential for young dancers in today’s world. We at Rising Star wish to encourage these characteristics. As a way to encourage these attributes, we offer scholarships at our National Competitions for age levels 12 & Under and 13 & Over.

The scholarships will be awarded through an audition process during our National Competition workshops. The audition process will involve combinations from other workshops, singing, tumbling, basic tap and ballet steps. The scholarships will be awarded by a decision of the judges and directors. Each scholarship is for $150 to be used to further the winner’s dance education. DANCER MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE AWARD!!!

Michael R. DelBianco
1962-1995

12 & Under: Michael DelBianco Memorial Scholarship
Michael R. DelBianco was a wonderful friend of Rising Star who judged with us for many years. His love of dance inspired many of our young competitors to continue their dance experience. Those who knew him, rejoiced in his talent. We lost Michael to AIDS on October 3, 1995. By offering this scholarship, we continue our profound relationship with Michael and his love of dance!

Morgan L. Judd
1992–2011

13 & Over: Morgan Judd Memorial Scholarship
Morgan L. Judd was an amazing dancer as well as a wonderful young person. She was a competitor at Rising Star from an early age. Morgan left us all too soon on December 6, 2011 due to a brain aneurism. With this scholarship, we hope to continue her passion for dance by encouraging young performers to enhance their talent. She was a part of the Rising Star family for many years and we will miss her smiling face!