• Any secondary school can enter.  Groups can sizes can range from 20 to 120.
• Wakakirri encourages Secondary School productions to be created by students or be a 60:40 collaboration between students and teachers
• Can we get help? Yes! If your school is under resourced or your teachers don’t have the time to help students create a story-dance the Wakakirri Artist is Residence program can provide a solution. Check out the details here.
• Costs for Wakakirri vary according to how you choose participate (Wakakirri Live or Wakakirri Video). There also may be costs for sets props and travel that you might need to consider. Check out our price guide here.
• Wakakirri is a festival, not a competition but Wakakirri does acknowledge schools who exemplify the Wakakirri ethos ‘Great Stories Inspire Change’ via a number of awards including Excellence in Performing Arts. See the full list of awards here.
• There is no judging criteria or matrix but there are story-dance guidelines that schools should follow. Secondary schools also have the option of using ‘live singing’ as part of their production. See the full Guidelines here.
• Free Careers Day – All schools are invited to attend this online event featuring keynote speakers and workshops for participating students. See more details here.
• Cert 2 In Dance – Planning, designing, choreographing and rehearsing a Wakakirri Story-Dance is a lot of hard work! Students can now double their reward for this work and earn a vocational qualification at the same time.  See more details here.

1. GUIDELINES
   1. A Wakakirri Story-Dance is a 3-7 minute performance by a group of students that theatrically tells a story using any combination of dancing, acting, creative movement, sets and props, costumes, projection, and pre-recorded music.  Wakakirri Video entries can be creatively edited with special effects included.
   2. Schools can tell any STORY they wish. The story should be progressive (orientation, complication, resolution) engaging, easy to follow, appropriate, and relevant to the performers.
   3. The story should be mainly told through STORY-DANCING. Story Dancing is the creative combination of dancing, creative movement and acting to tell a story. Creativity and characterisation are important elements of Story Dancing
   4. The SOUNDTRACK should enhance the telling of the story but not relied upon to tell the story. Lyrical content must be rated no higher than PG
   5. A Story Dance item can have SETS, PROPS, COSTUMES and PROJECTIONS (and special effects for video entries) that enhance the telling of the story (not tell the story), well utilised and are not gratuitous. Wakakirri encourages schools to minimise their environmental footprint when creating props and costumes for their performance. Special awards are available to schools that excel in this area.
   6. Schools can incorporate the annual signature motif into their story for an extra challenge. This is NOT compulsory.
   7. Secondary schools can use LIVE SINGING to enhance their soundtrack. Live singing should support the telling of the story (not tell the story). Lyrical content MUST be rated no higher than PG.
   8. Wakakirri encourages Secondary School productions to be created by students or be a 60:40 collaboration between students and teachers.
2. Schools have the choice of entering the following events;
   1. Wakakirri Live (Perform live on stage)
   2. Wakakirri Video (Enter via video)
3. Each event is divided into school levels
   1. Primary schools
   2. Secondary schools
   3. Dance schools & community groups

Wakakirri Live

• Participation fees for Wakakirri Live are $35 (incl GST) per student which includes pre season workshops, certificates and a streamable copy of your school’s performance. 
• Optional costs to consider include props, costumes and transport to the theatre. 
• Parents and friends are invited to watch students perform. Tickets prices start at $36

Wakakirri Video

• The fee for Wakakirri Video is $200 (incl GST) per entry. This includes screening, certificates and feedback.

Artist in Residence Programs

• There are a variety of AIR programs. For a full list of prices go to our Artist in Residence Page here

Subsidies for schools

• The Wakakirri Inspiration Fund was established to encourage and assist disadvantaged schools to participate in Wakakirri. The fund is filled each year by public donations and grants. Schools can apply for subsidies on participation fees via the fund here.

1. STORIES

   1. Performance Duration

      1. Minimum of three (3) minutes and a maximum of seven (7) minutes in length. Timing of the performance begins with the first sound and/or movement and concludes with the last sound and/or movement.
      2. Schools that exceed the seven-minute time limit will be penalised. Items exceeding seven (7) minutes and 30 seconds will not be permitted to perform on stage.

   2. Basic Numbers

      1. Minimum Student Numbers = 20
      2. Maximum Student Numbers = 120 (includes backstage crew)
      3. Maximum of 3 entries per school
      4. The total number of student/adult helpers allowed to assist with Dressing, Hair and Make-up etc. is based on the ratio of 1-10 performers/stage crew. (I.e. 80 cast/crew = 8 helpers)
      5. The appropriate legal teacher-student supervision ratio is also required from each school.

   3. Indigenous stories

      1. Wakakirri requires schools to gain permission and take special consideration when interpreting Indigenous stories or portraying Indigenous individuals or images.

   4. Story Content Rating

      1. Must be rated no higher than PG. Wakakirri reserves the right to make schools remove any content (including soundtracks or images) that are rated higher than PG.

2. SOUNDTRACK

   1. Music used must be pre-recorded.
   2. Instruments can be used on stage as props but the audio must come from your pre-recorded soundtrack. No microphones or amplification for instruments will be provided.
   3. Soundtracks used by must be rated no higher than PG.
   4. Music must be brought to the performance day on ONE single, edited track on USB

3. MAKE-UP

   1. Please ensure that you bring drop sheets on the day of your performance especially if you are using make-up. These MUST be used in the dressing rooms to prevent make-up from staining dressing room surfaces.
   2. Schools will be charged for extra cleaning by the venue if they do not adhere to these rules and fail to bring along and use drop sheets.

4. LIGHTING

   1. Wakakirri events are held in Professional Theatres with a multi purpose lighting rig installed that can produce a range of colours and effects. Schools cannot bring additional lighting and must use what Wakakirri supplies.
   2. Each school must provide a student to describe and call the lighting cues to the lighting operator.

5. PROJECTION

   1. Schools have the option of projecting still or moving images onto the rear cyclorama using a pre rigged data projector provided.
   2. Images must be provided on USB (refer to the projection guide for file formats and aspect ratios).
   3. No still or moving images of any kind can be used unless they are original (i.e created by students for Wakakirri), royalty free or permission has been granted by the owner of those images.

6. USE OF IMAGES

   1. No images of any kind can be used unless they are ORIGINAL (i.e created by students for Wakakirri), royalty free or permission has been granted by the owner of those images.  This includes still and moving images for projection as well as any designs replicated for use on sets, props, or costumes.
   2. It is up to each school to seek permission to use copyrighted images to gain this approval and to forward a copy of this approval to the Wakakirri National Office.  Schools must retain a record at the school and bring with them to show day as evidence should the Wakakirri crew require proof of approval.
   3. Wakakirri has the right to refuse any projections, sets, props or costumes should it be in breach of rule 6.1

7. CORPORATE LOGOS/SYMBOLS

   1. Schools must NOT use corporate symbols, logos or names. Schools must obtain permission from corporations before using their symbols/logos or name.  It is up to each school to seek and gain this approval, forward a copy of this approval to the Wakakirri National Office and retain a record at the school and bring with them to show day as evidence should the Wakakirri crew require proof of approval.
   2. Wakakirri has the right to refuse any projections, sets, props or costumes should it be in breach of rule 7.1

8. STAGING

   1. Stage Crews

      1. If you have set pieces and props, you must provide a backstage crew of students who are rehearsed in moving the set on and off the stage, in the allocated time.

   2. Setting the stage

      1. When called each school has 2 minutes to set their stage
      2. At the conclusion of the performance each school has 2 minutes to strike their set from the stage.

9. SETS AND PROPS

   1. All sets and large props MUST fit safely into a backstage area of 3 x 2m. All sets and props must fit into your backstage area safely and securely. Sets and props may be stacked (safely) on top of each other in this space.
   2. Each individual set or prop must be able to be safely moved and lifted by a maximum of 4 students.
   3. All individual sets and props must fit through a standard door frame (80cm x 2m) when moving onto the stage. They can expand once on stage.
   4. No set or prop may exceed 3m in height on stage.
   5. Handrails must be used if a performer is standing/moving on sets at or above 1.5m.
   6. All sets must be non-flammable
   7. Only costumes and props you can hold in one hand can be stored in your dressing space.
   8. No scenery or backdrops can be ‘flown in’ (i.e. hanging from the Theatre fly bars or from the ceiling). All sets must be ‘free standing’ on the stage. No rigging is allowed
   9. The safety and eligibility of all sets and props, including their appropriate storage backstage, will be determined and approved by the Stage Manager on the day. Unsafe sets and props will not be allowed on stage.
   10. Schools must ensure their sets and props are collected from the venue at the end of each night. Anything left on the premises is done so at the sole risk and cost of the school.
   11. Any piece exceeding the measurement restrictions will not be permitted on stage.

10. SAFE DANCE AND STAGE PRACTICES

    1. All schools must follow the Safe Dance Practices guidelines according to their State or Territory education department.
    2. The Wakakirri Stage Manager has the right to stop a school from performing if they are using dance practices deemed to be unsafe.

    3. Bikes, skateboards, roller-skates, stilts etc. on stage

       1. Bikes, skateboards, ride on toys, stilts etc. are all referred to as ‘ride on toys’ in the following rules.
       2. Schools must have signed approval from students’ parents and Principal approving the use of the ride on toy.
       3. If a student can fall from a height when using the ride on toy (e.g. stilts) then a spotter (i.e someone to catch them if they fall) must be used.
       4. Any student operating a ride on toy must wear appropriate safety gear. i.e. helmets and pads.
       5. Students cannot ride faster than walking pace.
       6. No tricks or manoeuvres that may involve potential loss of control of the toy are allowed.
       7. The Wakakirri Stage Manager has the right to refuse the use of a ride on toy in a performance if he/she decides it does not comply with Wakakirri rules or is unsafe.

    4. Duty of Care / Supervision

       1. Teachers must follow the Duty of Care requirements as set out by their respective Departments of Education, including carrying a first aid kit.
       2. Your school Principal must authorise  the use and appropriateness of all content including story, music, dance practices, sets, props and/or acrobatics used in our performance and declare them to be in accordance with Education Department  guidelines
       3. The Wakakirri Stage and Production Manager reserves the right to ban any performances on the day deemed to have unsafe, racist, or culturally inappropriate elements.
       4. Wakakirri is a drug free, alcohol free and smoke free event. Any students breaking this rule will not be allowed to perform and may result in your school being disqualified.

    5. Prohibited Items

       1. Sets requiring mains power. N.B. Battery operated lights such as torches are acceptable.
       2. Pyrotechnics (fireworks etc.)
       3. Any liquids (including Flammable liquids)
       4. Naked flame including candles
       5. Dry ice
       6. Water Sprayers
       7. Fire extinguishers are not permitted for use in creating stage effects
       8. Glass
       9. Straw Bales
       10. Flying Foxes
       11. Helium Balloons must be tied down or weighted to prevent rising
       12. Glitter or confetti is not to be thrown in the air at any stage of your performance. It is only permitted as part of makeup or prop decoration and glue must always be used.
       13. Tap shoes are prohibited at some venues. If you intend to use tap shoes, you must contact Wakakirri to discuss whether this is possible at your performance venue.

11. AWARDS SHOWCASE NIGHT

    1. 1. There must be no alteration to the performance between the Performance night and Awards Showcase night

12. ADDITIONAL RULES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

    1. Live Singing

       1. Two handheld cordless microphones will be provided (to allow for soloists or duets). Only one person can sing/talk into each microphone at a time
       2. Backing tracks or silence for live singers or spoken word must be part of your performance soundtrack.

1. STORIES

   1. Performance Duration

      1. Minimum of three (3) minutes and a maximum of seven (7) minutes in length. Timing of the performance begins with the first sound and/or movement and concludes with the last sound and/or movement.
      2. Schools that exceed the seven-minute time limit will be penalised. Items exceeding seven (7) minutes and 30 seconds will not be accepted.

   2. Basic Numbers

      1. There is no min or max student number
      2. Maximum of 3 entries per school

   3. Indigenous stories

      1. Wakakirri requires schools to gain permission and take special consideration when interpreting Indigenous stories or portraying Indigenous individuals or images.

   4. Story Content Rating

      1. Must be rated no higher than PG.
      2. Wakakirri reserves the right to ban any performances deemed to have unsafe, racist, or culturally inappropriate elements.

2. FILMING

   1. Editing and special effects should enhance the telling of the story (not tell the story), be well utilised and not be gratuitous.
   2. Filming location can change throughout the performance.
   3. Multiple camera shots are permissible. You can film your story-dance as separate clips and edit the clips together
   4. Special editing effects can be used to enhance the delivery of the story.
   5. No editing or specific camera skills are required for filming your Story-Dance, (though they are permissible) you will be marked mainly on the performance, not on the editing.

3. SOUNDTRACK

   1. Soundtracks used by must be rated no higher than PG.

4. SETS AND PROPS

   1. There are no restrictions on the sizing of props and sets however the Wakakirri Story-Dance philosophy, where we encourage resourcefulness and minimisation in the design, creation and use of sets, props and costumes, should be considered

5. SAFE DANCE AND STAGE PRACTICES

   1. All schools must follow the Safe Dance Practices guidelines according to their State or Territory education department.

6. USE OF IMAGES

   1. No images of any kind can be used unless they are ORIGINAL (i.e created by students for Wakakirri), royalty free or permission has been granted by the owner of those images.  This includes still and moving images for projection as well as any designs replicated for use on sets, props, or costumes.
   2. It is up to each school to seek permission to use copyrighted images to gain this approval and to forward a copy of this approval to the Wakakirri National Office.  Schools must retain a record at the school.
   3. Wakakirri has the right to refuse video entries should they breach rule 6.1

7. CORPORATE LOGOS/SYMBOLS

   1. Schools must NOT use corporate symbols, logos or names. Schools must obtain permission from corporations before using their symbols/logos or name.  It is up to each school to seek and gain this approval, forward a copy of this approval to the Wakakirri National Office and retain a record at the school
   2. Wakakirri has the right to refuse video entries should they breach rule 7.1

Schools can choose to tell any story that they wish. Schools’ performances are often inspired by the Wakakirri ethos ‘great stories inspire change’ and the annual festival motif (in 2023 the motif is CHANGE). Wakakirri has chosen CHANGE as the motif for 2023 as the world today is experiencing rapid change. This change has endless possibilities, no matter the outcome. Change can allow us to meet new people, create new experiences, knowledge, achieve great feats and transform lives.

Wakakirri acknowledges schools who exemplify the Wakakirri ethos ‘Great Stories Inspire Change’ (schools efforts in raising awareness, community building and excellence in performing arts).  At the end of the season a special selection of schools are showcased on the Wakakirri website.

RECONCILIATION AUSTRALIA AWARD presented by Reconciliation Australia. Awarded for the creation of an inspired Wakakirri Story-Dance AND community work to increase respect, reduce prejudice or strengthen relationships between the wider Australian Community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  Reconciliation Australia Teachers Resource Video / Reconciliation Australia Teachers Fact Sheet

MUFFIN BREAK RAISING AWARENESS AWARD presented by Muffin Break, Awarded for the creation of an inspired inspired Wakakirri Story-Dance AND community work to effectively raise awareness about an important community issue.

NATIONAL STORY AWARDS – Awarded for excellence in performing arts and raising awareness in a story category (Environment, Mental Health & Well-Being, Animal Welfare, Society or Cultural Diversity, Human Rights, History

Schools can choose to tell any story that they wish. Schools’ performances are often inspired by the Wakakirri ethos ‘great stories inspire change’ and the annual festival signature motif (in 2023 the motif is CHANGE). Environmental, social, cultural, health, historical & reconciliation stories are all popular. Each year hundreds of schools across Australia create and perform Story-Dances for Wakakirri that reflect students’ thoughts, ideas and aspirations.

Wakakirri has chosen CHANGE as the motif for 2023.  The world today is experiencing rapid change. This change has endless possibilities, no matter the outcome. Change can allow us to meet new people, create new experiences, knowledge, achieve great feats and transform lives.

Information & Forms

• Student participation and publicity consent form
• Information for parents, students, and caregivers  (download a copy to edit)
• Shared Services – Pre payment form

Need help recruiting students? Show this video to your students

Further resources

• Cue Sheet Lighting & Projection
• Lighting Guide
• Projection Guide
• Three Secrets To Success
• Wakakirri BIG Thank you Award
• Child Safe Policy
• Risk Management
• Minimise your footprint
• National Curriculum
• Reconciliation Australia Teachers Resource Video
• Reconciliation Australia Teachers Fact Sheet
• Wakakirri In Your School: Curriculum Guide

“Schools that complete the Wakakirri Masterclass always get better results.”

The 2023 P.D Masterclass is a 60 minute ‘Meet and Greet’ webinar presented by the Wakakirri Festival Director Adam Loxley.   Come along and meet the Wakakirri Festival Director and the whole Wakakirri team and we will talk you through the whole process, answer questions and give you lots of tips on how to make your Wakakirri experience fun and avoid the common mistakes most first time schools make.   Held via Zoom, this is the perfect way to get your Wakakirri Story-Dance off to a flying start!

Available Sessions

• Thursday 23rd February at 5pm AEST
• Thursday 30th March at 5pm AEST

Register your spot here for the 2023 session

Watch the 2022 masterclass

Not sure where to start?

Wakakirri can provide qualified Performing Arts Facilitators that can come to your school and do most of the heavy lifting needed to create a story-dance performance. Teachers can still be involved in the process but without the pressure of being in charge! Wakakirri’s Artist in Residence Programs can be used for Wakakirri Live or Wakakirri Video events.

The Wakakirri Inspiration Fund raises funds to help schools in disadvantaged communities to participate in Wakakirri. Any school can apply for funds, they simply need their Principal to complete the below form outlining their request. Schools can apply for funding each year which can be spent on subsidising Wakakirri student participation fees

One school spoke to Education Today about how they’ve benefitted from the Wakakirri Inspiration Fund, read more here

Selection Criteria;

• Schools with an ICSEA of less than 1000 are prioritised.
• Schools that have never participated in Wakakirri before are prioritised.
• Applications must be received before funding cycles close.

Funding closing date

• Applications for the 2023 season close 5pm 15th March 2023 (schools notified of outcome 29th March 2023)

How to apply

• Click here to submit an application

Wakakirri holds an annual online event (via zoom) for passionate secondary students, who have an interest in learning and creating pathways into the performing arts world.  On Careers Day, it is our hope that students will be inspired, encouraged and informed about what it takes to succeed in the Entertainment Industry.  Joining the event will be special guest speaker and Wakakirri Ambassador Kat Hoyos!

2023 THEME: Getting Started in the Industry

• Guest Speaker: Kat Hoyos
• Host: Wakakirri Programs Coordinator Tony Keeble
• Date/Time: The event will be held in May 2023.  (Date and time will be announced in March 2023)
• Duration: 60 minutes

RSVP

Click here to either register for the Wakakirri 2023 live and video events or to contact us for more information on the Artist in Residence Program, Inspiration Fund, and how your school can benefit from participating in Australia’s largest performing arts event!