All performers entering Northern Composure 2025 will be competing to move through the live heats and final.

Eligibility Criteria

1. This competition is open to young people aged 12-24 years old. The majority of members need to fall within this age bracket, and the combined average age of your performer should not exceed 24 years old as of 1 February 2025. 
2. We invite anyone to enter this competition, however, local Northern Beaches performers will be given first priority in the event where judging scores are equal.
3. Performers cannot be signed to a record, publishing label and/or booking agency.
4. All performers must be available for the following dates: 

• Songwriting Workshop with KLP: Wednesday 19 March, Mona Vale Performance Space 
• Heat 1: Thursday 3 April, 6 - 9pm, Mona Vale Library
• Heat 2: Thursday 10 April, 6 - 9pm, Manly Library
• Heat 3: Thursday 17 April, 6 - 9pm, Forestville Library
• Final: Thursday 24 April, 6 - 9pm, Westfield Warringah Mall, Food Court Arena

5. These are 'All Ages' alcohol and drug free events. Any performers found under the influence or in possession of alcohol or drugs in or near the performance venue will be immediately disqualified. 
6. Performers are to tailor their performances appropriately for an under 18s audience.
7. The overall Judges Choice winners of previous Northern Composure Performer Competitions are not eligible to enter again.
8. Performers  (and their parent/guardian if under 18 years) agree to allow photos and video taken at events to be used for advertising or promotional purposes.
9. All performers (and the parent/guardian of performer members under 18 years) must read and accept the Northern Composure Performer Competition 2025 Terms & Conditions of Entry.
10. Participants indemnify Northern Beaches Council and its agents for any actions, claims or demands of any kind resulting in personal injury, property loss or actions of performer members. It is advised that the venues are covered under Council public liability insurance coverage. Performers are advised to seek their own legal advice on their personal insurance requirements.

What happens after registrations close? 

11. 18 performers will be selected by a judging panel to go into the live heats. There may be an option of extra performers added at the judging panels’ discretion.
12. The top scoring performer from each heat will be selected by the judging panel to move on to the grand final which will include a new judging panel.
13. The judges’ panel is made up of A young person, industry professional and a sponsor and all judging decisions are final.
     Performers progressing through to the heats will need to pay an entry fee of $20 per act (incl. GST) to compete. This payment must be made before your performance. The live events will be managed and run by Council staff.
    Stage time at the heats and grand final is strictly 15 minutes. This includes set up time. We will have a staff member on site to assist you if needed however it is expected you set up your own equipment. Times may be altered if additional performers compete or any unforeseen situations arise.
14. All performers are given free entry to the live events they are performing in as well as 2 extra tickets.  
15. Competing performers will be judged on the following five categories at the heats and final:

• Musicianship – Technical ability for singers and musicians 
• Originality – Even when playing covers, have you put your own brand into the song
• Stage Presence – How you interact with your audience and each other
• Youth Audience Appeal – Do you appeal to a wide audience of 12-24 year olds
• Overall Conduct – How you conduct yourselves as individuals and as a performer

18. All performers must be at the venue by 5.15pm on the night of their heat for the line-up order draw (names drawn from a hat) and performer briefing.
19. It is the performer’s responsibility to claim prizes from sponsors within 6 months or date set by sponsor. A letter of introduction will be provided indicating the performer has won and this must be presented to the organisation providing the prize. Prizes are void after this time.

Equipment for performances: 

20. A mic will be used for the heats and final. You will require your own instruments etc.
21. Organisers take no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged equipment. Look after your stuff – do not leave it unattended at any time

Don’t forget, judging of the competition starts as soon as you arrive so please arrive on time, with everything you need and please be respectful of organisers, sponsors, technical staff, other performers and audience members.