TERMS & CONDITIONS

 

Eligibility

1. The competition is open to students currently enrolled in grades 2–12 (or homeschooled equivalent).

2. Participants must reside in or attend school within Sussex County or attend a school in Sussex County (ie: Pope John) - school ID will be validated.

3. Current and previous Rising Stars Performers!

4. All entries must be made with parent or guardian consent.

5. The entry deadline is January 5, 2026. No entries will be accepted after this date.
    

Registration – First Round

1. Participants must complete the official registration form and submit any required materials (e.g., videos, etc..) by the posted deadline.

2. There is a non-refundable entry fee of $10 for the first round.

3. Incomplete or late entries will not be accepted.

4. Participants may only enter ONCE, either as a solo act or as part of a group. 

Final Round

1. Finalists will be invited to perform live before an audience and a panel of celebrity judges (TBA) on
          Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 7PM–11PM.
     Finalists must be available and present on this date and/or possible *snow date: February 8, 2026, from 7–11PM.

2. There is a $15 non-refundable participation fee for finalists advancing to this live round.

3. The judges’ decisions are final and may not be contested.

4. Prizes or recognition may be awarded by age group or grade level at the discretion of the organizers.

Performance Guidelines

1. Acts may include singing, dancing, instrumental music, acting, comedy, or other family-friendly performances.

2. Each performance must not exceed the time limit specified on the registration form (typically 3–5 minutes).

3. All performances must be appropriate for a family audience — no explicit language, gestures, or themes.

4. Music tracks, costumes, and choreography must meet the same family-friendly standard.

5. Participants must provide their own instruments, props, and materials needed for their performance.

Judging

1. The first round of submissions will be evaluated for talent, creativity, stage presence, and overall presentation.

2. Judges’ evaluations and selections are based solely on performance merit.

3. Top 3 finalists in each category will be selected as "winners"

4. All judging decisions are final and may not be appealed.

5. Lead Celebrity judge will select 3 from all categories and age groups, his/her choice for top performance.
    

Prizes:

1. First Prize: $250 Amazon Gift Card + Full Tuitiion to one of RSYTC's Spring or Fall Workshop or Summer Intensive (grade level appropriate)  - a $550 value.

2. Second Prize: $100 Amazon Gift Card + $200 OFF a RSYTC Spring or Fall Workshop or Summer Intensive (grade level appropriate).

3. Third Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card + $100 OFF a RSYTC Spring or Fall Workshop or Summer Intensive (grade level appropriate).

Media Release

1. By entering, participants and their parents/guardians grant Rising Stars Youth Theatre/Sussex's Got Talent, permission to photograph, film, and record performances for promotional and archival purposes.

2. Photos and videos may be used on social media, websites, and other promotional materials without additional compensation.

Conduct

1. Participants are expected to behave respectfully toward other contestants, staff, judges and all audience members.

2. Any disruptive, unsafe, or disrespectful behavior will result in disqualification and immediate removal from the competition.

3. To maintain focus and respect for all performers, this competition will be a cell phone–free zone during performances.

Safety and Liability

1. Parents/guardians are responsible for their child’s transportation to and from all competition events.

2. All participants perform at their own risk. Rising Stars Youth Theatre, Sussex’s Got Talent, and affiliated judges or partners are not responsible for injuries, lost items, or damages incurred during participation.

3. Celebrity Judges will be protected by security, and neither participants nor audience members may harrass them in any way.

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Cancellations

1. The organizers reserve the right to cancel, postpone, or modify the event due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., weather, judge availability,
   or venue issues).

2. In the event of cancellation, reasonable efforts will be made to notify all participants promptly.
    

SOCIAL MEDIA:

1. As part of this event, we are asking all participants to follow our accounts on: Instagram, TikTok and Facebook and share the event.
   Links are posted at the very top of banner.

2. Please download our FLYER and share on all your accounts.
    

Agreement

1. Submission of a completed entry form constitutes full acceptance of these Terms & Conditions by the participant and their parent/guardian.