Join In

Welcome to the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge® a blood-pumping, exhilarating and natural high!

What is it?


Rock Eisteddfod Challenge® is a national performing arts event for schools that motivates young Australians to make positive and healthy lifestyle choices. The events are produced by the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge® Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation.

 

The event is a unique and exciting opportunity for schools to take part in a dance, drama and design spectacular where the students are the stars. Each year, the events are professionally staged in some of Australia’s top entertainment venues.

 

As part of the Global Rock Challenge™, nearly 400 Australian schools and 30,000 students compete in Rock Eisteddfod Challenge® and J Rock™ shows in 17 regions across Australia.

 

How does it work?

 

Teams as small as 20 or as large as 142 students, plan an 8-minute performance based on a theme of their choice that is set to various styles of music. Students, teachers and entire communites work togwether over a period of months to plan an rehearse before competing against other schools at events in a 100% drug and alcohol free environment.

 

Will I become famous?


When else will you get to perform in venues like Sydney Entertainment Centre or Hisense Arena? You could be on a stage under the spotlight, performing infront of thousands of people in the audience.

 

Each year we screen nationally televised TV programs, so you might even get to see your face smiling back at you.

 

Past participants include Ada Nicodemou, Toni Pearen, Delta Goodrem and Jackie O.

 

It’s not just about rock music or welsh dancing competitions (the old fashion dictionary definition of the word “Eisteddfod”) but about being part of a team working over many months to achieve a common goal.

 

You may be a Year 7 student experiencing Rock Eisteddfod Challenge® for the first time or a Year 12 about to leave school. Whatever your type of involvement, experience, or personal story – there isn’t anything quite like being part of Rock Eisteddfod Challenge®.

What did students say?


“It’s such a buzz, it’s so unbelievable, it’s really hard to describe, it’s just happiness and nervousness and all those great feelings.”

Rebeccah, Springwood High School, NSW


“Just looking at all the seats – you can just imagine them all filled and then you get a bit nervous. You can’t really see the audience because of the lights but you can still hear them and you just feel them. So you’ll be a bit nervous but it’s all good.”

Tim, Harristown State High School, QLD


“Everyone just screams – it’s the natural high!”
Denise, Randwick Girls’/Boys’ High School, NSW


“You can’t explain it, it’s the biggest adrenalin rush ever. When I get o­n the stage and perform the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge, its 10, 15, 20 times better than anything you’ll ever do. It’s fantastic. I love it so much.”
Thalia, Como Secondary College, WA

“Coming up to the night and getting all your costumes o­n, you get pumped up and when you’re o­n stage you’re that high o­n adrenalin, nothing can beat it.”
Aidan, De La Salle College, VIC

 

“You can’t stop smiling. Your face hurts from smiling so much.”
Liz, Springwood High School, NSW

 

 

Can I be involved?


Anyone can get involved. Students don’t have to be trained dancers or performers to participate. Schools can join without having an existing performing arts program or teacher and up to three schools can join talents to become a combined team. Rock Eisteddfod Challenge® is open to all schools at all levels, all over Australia.

 

Up to three schools may combine to create an entry.

 

Community groups such as Police Citizens Youth Clubs are also welcome to enter.

 

Rock Eisteddfod Challenge® is an event produced by young people as they bring a unique and innovative energy

 

You call the shots!

 

Some of the best performances in Rock Eisteddfod Challenge® are run entirely by students or former students – it can be the best and easiest way to get your show off the ground. Northmead High School (NSW) 2005 and 2006 National Champions were run entirely by ex-students with the help of student leaders.

 

So if your teachers aren’t interested – consider taking on the leadership role yourself. You’ll get more out of it, learn so much, and have a great excuse to ignore your homework (just joking) and it will become your show. Show your parents our site and tell your teachers. Rock Eisteddfod Challenge® is a great way to start a career in performing arts and entertainment.

 

If you’d like to get your school started in Rock Eisteddfod Challenge® by leading a team, chat with your principal and ask them to check out the “For Teachers” section of our website.

 

If you get the green light to run a show, consider entering RAW™ division which removes the sets and focuses purely on performance elements of dance and drama.