DRAGSTARS!

Dragstars Online Competition - Rules and Details

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Eligibility

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• Open to: Professional, seasoned, and/or up-and-coming drag queens and kings.

• Location: Open to performers from New Zealand and internationally, provided they can travel to Palmerston North, New Zealand, for Palmy Drag Fest 2025 (4th October 2025)

• Age: Participants must be 18 years or older at the time of entry.

• No restrictions on gender identity or performance style—drag queens, drag kings, and all gender expressions within the drag community are encouraged to apply.

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Prize

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The winner of the Dragstars competition will receive:

• A paid performance spot on the main stage at Palmy Drag Fest 2025, performing alongside renowned drag artists at the Regent on Broadway in Palmerston North, New Zealand.

• Return flights from the winner’s nearest major airport to Palmerston North

• Accommodation for the duration of their stay during Palmy Drag Fest
  (specific details, such as hotel and length of stay, to be confirmed by organizers upon winning).

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How to Enter

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1. Audition Video Submission:

   • Entrants must complete the application form, and submit a video audition (maximum 5 minutes long) via the Palmy Drag Fest website or via email at info@palmydrag.com (video may be in or out of drag)

   • The video must include:

     • Drag Name, Who they are and where they are from.

     • Why They Want to Come to Palmy: A personal statement explaining their motivation for performing at Palmy Drag Fest, their connection to the event or community, and what it means to them to join this celebration of drag.

     • Performance Idea: A detailed description or demonstration of their proposed main stage performance (e.g., lip-sync, live singing, comedy, dance, or a unique act). This can be a concept pitch or a short snippet of the performance style. Include all possible details.

   • Video quality should be clear (good lighting and sound), but professional production is not required—authenticity and creativity matter most.
      

2. Submission Deadline: Entries must be submitted by 21st April 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
    

3. Format: Videos should be uploaded in MP4 format or via a private YouTube/Vimeo link shared in the submission form.

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Judging Process

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The competition unfolds in two phases:
 

1. Phase 1: Selection of Top 5

   • A judging panel comprised of drag experts and the Palmy Drag Fest organizers will review all audition videos.

   • Criteria for selection:

     • Creativity and originality of the performance idea (40%).

     • Passion and connection to Palmy Drag Fest as expressed in the video (30%).

     • Charisma, stage presence, and potential to captivate a live audience (30%).

   • The top 5 finalists will be announced on the 1st of May 2025, via the official Palmy Drag Fest website and social media channels.
      

2. Phase 2: Public Voting and Final Judging

   • The top 5 finalists’ audition videos will be shared on Palmy Drag Fest’s official social media platforms.

   • Audience Voting (30%): From the 1st of May 2025 to the 11th of May 2025 the public can vote by liking and sharing the videos. Each like counts as 1 point, and each share counts as 2 points (tracked via official posts only).

   • Judging Panel (70%): The same panel will score the top 5 based on the same criteria as Phase 1, with a deeper focus on how the performance idea aligns with the main stage energy of Palmy Drag Fest.

   • Final scores will combine the panel’s evaluation (70%) and audience votes (30%) to determine the winner.

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Winner Announcement

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• The winner will be revealed on the 12th of May 2025 via a live social media announcement and notified directly via email, with further details to be announced through the Palmy Drag Fest Social Media Channels.

• The winner must confirm acceptance of the prize within 48 hours or an alternate may be selected.

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Additional Rules

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• Entrants confirm their performance/content provided in their audition video is their own or that they have the permission to use it.

• Videos containing offensive, discriminatory, or illegal content will be disqualified.

• Participants grant Palmy Drag Fest and its organizers the right to use their audition video for promotional purposes.

• The winner must be available to travel and perform at Palmy Drag Fest 2025 (4th October 2025) and comply with any event-specific requirements (e.g., rehearsal schedules, publicity calls and others).

• Flights and accommodation are provided for the winner only; additional travel companions are at the winner’s expense.

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For questions or submission issues, please email info@palmydrag.com