The Competition
We are excited to bring you studioXpresents: The Competition! With growing interest, we will be continuing our pole & aerial competition right here in New England. The event will be held at the JMAC Brickbox Theatre in Worcester, MA.
This is an all-inclusive, beginner/intermediate level competition with a performance based focus. Judges will review all 10 competitors for character/storytelling, execution and overall performance.
Tricks are cool but have you seen our transitions? Our performance based competition is all about showmanship and theatrics! We want to see your most engaging act with your highest level of performance skill.
Share your experience! We value pole & aerial tricks that are executed safely and with intention regardless of what level they are. This beginner/intermediate level competition is based around dance and performance, not high level tricks.
FAQs
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We have one beginner/intermediate level competition meaning any level can apply. Competitors are based on performance value not trick level.
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In 2025, we will be using two 45mm X-Pole X-Stage Lite poles and a Ludwig quad aerial rig. Aerialists are required to bring their own apparatuses and rigging hardware.
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Three judges will be judging three separate categories based on their personal experience and skillset.
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A prop can be anything that you bring on stage with you. Circus equipment including, but not limited to, hoops, juggling equipment, stilts, etc. are considered props and are allowed in all routines. Please see our Rules & Regulations for all banned props.
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Read the rest of this page to find out more about how to be a part of this event & send in your submission for selections.
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There is no initial submissions fee. Once all submission have been collected, a selections process will occur. After selections, chosen competitors will be subject to a $65 entry fee with the option of a $50 photo packet. Members of The Studio receive an entry fee discount, please contact us via email for your code.
judging
We have selected 3 judges based on their experience in the performance industry. Our judging system is based on 3 separate categories, one per judge. Prior to the competition, judges meet to discuss the judging system and how the competition works. Our judges are not allowed to work on any competition routines but may be associated with some of the competitors otherwise.
Judges will be announced prior to The Competition.
OVERALL PERFORMANCE
Quality Control - Focus on overall performance (safety, cohesion, quality)
TECHNIcal & EXECUTION
Nitpicking - More focus on safe performance and quality of movements, less focus on theatrics or character
Theatrical
Character & Stage Presence - More focus on aesthetics or theatrics, less focus on safe performance and quality of movements
STaGE layout
We will be using 45mm X-Pole X-Stage Lite stage poles with approximately 4-6 feet of distance between the edge of stage pole bases and 10-12 feet between the pole bases not stage edges.
Stage left will be set to static and stage right set to spin.
The aerial rig will be set to approximately 14ft with competitors bringing their own apparatuses and rigging equipment.
important information
For more information on the competition, please click the links below to access our Rules & Regulations, Event Packet and Emergency Management Plan.
submissions
submissions
We have 10 spaces available for the first ever sXp: The Competition.
Although there is no submissions fee, a non-refundable $65 entry fee is due after the selections process for all competitors that are accepted into the competition. Any competitors that do not process the entry fee prior to the deadline will forfeit their spot in the competition. All members of The Studio, please email us for your entry fee discount code.
A $50 photo packet is available. Please see Rules & Regulations above for more information about your photo packet.
Link to a 1-2 min sample video sample will be requested. It does not have to be an entire routine, just a sample of your skills.
Why do we ask for this? This is the first year of The Competition. As it is all levels, we are trying to figure out what the community believes each level consists of so we are asking for both what you believe your skill level is and a video example.
The Show & The Competition Submissions OPEN
14 April
Submissions DEADLINE
01June
Cast & Competitors Announced
June