Perform Australia
Youth Monologue Competition
Theme: The Unknown
Whether it is a deep mystery, tomorrow’s troubles, or the contents of a Kinder Surprise, there are many things hidden to us.
Create your monologue that explores the theme of The Unknown and win great prizes!.
Awards
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Best Original Monologue – $400
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Best Performance – $400
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Junior Award (13 & under) – $100
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People’s Choice Award – Trophy
One entrant may win multiple awards.
Festival Performance
Selected entries will be performed in the Festival of Monologues on 9–11 July 2026 in the Perform Australia Theatre, Tuggeranong
Winners announced 11 July
Who Can Enter
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Ages 10–18 (as of 11 July 2026)
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Must live in, or have a strong connection to, the Canberra region
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How to Enter?
You may enter as a:
Writer
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Request to be matched with an actor, or find a friend to be your actor
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Get your actor to submit a video performance of your monologue by 24 June
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Actor
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Request to be matched with a writer, or find a friend to write a monologue for you
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Submit a video of your performance (2–5 minutes) by 24 June
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Writer and Performer
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Submit a video performance of you performing your monologue by 24 June
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Eligible for both major awards
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​Matching (Optional)
Need a collaborator?
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Register here to be matched with an actor or writer by 7 June
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We will connect writers and actors where possible
Not all match requests are guaranteed
Important Dates
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1 May – Entries open
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7 June – Matching deadline
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24 June – Final submissions due
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29 June – Selected entrants into the festival announced
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9–11 July – Festival performances (shows start at 7:30 pm)
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11 July – Winners announced
Important Requirements and Rules
MONOLOGUE REQUIREMENTS
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Original, unpublished work
- Not from produced plays, films, or published sources
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Not AI-generated
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Length: 2–5 minutes
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Must explore The Unknown
Content Rules
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No swearing
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No explicit sexual content
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No graphic violence
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No hate speech
Performance Rules
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One performer only
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Must be memorised
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Simple props, costumes, and set allowed
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Basic lighting and sound cues permitted
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Must allow for quick setup and pack-down
Enter the competition
Submission
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All entries must include:
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A script (original work)
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A video performance (2–5 minutes). The video performance is for selection purposes only. Entries will be judged on the live performance during the Festival of Monologues (July 9-11)
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Entrants do not have to be Perform Australia students
📅 Final submission deadline: 24 June
Judging
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Writing Awards → judged on the script
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Performance Awards → judged on the live performance in July
Video submissions are for selection purposes only
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