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DIY BURLESKOALA

DIY BurlesKoala has run in Australia since 2019 and is a sister competition to New Zealand’s burlesque on a budget extravaganza, DIY BurlesKiwi.
The competition grows in popularity and pushes innovation year on year.

Apply to compete in 2025

Mae de la Rue has been entrusted, as an Honorary Kiwi* and as the 2018 Duchess of Festival** to bring this Frugal Flamboyance to Australia!

The rules are simple – create a brand new act for the competition without spending more than $100 on your costume. Challenge your creativity and innovation and deliver your best burlesque on a budget.

* Awarded at the 2019 Golden Garters, NZ Burlesque Awards
** New Zealand Burlesque Festival

The Rules

When it comes to applications, applicants only need to provide their details, no act details required. Then fate does it’s work and applicants are randomly drawn to compete.

As for the $100 budget, there are options to help you along the way, like using limited existing pieces, borrowing a limited amount of costume pieces, using up fabric and materials in your collection, and so on.

Let the rules inspire your innovation, and get thinking about how to DIY the best possible act.

DIY FAQs
  • The budget for each competitor’s entry is $100 or less – top to toe.
  • You may use 1 borrowed item.
  • You may use 1 existing item you own.
  • Your budget is to include all props.
  • Your budget excludes transport and postage.
  • You may use items found in public places, i.e. beaches, parks, etc (feathers, shells, etc).
  • Existing items you own are to be included as part of your budget and do not count as “found” items. (Excluding the 1x existing item allowed.)
  • No gifted items are allowed.
  • No personal sponsors.
  • An itemised expense sheet plus copies of receipts (if possible) is required as part of your entry. A spreadsheet template will be provided on acceptance of entry.

Judging Criteria

All contestants will be judged on the following criteria:

  • Costume and budget
  • Innovativeness
  • Performance
  • Package – Performance combined with budget, costume, music and props

Can you bring something different to the stage on this budget? We would love to see it!

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