Burlypicks’ mission is to create a professional and fun platform through competition and camaraderie that will recognize and assist in elevating talent in the burlesque and variety entertainment arts.
2025 Burlypicks Rules and Information
Regionals Competitions
Performers may compete in only one regional competition.
Each Burlypicks 2025 Regionals Competition will be awarding titles in five different performance specialties and a regionals best overall title.
Applicants must choose which specialty they wish to compete in. Applicants may apply for more than one specialty but will be allowed to compete in no more than two.
Accepted applicants must present the same act at the competition that was presented with their application.
*All regional applications will be adjudicated by a panel chosen by the National Producers. Final determinations of specialty category placement will also be determined by this panel.
Regional Competitions will be accepting a maximum of five contestants into each specialty category.
All Contestants are eligible for the Best Overall Title and $100 regional cash prize.
2025 Specialty Title Categories
All styles of performance are welcomed and encouraged to apply.
Classic -The traditional style of striptease from the early 20th century incorporating elaborate glamorous costuming, boas, tassels, fans, Parade and Peel, Bump and Grind. Examples: Burlesque Legends, Dita Von Tease, Indigo Blue
Neo Classic – A modern style of striptease that incorporates traditional classic elements, while also utilizing more contemporary elements like costuming and movement. Examples: Iva Handful, Moscato, Aurora Galore
Neo Art – Performance Art oriented acts. statement pieces, edgy, thought provoking, contemporary dance, storytelling.
Pop Culture- Acts driven by Pop Culture characters. Nerdlesque, Cosplay Character, Musical Theatre.
Variety – Variety – Drag, Vocal, Contortion, Sword Swallowing, Stand Up, Etc. (Variety Acts that incorporate some strip tease elements will be considered for the Variety Specialty).
*Striptease acts that incorporate some variety elements should apply within the specialty the act would otherwise be considered.
*Duets and Groups will compete within the specialty that best describes their act. There will be only one physical award given to a winning duo or group.
*Acts that incorporate fire, rigging, or require excessive clean up, can NOT be accepted to Burlypicks 2025.
Judging Criteria
Audience Connection - Evokes audience emotion, intrigue, eye contact
Professionalism - Polished, Well-rehearsed
Execution - Control, Confidence, Showmanship
Elevated Costuming - Applicable to the act and well put together
Entertainment Value - Performance has an elevated element of entertainment
StarFaerie Productions believes the value of competition comes from the feedback that is received.
Regional category winners will receive the judges comments to utilize in preparation for Nationals
The first runner up of each category will be notified by email of their placement, so they are aware that in the event the category winner is unable to attend nationals, StarFaerie will be contacting them to offer the available position at Nationals
Judges Comments will be available to all competitors at their request via email at starfaerieproductionsllc@gmail.com
Tassel Off Game
Regionals accepted contestants will be offered the opportunity to compete in the Tassel/Assel Off Game. Contestants will have a predetermined amount of time to impress the judges with their twirling prowess. The winner will receive a medal and the regional title. The Winner of this Game is NOT entitled to compete at the National Competition solely based upon winning this Game’s title. The Tassel/Assel Off Game is not required and contestants wishing to participate can sign up with the Regional Producer. The fee to enter the Game is $10.00
Nationals Competition
Competitors who receive titles at regionals are eligible for and invited to the National competition to be held on August 30th, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. Five title holders from each regional will compete at Nationals within their respective specialties for one of the five specialty national titles. All contestants at Nationals are eligible for the National Best Overall 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place titles. The 2025 Burlypicks 1st place overall national title winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize.
Medals will be awarded to all winning title holders at the Regionals and Nationals Competitions.
Application Links available on our Regionals pages.
Application Deadlines are six weeks prior to each event.
2025 Application Fee: $30
Additional Applications Fee: $15
Each submitted act will require its own application
Transportation and Accommodations are not provided.
Burlypicks Nationals is happy to answer your questions. Please feel free to contact us.
Burlypicks 2025 does not discriminate against persons based on their race, color, national origin, religion, different ability, age, sex or gender. It is our goal to offer a space and platform that is inclusive and welcoming to all.