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.
2026 Burlypicks Rules and Information
Regionals Competitions
Performers must be 21+ years and may apply to the regionals competition of their choice, regardless of where they reside.
Performers may apply to multiple regionals competitions but may only compete in ONE.
Each Burlypicks 2026 regionals competition will be awarding titles in five different performance specialties and a regionals overall winner title.
Applicants must choose which specialty they wish to compete in.
Applicants may apply to a specialty category with more than one act. If both acts are adjudicated in the top five, the highest adjudicated act will be accepted.
Applicants may apply for more than one specialty but will be allowed to compete in no more than TWO specialty categories.
Individuals who are part of a group may have both solo and group applications selected to compete but may only compete in a total of TWO specialty categories
Groups and/or Soloists, may not compete more than one act in a specialty category. Soloists selected for a specialty who are also part of a group selected for the same specialty will have to choose which act they will compete in.
Competitors must adhere to local performance laws as put forth by the regionals producer or risk disqualification.
Acts may be no longer than 7 minutes.
Accepted applicants must present the same act at the competition that was presented with their application. Music Files provided with the application will be used at both the Regionals and Nationals competitions.
Acts that were previously competed at Burlypicks are eligible for submission. Exceptions: Nationals 1st place Overall Grand Champions are not eligible to compete.
*All regionals applications will be adjudicated by a panel chosen by StarFaerie Productions. Final determinations of specialty category placement will also be determined by this panel.
Regionals competitions will be accepting a maximum of five contestants in each specialty category.
All Regionals Competitors are eligible for the Best Overall Title and $100 regionals cash prize.
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. Classic can also include non-specific character acts, e.g., bunny, cowgirl, bird.
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
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 – – Drag, Vocal, Contortion, Sword Swallowing, Stand Up, Etc. (Striptease elements are permitted but are not required)
*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 2026.
2026 Specialty Title Categories
Judging Criteria
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. Score cards are not provided.
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
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
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 Nationals competition to be held on August 29th, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Title holders from each of the regionals will compete at Nationals within their respective specialties for one of the five specialty nationals titles. All contestants at Nationals are eligible for the Nationals Best Overall 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place titles. The 2026 Burlypicks 1st place overall nationals title winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize.
Nationals Competitors must perform the act that won at their regionals competition. We encourage incorporating Judges' Feedback from regionals, however, changes to the length of the act are NOT permitted.
Medals will be awarded to all winning title holders at the Regionals and Nationals Competitions.
Application Links available on our Regionals pages.
2026 Application Fees
Initial Application $30
Additional Applications $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.
StarFaerie Productions' goal is to offer a space and platform that is inclusive and welcoming to all.
Burlypicks 2026 does not discriminate against persons based on their race, color, national origin, religion, size, different ability, age, sex, or gender.