Ready ... Set ... Jove!
about the shakespeare Carnival
Sport for Jove’s Shakespeare Carnival takes the sometimes daunting prospect of studying Shakespeare and turns it into a confidence-building, performance-championing event.
Inspired by the works of the Bard, students act, devise, direct, compose and choreograph their own performance pieces, competing against one another for the chance to represent their school in this state-wide creative arts competition.
Raise the curtain on something different this year: register your school, watch your students find courage they didn't know they had, and discover how Shakespeare opens up a world of creative opportunities.
why join the carnival?
Practical benefits for students and teachers:
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Events like the Shakespeare Carnival help to raise the profile of the creative arts within your school community, and instil pride among students as they represent their school. striving for excellence and being chosen to represent their school at higher levels.
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For teachers, it's a ready-made framework for cross-curricular collaboration — English, Drama, Music, and Dance staff can each link their classes to a single, state-wide performance opportunity, deepening engagement in their own subject while building excitement across the whole school.
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As students progress to the regional and grand final rounds, they have the opportunity to engage with professional artists (working directors, actors, writers and more), who provide invaluable feedback and coaching to inspire your students to greatness.
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Students have the opportunity to engage with like-minded students beyond their school cohort, helping them find their tribe. Teachers also have the opportunity to network, learning from others’ experiences.
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Fully flexible, the Carnival bends to fit you. The program is fully adaptable to your school's needs, timetable and student cohort, so whatever your faculty, there's a meaningful way in.
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Huge range of resources including ready-to-perform scenes, teacher guides and more.
KEY DATES FOR 2027
Registration
Registrations Open: 18 September, 2026
Early Bird Registrations Close: 18 December, 2026
Registrations Close: 23 April, 2027
In-School Carnival Dates
Finished by 8 May, 2027 – pick the date that works best for you
Regional Carnival Dates
17 - 30 May, 2027
Grand Final Weekend
19 - 20 June, 2027
Sydney
2027 carnival categories and format
Students may compete in any of the following categories:
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Duologue
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Dance
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Ensemble Scene
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Group Devised
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Physical Theatre
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Music
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Smart Phone Film
Round 1 - School Carnival
Students compete against their classmates
Round 2 - Regional Carnival
The winners of the school carnival progress to regionals, at locations across NSW and ACT
Round 3 - Grand Final
The top performances from our regional events compete against each other at our Grand Final, held in Sydney in June.
prizes
Winners of their School Carnival will have the chance to attend our Regional Carnivals – experience our workshops and get insight from our judging teams.
Winners who advance to the Grand Final will be given the chance to enjoy a day-long masterclass run by Sport for Jove’s Carnival team of industry professionals to help them develop their skills in preparation for representing their school at the State Carnival.
Our State Carnival Winners will be crowned with our trophy crowns, a regal trophy to be displayed at their school for the year. They will be given a ‘Sash of Triumph’ to permanently acknowledge their achievement.
State Carnival winners in each category will also win a ‘victory masterclass’ offered by Sport for Jove’s acclaimed artistic team.