What to Expect:

• Curated Song List: You'll choose from a hand-picked selection of jazz standards and sultry classics, each tailored to complement the art of burlesque.

• Collaborative Rehearsals: Work closely with your mentors to fine-tune your routine. Hone your choreography, stage presence, and character development while also learning how to communicate with the band. Explore timing and dynamics while experimenting with subtle cues or playful interaction with your accompaniment.

• Costume Integration: Bring an existing burlesque costume to incorporate into your act. Receive feedback on how to enhance your act through styling, props, and costume reveals.

• Final Showcase: At the end of the programme, you’ll take the stage in a full showcase at VIVA Melbourne, debuting your polished act in front of a live audience with the band behind you.The thrill of performing with live music adds an irreplaceable vibrancy to your routine. The band’s improvisations and dynamic rhythms will inspire you to stay present and responsive.

• Professional Photos, Sound Recordings & Videos: After the course you will receive a full press pack of your performance professionally edited by Lord Media. This will include edited photos of your performance, plus a full video of your act with sound recording of the band. 

Prerequisites:

• Participants must have an existing costume suited for a burlesque act. 

• Some prior experience with burlesque or stage performance is recommended.

Programme Structure:

• Week 1 - Monday March 31st (6pm - 8pm):

Introduction to the course + Foundations of the relationship between Jazz & Burlesque – movement, music selection, and storytelling

• Week 2 - Monday April 7th (6pm - 8pm):

Act Building – choreography, transitions, and costume integration.

• Week 3 - Monday April 14th (6pm - 9pm):

Rehearsals + Improvisation 

• Week 4 - Monday April 21st (6pm - 9pm):

Final Refinement with the live band  +

Saturday April 26th - Performance - dress rehearsal and live showcase ( call time TBC)

Location:

Rehearsals held at Temperance Hall, 199 Napier St, South Melbourne

Final Showcase held at VIVA Melbourne, 64 Sutton St, North Melbourne

Burlesque is an art—but with live jazz, it becomes a conversation. This programme offers performers the chance to interact with a 5-piece band, creating an act that evolves with every beat, bringing the raw, electric energy of live performance to the forefront.

Terms & Conditions

Whoop Dee Doo: A Debut Revue – Solo Development Program

By enrolling in Whoop Dee Doo: A Debut Revue, participants agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Eligibility:

• This programme is designed for emerging burlesque performers with some prior stage experience.

• Participants must provide their own costume suited to a burlesque act.

• Participants must be 18 years or older.

2. Payment & Refund Policy:

• Payment is required upon registration to secure your spot in the programme.

• Payment plans are available. Please email whoop.dee.doo.revue@gmail.com for more info.

  • Terms: 50% is due as a deposit, with the remaining amount due the 24th of March.

• Refunds will only be issued if the programme is canceled by the organizers. No refunds will be provided for participant cancellations or withdrawals after registration.

• Transfers: If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your spot to another eligible performer with prior approval from the organizers.

3. Attendance & Participation:

• Full attendance is required for all sessions, including rehearsals with the live band. Missing sessions may affect your ability to perform in the final showcase.

• Punctuality is expected. Late arrivals may result in missed instruction or rehearsal time.

• Participants are expected to actively engage in feedback sessions and collaborative rehearsals.

4. Costumes & Music Selection:

• Participants must use an existing costume appropriate for burlesque.

• Songs will be selected from a curated list provided by the organizers. Final song assignments will be made based on availability and compatibility with the performer’s style.

• No external or personal music tracks will be accepted, as all performances will be accompanied by the live 5-piece jazz band.

5. Code of Conduct:

• This programme fosters a respectful and inclusive environment. Discrimination, harassment, or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and may result in immediate dismissal from the programme without refund.

• Participants are expected to respect the time and contributions of instructors, fellow performers, and band members.

• All feedback is to be delivered and received in a constructive and professional manner.

6. Media Release:

• By enrolling, participants grant the organizers permission to photograph and film classes, rehearsals, and performances. These materials may be used for promotional purposes.

7. Health & Safety:

• Participants are responsible for their own health and safety during the programme.

• If you have any medical conditions that may affect your participation, please inform the organizers in advance.

• The organizers are not liable for injuries or personal property loss during the course or final showcase.

8. Final Showcase Participation:

• Participation in the final showcase is contingent on full course attendance and completion of all required rehearsals.

• The organizers reserve the right to adjust or modify acts in the interest of show flow, safety, or artistic direction.

By registering for Whoop Dee Doo: A Debut Revue, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions.