North Texas Got Talent

Contest Rules

All participants must complete the official NTPA online audition form and submit a viewable video audition link no later than Midnight, August 1, 2026 Submission Deadline. NTPA reserves the right to extend the submission deadline.

• Contestants must reside in the North Texas region (defined as any Texas zip code north of Waco, Texas).
• All contestants must be at least 10 years old as of the Finalists Live Showcase performance on September 13, 2026 (born on or before September 13, 2016). NTPA reserves the right to verify a contestant's date of birth.
• Contestants will be assigned to a division based on their age as of September 13, 2026:
    – Youth Division: Born on or after September 14, 2008 (ages 10–17)
    – Adult Division: Born on or before September 13, 2008 (age 18 and up)
• Prizes will be awarded in each division as follows:
• – Adult Division: $1,000 (1st place), $300 (2nd), $200 (3rd)
• – Youth Division: $500 (1st place), $300 (2nd), $100 (3rd). Youth Finalists will also each receive a scholarship to an NTPA class, camp, or show valued at up to $450 (there is no cash-value associated with the scholarship). Additional recognition may be awarded at NTPA's discretion.
• Entry fees are $20 per act for individuals and small groups (up to 4 performers), and $40 per act for large groups (5 or more). Fees must be paid at the time of submission and are non-refundable under all circumstances. Entry fees may be waived based on demonstrated financial need by emailing contest@ntpa.org.
• Finalists must be available to perform live at the Finalist Showcase Competition on September 13, 2026. All Finalists must arrive no later than 5:00 PM and the event will commence at approximately 6:00 PM. Finalists must be present to accept their prize. The Adult Division finalists must also be available to perform (at the sole discretion of the North Texas Performing Arts) at the NTPA Stardust Gala on Saturday, November 7, 5:00-10:00 PM. Failure to appear at any of these required events may result in removal from the competition or forfeiture of prizes.
• Audition and Entry Requirements: All interested participants must complete the official online audition form and submit a video audition not to exceed three minutes in length. Each audition must be submitted as a viewable video link.
• A non-refundable entry fee of $20 (for Individuals/Small Groups) or $40 (Large Groups) is due upon submission. Submissions that are incomplete, inaccessible, or submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Entry fees are non-refundable under all circumstances, including disqualification or withdrawal.
• Submission of an audition constitutes agreement to all terms, including media release and performance availability.
• Judging and Scoring: All performances will be evaluated by a panel of judges. Judging criteria include creativity, stage presence, technical skill, audience engagement, and overall impression. Judges' decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
• Performance Content and Technical Requirements: Performances may include but are not limited to vocal music, dance, instrumental performance, magic, comedy, spoken word, and other family-friendly talent displays. All content must be suitable for a mixed-age audience. Performances must not contain profanity, explicit content, or theming deemed inappropriate by the event producers. Live performances must be between two and three minutes in total duration. Any act that exceeds its time limit may be disqualified.
• All acts are responsible for their own equipment, instruments, and props. Props must be safe, self-contained, and easily set and struck without assistance from event staff. The use of fire, live animals, or other disruptive materials is strictly prohibited. Performers using instruments must bring their own gear, including stands, cables, and power supplies.
• NTPA may create a video production to be made available to the public employing images and video from the event, competition and audition submittals and finalist interviews.
• Sportsmanship and Respect: All performers, support personnel, and guests are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully at all times. Disruptive behavior, unsportsmanlike conduct, or interference with the operations of the event may result in immediate removal or disqualification. Performers may be accompanied by a limited number of support personnel if necessary for setup or execution of their act; however, these individuals must remain in the background and are not permitted to participate in or distract from the performance. All participants must silence phones and remain quiet and attentive while other acts are on stage. Loud or distracting behavior from participants or their guests may result in removal from the venue. All decisions regarding safety and conduct will be made by the production and venue staff and are final.
• Safety Measures: Safety is a priority. Proper lighting, secure stage conditions, and emergency procedures will be in place.
• Disqualification Criteria: Participants may be disqualified at any point for failure to meet submission deadlines, exceeding time limits, violating content rules, failing to appear at mandatory events, engaging in unsafe or disrespectful behavior, or breaching any other published guideline or expectation. Disqualified participants are not eligible for refunds, prizes, or media inclusion.
• Media Release and Usage Rights: By submitting an audition and participating in the event, all performers and, where applicable, their legal guardians, grant North Texas Performing Arts, and their affiliates the unrestricted right to record, use, edit, and distribute their image, voice, name, and likeness for promotional, commercial, and educational purposes, in perpetuity and without compensation beyond awarded prizes. This includes but is not limited to video features, livestreams, printed material, and social media content. Participants waive all rights to inspect or approve the final content or any materials used in conjunction with their participation.
• Liability: North Texas Performing Arts and its affiliates are not responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses incurred during the contest and all Contestants participate at their own risk.
• NTPA reserves the right to change or modify contest rules, guidelines, prizes, or any other terms and conditions of this program or wholly cancel this program at its sole discretion.