20 January, 2026

The Debut 2026

A National Performing Arts Festival

Department of Visual Communication and Performing Arts
Centre for Media Studies | Jyoti Nivas College Autonomous

Theatre

Stage Play

• Duration: 15 + 5 minutes (includes setup and stage clearance). Teams must clear the stage after their performance. Lights and sounds will be switched off after the allotted time.
• Language: English/Hindi.
• Participants: 10 to 30 members (including director, crew, lights, and sound POC). Teams must bring their own props and materials.
• Lights: Basic lighting provided. External lights are NOT allowed.
• Sound: Live music is allowed if integrated into the play. Recorded audio must be submitted 2 days prior in mp3 format. Only 1 person per team may operate lighting and sound consoles.
• Prohibited: Vulgar movements, inappropriate costumes, use of fire, water, paint, glitter, or plastic. Only eco-friendly products are allowed. Sleeveless, backless, crop tops, and short clothing are banned. Avoid vulgarity, obscenity, substance-use content, and offensive portrayals of religion, caste, or communities. No political content.
• Violations may lead to negative marking or disqualification.
• Event head: Hafsa
• Contact: 88676 43409
• Prize money : 4000/-

Registration fee: ₹ 500/-

Street Play

• Each team must consist of a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 15 actors.
• Language: English/Hindi/Kannada.
• Each team will have 8+2 minutes to perform their street play; exceeding this time will result in point deductions.
• NSFW content is strictly prohibited and will lead to immediate disqualification.
• Politically sensitive or offensive content, including references to specific institutions or organizations, will not be accepted.
• The use of fire (including diyas, candles, or lighters) and liquids is prohibited for safety reasons. Non-flammable, tightly sealed bottles are permitted.
• Any use of abusive language, indecent behavior, or obscenity (at the judges' discretion) will result in disqualification.
• Event head: Rishitha
• Contact: 96637 32500
• Prize money : 4000/-

Registration fee: ₹ 500/-

Dance

Indian Group Dance

• Number of participants: 8 - 14 participants per team.
• Time limit: 4 + 2 minutes (including stage set up and introduction).
• The participants must present any form of Indian dance, be it thematic or non-thematic.
• Dance styles allowed - Classical, Semi Classical, Folk, or a combination of any of these styles.
• The music must be submitted in mp3 format to the event head 2 days prior to the event.
• Music must also be brought in a pen drive on the day of the event.
• Vulgarity in the choice of costumes, song or choreography will lead to disqualification.
• Use of fire, water, powder, smoke or any other inflammable material during the performance is strictly prohibited. If any other decor or props used, the team will be responsible to clear the stage for the next team.
• Event head: Sowndarya
• Contact: 91099 76822
• Prize money : 4000/-

Registration fee: ₹ 500/-

Indian Solo Dance

• Individual event.
• Time limit: 3 minutes (including stage set up and introduction).
• The participants must present any form of Indian dance, be it thematic or non-thematic.
• Dance styles allowed - Classical, Semi Classical, Folk, or a combination of any of these styles.
• The music must be submitted in mp3 format to the event head 2 days prior to the event.
• Music must also be brought in a pen drive on the day of the event.
• Vulgarity in the choice of costumes, song or choreography will lead to disqualification.
• Use of fire, water, powder, smoke or any other inflammable material during the performance is strictly prohibited. If any other decor or props used, the team will be responsible to clear the stage for the next team.
• The judges’ decision will be final.
• Event head: Kaveri C
• Contact: 88072 72073
• Prize money : 1500/-

Registration fee: ₹ 300/-

Western Group Dance

• Number of participants: 8 - 14 participants per team.
• Time limit: 4 + 2 minutes (including stage set up and introduction).
• The participants must present any form of western dance (Hiphop, Jazz, Western Contemporary, Free Style)
• The participants can only choose songs in languages other than the Regional/National language (English, K-pop, etc)
• The music must be submitted in mp3 format to the event head 2 days prior to the event.
• Music must also be brought in a pen drive on the day of the event.
• Vulgarity in the choice of costumes, song or choreography will lead to disqualification.
• Use of fire, water, powder, smoke or any other inflammable material during the performance is strictly prohibited. If any other decor or props used, the team will be responsible to clear the stage for the next team.
• The judges’ decision will be final.
• Event head: Deepika K
• Contact: 63622 04801
• Prize money : 4000/-

Registration fee: ₹ 500/-

Street Dance (Hiphop Solo)

• Individual event.
• Song will be played on the spot.
• There will be one pre-selection round.
• Any sort of vulgarity or inappropriate act will lead to disqualification.
• Use of fire, water, powder, smoke or any other inflammable material during the performance is strictly prohibited.
• The judges’ decision will be final.
• Event head: Anwita
• Contact: 79752 53721
• Prize money : 1500/-

Registration fee: ₹ 300/-

Fashion Walk

• Number of participants: 8-12 participants per team (including costumes/makeup/team coordinators).
• Time limit: 5-8 minutes
• Open-Themed
• Lights: Basic lighting provided. External lights are NOT allowed.
• Any kind of fluid, flames, powder or heavy props will not be allowed on stage.
• The music must be submitted in mp3 format to the event head 2 days before the event. Music must also be carried in a pen drive on the day of the event.
• Costumes and styling must align to the theme. Any kind of vulgarity in costume or choreography will lead to immediate disqualification.
• The judges’ decision will be final.
• Event head: Aafreen
• Contact: 95358 08297
• Prize money : 4000/-

Registration fee: ₹ 500/-

Contingency

A contingency registration fee of ₹2600 grants participants access to all Début events and eligibility to compete for the overall Début trophy.

About Program

The Department of Visual Communication and Performing Arts, Centre for Media Studies, Jyoti Nivas College Autonomous in Bangalore hosts a national-level performing arts festival specifically highlighting dance and theatre. This festival provides a platform for students from across the country to showcase their talents in these disciplines.

The dance segment features a variety of styles, from classical Indian forms to contemporary, western, and folk dances, demonstrating the breadth and dynamism of the art. The theatre component includes stage-play and street-play, often tackling contemporary social issues and exploring diverse themes.

This festival fosters creativity, collaboration, and healthy competition among participants, while also enriching the cultural landscape of the college and wider community. It serves as an excellent opportunity for students to learn, grow, and express themselves through these powerful art forms.

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Contact

Stageplay Streetplay Indian Group Dance Indian Solo Dance Western Group Dance Street Dance (Hiphop Solo) Fashion Walk
Hafsa : 88676 43409 Rishitha : 96637 32500 Sowndarya : 91099 76822 Kaveri C : 88072 72073 Deepika K : 63622 04801 Anwita : 79752 53721 Aafreen : 95358 08297