Family Affair: StageBreakers National Invitation Step Championships 2026

Where: Garland High School Fine Art Building

Cost: Presale $15/ $25 at the venue.

Time: 3:00- 7:30p

Special MC: P Skillz of 97.9 the Beat.

Our annual Stage Breakers event not only celebrates what our students do on the stage as well as the exemplary things they do within the community as well. Those invited to compete in this event have demonstrated honor, integrity and, compassion for others.

1. All teams must report to Garland High School at their assigned practice time on the day of the event. NO EXCEPTIONS. Failure to arrive at the designated time will result in a loss of stage time for orientation and sound check.

2. If a team member is found to be grossly unsportsmanlike, disrespectful to event staff, hosts, show organizers, or generally causing a disruption to the positivity of the event, the team will be disqualified. This decision will be at the discretion of the judges and the Trendsetters & Stage Breakers Executive Council and Event Coordinators.

3. Performances found to be lewd, degrading, vulgar, or sexually explicit are subject to point loss or disqualification. This decision will be at the discretion of the judges.

4. No pyrotechnics may be used in any routine. Having a fire routine and using fire in the routine are two separate things. Also, the use of fire, baby powder, helium, balloons, confetti, and liquid devices such as water, candle wax, weapons, or glitter are not permitted. As a general rule, the use of any material that will require clean-up should be avoided. The use of any non-approved prop could result in a 10-point deduction from your team’s overall score.

5. Props and all special requirements must be submitted for approval 3 weeks before the event (March 27, 2026).

Please send all questions and concerns to Stage Breakers staff at [email protected] or [email protected]

6. Video: Requests to use video and or PowerPoint should be sent in for approval 3 weeks before the event (March 27, 2026). Please make sure to have multiple formats of your video file once you arrive at the venue. It is suggested that you bring both a DVD and a USB of your video.

Audio: Both a flash drive and or cell phone/ laptop device in airplane mode are the suggested audio formats. Every team must have an assigned person to sit with the sound technician during the team’s performance to operate their music. This person must be the same for rehearsal and performance.

7. Tentative Divisions for the competition are as follows:

A. Division I: U14 Elementary & Middle School

B. Division II: U19 High School Coed

C. Division II: U19 High School Female

D. Division II U19 High School Male

(Elementary may be combined with Middle School depending on the number of participating teams.)

8. Start time begins when the curtains are opened, the music begins, or upon the first communication with the audience. The performance time ends once steppers have exited the stage or the curtains are drawn.

9. In the case of technical difficulties, judges will be notified and the team will not be penalized for time.

10. Each team will have a total of minutes to perform, including introductions and exits. A total of 10 points from the total score will be deducted for each team that exceeds the 9-minute allotment with Team Disqualification at (9:15)

11. Each step team is responsible for cleaning up the dressing room after using it and must participate in a checkout of the room before leaving at the end of the night.

12. All props and backdrops must be taken with the organization after the show.

13. Members of your organization, other than those specified to perform or specifically assist with the performance, may not be backstage or on stage at any time during the show.

14. Team members, coaches, organization personnel, or affiliates of competing teams are denied access to event judges and scoring tables at all times during the event. Teams found in violation are subject to disqualification.

14b. Anyone found attempting to sneak people into the show will have their team forfeited from the competition and will be escorted from the premises.

15. A carbon copy of score sheets will be issued to coaches on the night of the performance. If a team does not receive their results, they will be emailed or faxed, and posted on the thetanusigma.org website the week following the StageBreakers ™ National Invitational Step Competition to the email address provided on the registration form.

16. The decisions of the judges are final. Careful calculations will be made, and in the rare event of score discrepancy, all teams will be notified and the issue will be rectified by the judging staff & directors of the Trendsetters & Stage Breakers Event.

17. All winners receive their prizes at the close of the event, pending a W9 has been submitted. Winnings should be collected by a sponsor. Only coaches may visit the ticket window at the close of the night.

TECHNICAL ELEMENTS The following technical elements are provided pending request and approval:

● Curtains

● Strobe-Lights

● Lowering Bar

● CD Player/Sound System

● Lights: Standard Lights and Spot Lights

● Video Screen/ Jumbotron

*PowerPoints and Videos will be allowed pending advanced approval.

Visit us online for more information.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Theta Nu Sigma Step Program Booster Program