Variety Salon | Open Stage (Jnr 11-18yrs) - CANCELLED

Unfortunately, due to unforseen circumstances, the event has been cancelled. The event will be rescheduled at a later date (2027). Thank you for your interest.

If you would like to be contacted about a new event, please contact commonnook.au@gmail.com.

More than a traditional open mic, Variety Salon Jr | Open Stage celebrates creativity in all its forms. Young musicians, singers, instrumentalists, spoken word artists, poets, comedians, dancers, magicians, storytellers and performers aged 11–18 are invited to take the stage, build confidence and share their talents in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Featuring a carefully curated lineup, audience voting, cash prizes and the opportunity to connect with other young creatives who share a passion for performing. Whether it's your very first time on stage or you're preparing for exams, auditions, eisteddfods or simply love to perform, Variety Salon Junior is a place to grow, be encouraged and celebrate your creativity.

Family, friends and supporters can enjoy an inspiring evening of exceptional young talent, live performances and genuine community spirit in an intimate, beautifully setting at Sydney Piano School.

Hosted by Common Nook, join us at for an unforgettable night where curiosity, courage and creativity come together on one stage.

Register Now! Limited places, don't miss out!

Entries close Monday 5 October, 2026.

Location:

Sydney Piano School

37 Ryde Rd, Pymble, NSW 2073

Event Start Time: 6pm (Est. 8pm finish)

Questions?

Call/Text: 0425 310 958

Email: commonnook.au@gmail.com

Performance Time Limit: 4 mins per performer

By Audience Vote:

• 1st Prize: $100 Cash + 30min artist portrait session with 3 professionally retouched digital images for your creative portfolio from katemitchellphotography.com.au

• 2nd Prize: $60 Cash

• 3rd Prize: $40 Cash

A QR code will be set up for your to vote on your favourite act!

Our professional photographer will be engaged to capture the event throughout the evening:

Photography and Media Consent Policy

Variety Salon will be professionally photographed during the event. Photography may include performances, performers, audience members, backstage moments and general event atmosphere.

By participating in this event, you are agreeing to give permission for photographs and/or video footage featuring you and your child to be used for documentation, promotion and publicity of Variety Salon and Common Nook.

If you do not wish to be photographed, please let us know in writing to commonnook.au@gmail.com

Equipment Available:

• Bosendorfer concert grand piano

• 2 x Music stands

• Lots of chairs

• Power, power boards and extension leads

• Speakers with build in Amp

• 2 standard leads

• 2 x Microphones

• 2 x Mic Stands

• 1 separate guitar amp

For Dancers/Actors: 5m x 5m carpeted stage area, suitable for solo/duos

What's not available:

• No Bass Amp

• No drumkit available

• Please BYO your own extra gear if your equipment/instrument is not listed above

If you require a backing track to be played, please upload your backing track after checkout.

Floor is carpeted - reverberation is limited. All singers are encouraged to use microphones as the space is very dry.

Bump in available from 5pm onwards - all performers to arrive for set-up and soundcheck at 5pm sharp.

If your performance requires piano accompaniment, simply select the appropriate option when booking. You will be contacted by our experienced professional pianist in due course to arrange rehearsals.

Strict deadline apply for all piano parts submission: Sun 20 Sep, 2026

Any submissions received after this date may result in cancellation of your entry.

Please select the appropriate accompaniment option when registering. The fee reflects the professional preparation and rehearsal time required for your repertoire.

OPTION 1 - Standard Accompaniment: $45

Suitable for singers and pop instrumentalists performing one song/piece, and instrumental repertoire up to AMEB Grade 5 or equivalent.

Includes:

• Performance entry fee

• 1 × 15-minute rehearsal

• 1 x Performance

OPTION 2 - Advanced Accompaniment: $65

Suitable for instrumentalists performing AMEB Grade 6–8 repertoire or equivalent.

Includes:

• Performance entry fee

• 1 × 30-minute rehearsal

• 1 x Performance

OPTION 3 - Performance-Level Accompaniment: $85

Suitable for instrumentalists performing the equivalent of AMEB CMus level repertoire and above, or pieces requiring substantial preparation.

Includes:

• Performance entry fee

• 2 × 20-minute rehearsals

• 1 x Performance

Important: Please select the correct piano accompaniment level

Our pianist fees have been deliberately kept as accessible as possible while still fairly recognising the professional preparation, rehearsal time and expertise involved. We believe these rates offer excellent value and make professional piano accompaniment accessible to a wide range of performers. Our professional accompanists prepare specifically for each performance, and the fee reflects the rehearsal and preparation time required. The appropriate accompaniment level is determined by the difficulty and demands of the repertoire.

If an entry is submitted at an inappropriate level—for example, advanced sonata repertoire entered under the $45 standard accompaniment option—we reserve the right to cancel the entry and refund the performance fee less any applicable booking fees.

We ask all performers to assess their repertoire honestly and select the appropriate level. This ensures that our accompanists are fairly remunerated for their preparation and that every performer receives the rehearsal time and support necessary for a successful performance.

If you're unsure which option applies to your repertoire, please contact us at commonnook.au@gmail.com before registering and we'll be happy to advise you.

Audience

General Admission: $15
Children aged 2 and under: Free with lap seating.

Performers

Performance Entry: $20
Multiple performers may participate in a single act.

Performer + Piano Accompanist

$45 to $85, depending on repertoire and rehearsal requirements.

Includes Performance entrance fee. Please select the appropriate accompaniment option when registering. The fee reflects the professional preparation and rehearsal time required for your repertoire.

For further details, please read the "Need a Piano Accompanist" section above for more information.