Royal Bard
Kingdom Bardic Competition 2026
Anauved de Mona, Royal Bard of Atlantia, invite fellow Bards to prepare for competition most exciting - the Royal Bard Competition at 12th Night.
Criteria:
Join us at Atlantia Twelfth night at a competition for Their Royal Majesties to select their new Royal Bard(s). The competition will allow bards to showcase their talents and audiences to enjoy performances.
All entries should be solo performances. Instrumental accompaniment is only permitted if it is performed by the entrant.
Bards are requested to prepare three pieces, not to exceed 15 minutes total. One performance should be to Teach, one to Inspire, and one to Entertain. One of the three should be a period piece.
Range/Variety: your performances must be in at least two different genres, to include story, song, instrumental piece, or poetic rendition (which could include scrolltext). Your range as a performer is an important qualification for the position of Royal Bard. Contributions from beyond Western Europe and traditional SCA bardic fare are welcome.
Originality: Participants are encouraged to perform at least one original piece, if possible. Your ability as a composer can be an important asset in the role of Royal Bard.
Memorization: When performers know their piece by heart, it demonstrates personal investment in their craft and in the piece being performed. With the exception of instrumentalists, who may use sheet music, bards are encouraged strongly to be off-book for all performances.
Documentation: If you perform a piece in a language other than English, please provide a translation. Otherwise, documentation is welcome, especially for the period piece, but not required. Documentation, if you provide it, should cover the place and date of origin, information about the author of the piece if possible, and a few sentences of relevant cultural context where appropriate. If you perform a piece outside Western Europe or traditional SCA bardic fare, supporting information can help to provide important background information for the judges and audience. A bibliography with more than one source for research is encouraged.
Presentation: Stagecraft and presence are important qualities for a Royal Bard. Costuming, demeanor, acting ability, and a sense of maintaining "enchanted ground" during your performance are all factors that can contribute to a higher score.
Statement of intent: Each contestant must submit a 3-5 sentence statement about how you view the role of the Royal Bard, what you would bring to the position, and how you will serve the Kingdom. Please email it to Anubh de Mona monika.townsend@gmail.com by January 2, 2026. This statement does not need to be a masterpiece of writing, it simply ensures contestants acknowledge that the title of Royal Bard comes with responsibilities, and it helps us know how many contestants to expect.
Expectations if you win: Requirements of Royal Bards during their one year of tenure include: a) services requested by the crown; b) sponsorship of two competitions, including the competition to replace themself; c) teaching; and d) encouragement of the bardic arts.
Please direct questions to Anubh de Mona via social media or email monika.townsend@gmail.com