Popular Tiatr Competition

Popular Tiatr Competition is an annual state-level competition organised by Tiatr Academy of Goa under the Art, Culture and Museums Department, Government of Goa. It supports the complete development of traditional tiatr by inviting popular tiatr groups from across Goa to compete for awards and appreciation.

For the 2026-27 season, the competition is open and follows the traditional format of tiatr. As per the latest rules, winners receive mementos and certificates instead of cash prizes, along with a share of the ticket collection and a performance fee fixed by the academy.

Popular Tiatr Competition - Introduction

Popular Tiatr Competition was launched by Tiatr Academy of Goa to bring all round development of popular tiatr by organising annual competitions in different parts of Goa. The scheme preserves and promotes the traditional format of tiatr performances, which includes 6 or 7 acts (podd'dde) with at least 4 cantos and comedy linked to the story of the play.

Each year, 12 popular tiatr groups are allowed to take part. A popular tiatr is one which has completed at least 20 performances, including Kantaram, from 1st January of the previous year up to the date fixed for accepting applications. The academy publishes press notes and advertisements in local dailies when applications open.

Key Information

Benefits and Awards

As per the latest rules of the competition, no cash awards are given for the top three performances. Prize winners receive mementos and certificates in a special award distribution ceremony. The awards cover performance, acting, direction, singing, lyrics, script and many technical aspects of the tiatr.

Participating troupes also get a performance fee fixed by the academy. Each applicant gets an additional ₹5,000 if they give consent to video record the performance, and one copy of the DVD is given to the troupe. Ticket gate collection is shared between TAG and the performing troupe in the ratio 40:60, and the hall is provided free of cost.

Tiatr Academy of Goa also runs related singing competitions such as Promotion of Duets/Duos/Trios/Quartets/Quintets/Choral Songs for artists who want to compete in smaller formats.

Eligibility

To take part in Popular Tiatr Competition, the troupe and the tiatr must meet these conditions:

• 20 performances: A popular tiatr must have completed at least 20 performances, including Kantaram, from 1st January of the previous year to the date fixed for accepting applications.
• Traditional format: The tiatr should have 6 or 7 acts (podd'dde) with at least 4 cantos, comedy linked to the story, and at least 10 Kantaram including 2 duets, 1 duo, 1 trio, 1 quartet or quintet, 1 choral song and solos.
• Duration: The tiatr should run between 2:00 and 3:00 hours excluding the interval. If it goes below 2:00 hours or above 3:15 hours including the interval, the tiatr stands disqualified.
• Security deposit: Each participating troupe must furnish a refundable security deposit of ₹5,000 in cash or demand draft in favour of Member Secretary, Tiatr Academy of Goa, payable at Panaji. Cheques are not accepted.
• Live music band: The band should have at least 5 instruments, including drums, keyboard, guitar and 2 blowing instruments.
• No adverse remarks: Scripts, lyrics, performances and speeches should not carry adverse remarks against any government, individual, institution, caste, creed or religion.
• One group rule: Artistes and technicians can take part in only one group and one tiatr. Musicians can work in not more than 2 tiatrs.
• Child artistes: For child artiste awards, a self-attested birth or baptism certificate, or a certificate from the headmaster or headmistress of a recognised school, must be submitted. The child's age should not be more than 16 years on the last day of entry.

Exclusions

Some performances cannot be entered in this competition:

• Kantaram already presented in the Kala Academy Tiatr Competitions are not allowed, unless the tiatr from the Kala Academy competition is admitted to this competition.
• Troupes that fail to score 40% of marks for overall performance will not be considered for the benefits of this scheme in the next competition.
• If a troupe withdraws after the schedule is drawn by TAG, the full security deposit stands forfeited.
• A troupe that fails to prove 20 show performances as per the terms and conditions can be banned for 3 years.

Application Process

Offline Application Process

Applications are invited through press notes and advertisements in local dailies. Watch local newspapers and the official website of Tiatr Academy of Goa for the announcement.

STEP 1 - Download the prescribed application form from the official website tiatracademyofgoa.com or collect it from the office of Tiatr Academy of Goa, Block A, 2nd Floor, Campal Trade Centre, Campal, Panaji, Goa.

STEP 2 - Fill in the details of the institution or individual, the name of the tiatr, playwright, director, cast and crew, and the details of 20 performances. Attach self-attested copies of Aadhaar and PAN card.

STEP 3 - Submit one typed copy of the script and one typed copy of each song lyric along with the application form. Handwritten copies are not accepted. If the script is based on the story of another writer, attach a No Objection Certificate from that writer.

STEP 4 - Furnish the refundable security deposit of ₹5,000 in cash or demand draft in favour of Member Secretary, Tiatr Academy of Goa, payable at Panaji, along with the entry form.

STEP 5 - Submit the completed application to the office of Tiatr Academy of Goa before the last date. Incomplete and late entries are not accepted. The top 3 winners of the previous competition get direct entry, and the remaining 9 places are filled by lots if applications exceed 12.

Documents

Keep these documents ready while applying:

• Self-attested copy of Aadhaar Card.
• Self-attested copy of PAN Card.
• One typed copy of the script of the play (handwritten copies are not accepted).
• One typed copy of each song lyric.
• No Objection Certificate from the original writer if the script uses another writer's story.
• Details of 20 performances, including place, date and time.
• Birth or baptism certificate, or headmaster or headmistress certificate, for child artistes.
• Refundable security deposit of ₹5,000 in cash or demand draft.

References

Official Rules and Application Form of Popular Tiatr Competition

Citizen Charter of Tiatr Academy of Goa

Official Website of Tiatr Academy of Goa

FAQ's

Is Popular Tiatr Competition still open in 2026?

Yes, Tiatr Academy of Goa organises this competition every year. Applications are invited through press notes and advertisements in local dailies, and the forms are available on the official website.

Are cash prizes given in this competition?

As per the latest rules, no cash awards are given. Winners receive mementos and certificates. Participating troupes get a performance fee fixed by the academy and a share of the ticket gate collection.

How many performances are required to be eligible?

A popular tiatr must have completed at least 20 performances, including Kantaram, from 1st January of the previous year to the date fixed for accepting applications.

Are handwritten scripts accepted?

No. One typed copy of the script and one typed copy of each song lyric must be submitted along with the application form.

What is the security deposit amount?

Each participating troupe must furnish a refundable security deposit of ₹5,000 in cash or demand draft in favour of Member Secretary, Tiatr Academy of Goa, payable at Panaji.

Can artists participate in more than one tiatr?

No. Artistes and technicians can take part in only one group and one tiatr. Musicians can work in not more than 2 tiatrs.

Is there a financial incentive for recording the performance?

Yes, each applicant gets an additional ₹5,000 if they give consent to video record the performance, and one copy of the DVD is given to the troupe.