Tiatr Competition

Tiatr Competition is an annual scheme by the Kala Academy, Government of Goa, made to preserve and promote the traditional Goan theatre form of Tiatr. It gives registered cultural institutions a professional platform to show their talent, along with cash prizes, stage facilities, and awards in many performance categories. The competition is held every year at Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir in Panaji, and the latest edition for the 2025-26 season has already been completed.

For the 2026-27 season, Kala Academy continues to invite entries from eligible institutions. The 51st Tiatr 'A' Group Competition 2025-26 was held in March 2026, and the 11th Tiatr 'B' Group Competition ran from 19 February to 5 March 2026. Institutions that meet the rules can apply for the coming season and get a chance to perform on a professional stage.

Tiatr Competition - Introduction

Tiatr Competition is organized every year by the Kala Academy under the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Goa. This scheme supports the unique Goan theatre tradition known as Tiatr by giving local talent a platform to shine. Participation is open to institutions registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, as long as their registration stays current. Once your institution submits a valid entry before the deadline, you get the chance to perform on a professional stage as per the schedule fixed by the Kala Academy.

The competition is divided into 'A' Group and 'B' Group, and the sequence of performances is decided by a draw of lots. For the 51st 'A' Group competition, the draw was held on 27 January 2026 at the Kala Academy in Campal, Panaji. Institutions must attach their registration or renewal certificate along with the entry form as required under the Societies Registration Act.

Key Information

Here are the main details of the scheme at a glance.

Benefits

As a participating institution, you get good support to make your performance a success. This includes:

• Access to a professional auditorium and infrastructure at Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir, Panaji.
• Reimbursement for two vehicles used to carry artists and stage props, based on official norms.
• A share of 80% of the gate collection from ticket sales.
• Eligibility for various awards based on the judges' recommendations.

Performance Awards Structure

Additional prizes are given for Acting, Comedy, Child Artistry, Technical Skills (Stage, Lighting, Music, Makeup, Costume), and many singing categories including Solo, Duet, Trio, and Choral Cantar. Consolation prizes of ₹25,000 for 'A' Group and ₹20,000 for 'B' Group are also given when the total number of performances crosses 10.

Eligibility

To enter Tiatr Competition, you must meet the following criteria:

• Your institution must hold a valid registration under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Your registration must be renewed and current at the time of your application, and you must attach the registration or renewal certificate with the entry form.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Visit the Office of Tiatr Academy of Goa, located at Block A, 2nd Floor, Campal Trade Centre, Panaji, to collect the prescribed application form. The form can also be downloaded from the official website of Tiatr Academy of Goa at tiatracademyofgoa.com.

STEP 2 - Complete the application with all required details, affix a recent passport-sized photograph, and attach self-attested copies of the required documents, including your registration or renewal certificate.

STEP 3 - Submit your application along with the entry fee of ₹500 and a refundable security deposit of ₹5,000 to the academy staff before the last date. The deadline for each season is announced by Kala Academy, and for the 2025-26 'A' Group competition the entries were accepted up to 27 January 2026. For the latest season, check the official website and office notice for the current deadline.

STEP 4 - After the last date, a draw of lots decides the sequence of performances. For any queries, contact the Programme and Development Section in the Office of Kala Academy on phone numbers 2420450, 2420451, or 2420452 during office hours, or call Tiatr Academy of Goa at 9158044466.

Documents

You should prepare the following documents for your application:

• Valid, renewed registration certificate under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Typed script of the performance (to be submitted before the show date).
• Typed copy of the songs or Kantaram (to be submitted before the show date).
• Payment proof for the ₹500 entry fee and ₹5,000 refundable security deposit.

References

View Official Guidelines

51st Tiatr 'A' Group Competition Notice

Tiatr Academy of Goa Official Website

FAQ's

What are the eligibility requirements for institutions?

Your institution must be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and your registration must remain valid throughout the competition period. The registration or renewal certificate must be attached with the entry form.

Is there a participation fee?

Yes, you must pay a non-refundable entry fee of ₹500 and a refundable security deposit of ₹5,000 at the time of application. The security deposit is refunded if your institution withdraws within the stipulated 5 days.

How are the performance schedules decided?

The Kala Academy decides the sequence of all eligible performances through a draw of lots and notifies the selected institutions.

What facilities are included for participants?

You get free access to the auditorium and basic infrastructure, with the possibility of reimbursement for transportation costs of artists and materials.

Are consolation prizes available?

Yes, consolation prizes of ₹25,000 for 'A' Group and ₹20,000 for 'B' Group are given if the total number of performances exceeds 10.

How are winners selected?

A specialized panel of judges appointed by the Kala Academy evaluates each performance and recommends winners for various artistic and technical categories.