What to Expect:

• Curated Song List: Participants will receive a listed selection of hand-picked jazz standards and sultry classics, each tailored to complement the art of burlesque. Each participant may choose a mood/vibe that suits their style, however the final song selection will be up to the band on the night!

• Collaborative Rehearsals: Work closely with your mentors to fine-tune your performance craft. Hone your improvisation skills, stage presence, and character development while also learning how to communicate with the band. Explore timing and dynamics while experimenting with subtle cues or playful interaction with your accompaniment.

• Costume Integration: Bring an existing burlesque costume to incorporate into your act. Receive feedback on how to enhance your act through styling, props, and costume reveals.

• Final Showcase: At the end of the programme, you’ll take the stage in a full showcase at The Melbourne SpiegelHaus in the Emerald Tent on June 20th 2026, debuting your improvsation skills in front of a live audience with the band backing you.The thrill of performing with live music adds an irreplaceable vibrancy to your routine. The musician’s ad-lib solos and collaborative rhythms will inspire you to stay present and responsive.

• Professional Photos, Sound Recordings & Videos: After the course you will receive a full press pack of your performance professionally edited by Lord Media. This will include edited photos of your performance, plus a full video of your act with sound recording of the band. 

Prerequisites:

• Participants must have an existing costume suited for a burlesque act. 

• This course is best suited for emerging and professional performers. Experience with solo burlesque or stage performance is essential.

Programme Structure:

• Week 1 - Monday May 25th (6pm - 9pm):

  • Introduction to the course

  • Foundations of the relationship between Jazz & Burlesque

  • Musical Theory with Lok Davidson & The Whoop Dee Doo Band

• Week 2 - Monday June 1st (6pm - 9pm):

  • Improvisation Skills: Part 1 - Holding Space & Story Telling

• Week 3 - Monday June 8th (6pm - 9pm):

  • Improvisation Skills: Part 2 - Choreographic Tools & Costume Integration

• Week 4 - Monday June 15th (6pm - 9pm):

  • Play with the band! Put your newfound skills to the test!

  • Saturday June 20th- Performance - tech rehearsal and live showcase

    • Tech rehearsal: 12:00pm - 2:30pm

    • Call Time: 6:00pm

    • Show: 7:00pm

Location:

• Rehearsals held at Temperance Hall, 199 Napier St, South Melbourne

• Final Showcase held at the Melbourne SpiegelHaus, The Emerald Tent, 217 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

BIPOC Scholarships:

Financial support is available for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour to increase equity in performance opportunities. Tuition reduction or full funding options are available. Get in contact with whoop.dee.doo.revue@gmail.com for more info.

Burlesque is an art—but with live jazz, it becomes a conversation. This programme offers performers the chance to interact with a 5-piece band, creating a special performance that evolves with every beat, bringing the raw, electric energy of live performance to the forefront.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Whoop Dee Doo: A Debut Revue – Solo Development Program

By enrolling in Whoop Dee Doo: A Debut Revue, participants agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Eligibility:

• This programme is designed for emerging & professional burlesque performers with prior solo stage experience.

• Participants must provide their own costume suited to a burlesque act.

• Participants must be 18 years or older.

2. Payment & Refund Policy:

• Payment is required upon registration to secure your spot in the programme.

• Payment plans are available. Please email whoop.dee.doo.revue@gmail.com for more info.

• Terms: 50% is due as a deposit, with the remaining amount due the 18th of May (1 week prior to the commencement of the course)

• Refunds will only be issued if the programme is canceled by the organisers. No refunds will be provided for participant cancellations or withdrawals after registration.

• Transfers: If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your spot to another eligible performer with prior approval from the organisers.

• BIPOC Scholarships: Financial support is available for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour to increase equity in performance opportunities. Tuition reduction or full funding options are available. Get in contact with whoop.dee.doo.revue@gmail.com for more info.

3. Attendance & Participation:

• Full attendance is required for all sessions, including rehearsals with the live band. Missing sessions may affect your ability to perform in the final showcase.

• Punctuality is expected. Late arrivals may result in missed instruction or rehearsal time.

• Participants are expected to actively engage in feedback sessions and collaborative rehearsals.

4. Costumes & Music Selection:

• Participants must use an existing costume appropriate for burlesque.

• Songs will be selected from a curated list provided by the organisers. Final song assignments will be made by the band based on availability and compatibility with the performer’s requested style.

• No external or personal music tracks will be accepted, as all performances are to be improvised with the accompaniment of the live 5-piece jazz band.

5. Code of Conduct:

• This programme fosters a respectful and inclusive environment. Discrimination, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in immediate dismissal from the programme without refund.

• Participants are expected to respect the time and contributions of instructors, fellow performers, and band members.

• All feedback is to be delivered and received in a constructive and professional manner.

6. Media Release:

• By enrolling, participants grant the organisers permission to photograph and film classes, rehearsals, and performances. These materials may be used for promotional purposes.

7. Health & Safety:

• Participants are responsible for their own health and safety during the programme.

• If you have any medical conditions that may affect your participation, please inform the organisers in advance.

• The organisers are not liable for injuries or personal property loss during the course or final showcase.

8. Final Showcase Participation:

• Participation in the final showcase is contingent on full course attendance and completion of all required rehearsals.

• The organisers reserve the right to adjust or modify acts in the interest of show flow, safety, or artistic direction.

By registering for Whoop Dee Doo: A Debut Revue, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions.