Founded by long-time collaborators Lauren Thiel (The Real Thiel, Big Clit Energy) and international burlesque icon Bettie Bombshell, the festival brings together Australia’s top burlesque talent, emerging stars, and industry legends - all under one glittering roof. Expect a live band, an exciting competition, hands-on workshops, community markets, and one hell of an after-party.
 

More than just rhinestones and razzle dazzle (though yes, that too), this festival exists to create opportunity: through career development, national recognition, inclusive education, and meaningful industry connection. We support and celebrate queer, body-diverse, sex-positive, and neurodiverse communities, and we’re filling the gaps where traditional circuits have left artists behind.

Whether you’re onstage, backstage, or cheering from the front row - this is your
chance to be part of something electric, intentional, and fun as hell.

 

Let’s take a silly little dance break from the world and build something beautiful.

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Take a look at our sponsorship PDF below.

Instructions on how to apply can be found on the last page.

The doors to decadence swing open, the bubbles are flowing, and Melbourne’s newest playground of glamour, mischief, and tease is calling your name.

 

The Sip Club is the first dazzling affair of the Melbourne Festival of Tease. Equal parts cheeky soirée and glitter soaked party. Think velvet-rope sophistication meets unapologetic debauchery. phenomenal performances, cocktails that won’t quit, and surprises that keep the night deliciously unpredictable.

 

It’s exclusive, it’s outrageous, and it’s where Melbourne comes to sip, sparkle, and surrender to the fun. Forget the ordinary darlings, this is where the party begins, and you don’t want to spill a single drop.

When the lights go low and the band kicks in, the Late Night Grind... House comes alive.

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Dripping with sophistication and scandal, this late night playground is home to the performers who aren’t afraid to bare it all.

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We're not serving you step ball change, cheesecake burlesque at this show folks, no no no It's loud, it's sexy and it's loose! Think dirty jazz and shows that happen not just on the stage, but right at your table.

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Where the bump, the grind, and the sweat of the stage blur into a haze of smoke and sin.

We’re not just about incredible shows! We’re here to celebrate learning, growth, and the art of burlesque in all its glittering glory. The Workshop Day is your chance to dive deep, explore new skills, and sharpen your craft with a line up of incredible classes led by industry pros.

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From killer stage makeup and costuming secrets to floorwork finesse, act development, and performance polish, there’s something for every performer, dreamer, and teaser.

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At the Festival of Tease, we believe education is the beating heart of our industry. Knowledge is power, and we’re passionate about creating space for performers to grow, connect, and take their artistry to the next level.

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Got a workshop you’d love to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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Our Saturday night competition is a next level platform designed to elevate artists who are already making waves and are ready to go further. This isn’t a beginner’s showcase, it’s about showcasing and celebrating established performers who are working professionally.
 

Bring your strongest act - polished, powerful, stage-ready. It can be an existing number that has toured for years or something brand new, it’s up to you! We want you to know you don't have to create a new act but you can if that's what is calling you. What matters is that it’s fucking good. 
 

Before completing the EOI, please read the eligibility criteria for you and your act. 

If completing a Google Form is not within your means, but you wish to apply, we will also accept a voice recording (mp3) or video (upload to YouTube as unlisted video) so long as all relevant answers are still provided, emailed to hello@thefestivakoftease.com. 

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FULL COMPETITION RULES & FAQ'S CAN BE FOUND HERE

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When the curtain falls, the real fun begins.

 

The After Party is where the glitter gets wild, the fashion gets fierce, and the drinks flow all night long. Think hot beats, bold looks, and a room full of the fiercest party people in town. Taking place at Melbourne's award winning, most favourite cabaret corner - The 86! There's cozy booths, a safe storage place for performer luggage, a pumping dance floor and one helluv-an espresso martini.

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It’s loose, it’s loud, and it’s the place to let your hair down! Let's celebrate in style, and dance until dawn with performers, producers, and the entire tease family.

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This isn’t just an after party, it’s the ultimate festival blowout.

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Step into a world of rhinestones, corsets, and creativity at our fabulous burlesque market made by and for the tease community.

 

Browse stalls packed with costume magic, glittering accessories, vintage gems, and one-of-a-kind burlesque goodies from local makers and artisans.

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Whether you’re a seasoned performer hunting for your next showstopper piece or a devoted fan wanting to take a little sparkle home, this is the place to find it.

With a cosy pop-up café, fabulous finds, and plenty of time to mingle, The Market Day is where performers and fans come together to celebrate the art of tease.

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Applications to teach at TMFOT can be found above! We will shedule classes across the Saturday & Sunday.

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Are you passionate about burlesque, events, performance, or production?
Want to get involved in the magic behind the curtain?

Want to gogo dance all night long at our killer after party?

Want to be a roving show pony greeting folks, taking pics and being fabulous the festival?

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We’re seeking a team of amazing humans, with mixed levels of experience, to help make the inaugural Melbourne Festival of Tease a glittering success. We have a mix of paid and volunteer opportunities available.​