THE Rock Eisteddfod Challenge on Friday will see nine performances from eight schools across the ACT and NSW.

This year marks 31 years of the dance and drama extravaganza. The performances are based on themes chosen by students and teachers, that are relevant to young people.

“It’s fantastic to be back in 2011 and to receive such great support from students, teachers and communities across Australia,” Rock Eisteddfod Challenge Producer Helen Sjoquist said.

“Without a doubt the 2011 tour will bring to the stage new exciting themes, designs and performances presenting the views of today’s youth.”

Each work is judged on two divisions – the open division is judged on how design, performance and production is used to communicate their theme.

The Raw division looks are performance elements such as choreography, dance and drama and challenges participants to explore fresh and exciting ways of manipulating elements such as soundtrack, costume, hand-held props, make-up and lighting to execute their performance.

Rock Eisteddfod Challenge, Canberra Theatre at 6.30pm on Friday 26 August. Tickets available from www.canberraticketing.com.au