2025 SPEECH & DRAMA DIVISION CHECK FOR CHANGES   

ADJUDICATORS:

SOLO: Ann Murrell, Sunshine Coast   GROUP: Mary Gallagher, Brisbane

RULES & CONDITIONS

1. CHORAL SPEAKING Title & Poet to be recited. Maximum number of voices:30

1. Choir risers: 3 sets of 4 levels (plus floor). Placed in a static position.
2. School choirs shall consist solely of current bona-fide students of that school.
3. Competitors must not perform in more than one choir in the same Section.
4. A conductor may be used.
5. Unison: Natural gestures optional.
6. Part work: Simple costumes, hand props & choreographed movement optional. Performed on risers or floor.
7. Enter & exit stage from Auditorium.
8. Only groups who are competing in the relevant section may be seated in the auditorium.

2. POEM IN PAIRS Title & Poet to be recited.

1. One of the competitors may be under the Age Limit but may not enter BOTH the higher Age Section and their own Age Section.
2. If any competitor is prevented from performing due to the withdrawal of one member, a substitute may be used. The Backstage Marshall must be notified of the change prior to the commencement of the Section.
3. May be Unison, Part or Combination.

3. POETRY Natural gestures optional

4. OWN CHOICE Title & Poet/Author to be recited except Drama sections & Character Poem.

5. SET POEMS & TITLES Title & Poet/Author to be recited except Prepared Mime.

       Available from the Eisteddfod website:  www.townsvilleeisteddfod.org or from the Eisteddfod Office.

6. DRAMA SECTIONS

       Scripts must be age appropriate and with the realisation that there will be children in the audience. Optional: Curtain & a typed 25 word synopsis (to be read by Chairperson) handed to the Registrar prior to the commencement of the Section, except Impromptu Drama.

       Prepared Mime: Chairperson Form must be submitted

7. EXTEMPORISEDSECTIONS

       Failure to appear before commencement will mean disqualification.

        Only Marshalls & competitors will be allowed backstage.

        Improvisation topics/readings will be provided by the Adjudicator with a preparation time of 1 minute.

        Impromptu Drama: Warning bell: 30 seconds before allotted time. If the performance exceeds the allotted time, a second bell will be rung & adjudication will be given but no mark.

        Impromptu News Reading: News article will be provided by the Adjudicator. I minute preparation time to add introduction & conclusion. Warning bell: 30 seconds before allotted time.

8. PREPARED PUBLIC SPEAKING SECTIONS

       Warning bell: 30 seconds before allotted time. If the performance exceeds the allotted time, a second bell will be rung & adjudication will be given but no mark.

9. PROMPTING

       Adjudicator only, except for Group Drama. Penalties may apply.

10. PROPS

      Hand held props optional for Character Poem, Humorous Poem, Bush Poetry & Drama.

      1 table & a chair will be provided for Drama. 

      Group Drama: Props must be set within 2 mins & sound effects/music must be provided on USB. Curtain optional.

11. COSTUMES

      Optional for Character Poem, Humorous Poem, Bush Poetry & Drama sections only.

      Theatre Blacks required for Impromptu Drama & Prepared Mime.

12. MICROPHONE

     No microphone will be allowed in any Speech & Drama Sections.

     SPEECH & DRAMA AWARDS

     DRAMA BURSARY Any Townsville competitor age 15 to18 who, in the opinion of the Adjudicator, shows the most potential. Must have competed in Drama Championship.

     SPEECH BURSARY Any Townsville competitor age 15 to18 who, in the opinion of the Adjudicator, shows the most potential. Must have competed in Championship Recitation.

     AWARDS:

• Most promising Drama competitor age 15 and over in any of the following Sections:

Shakespearean or Solo Drama or Impromptu Drama

• Drama Group (3 or more competitors) of the Adjudicator’s choice.
• Encouragement for Recitation competitor aged 13 to 18.
• Most promising Recitation competitor aged 12 & under.
• Primary Choral Speaking Choir of the Adjudicator’s choice.