View Schedule

THE 43Rd GULGONG PRINCE OF WALES

EISTEDDFOD 2024

DANCE and SPEECH & DRAMA

SYLLABUS

PROPOSED DATES SUBJECT TO NUMBER OF ENTRANTS

DANCE: Thursday 9th May 2024 – Wednesday 15^th May 2024

Sunday 12^th May Group Day

SPEECH & DRAMA: Thursday 16^th May 2024 – Sunday 19th May 2024

JUNIOR is 12years & Under

SENIOR is 13 yrs & Over / OPEN

MORE ABOUT US

Each May Gulgong hosts the Gulgong Prince of Wales Eisteddfod. Gulgong is a New South Wales gold rush town which is located approximately 300km North West of Sydney and 30km from Mudgee.

Today Gulgong is a small town rich with history and with a population of around 2,500 people. It is a popular tourist destination which boasts a rich culture of music and annual community events like the Henry Lawson Festival and our own Gulgong Prince of Wales Eisteddfod.

The Gulgong Prince of Wales Eisteddfod was started by Gulgong Musical and Dramatic Society (MADS) in 1980. Gulgong MADS are an active performing group who work together to maintain the historical Prince of Wales Opera House located in Mayne Street Gulgong.

Gulgong MADS developed the Eisteddfod as a suitable event to be held in their beautiful, historic Gulgong Prince of Wales Opera House.

Over the decades, The Gulgong Prince of Wales Eisteddfod has expanded and become an important cultural event for Gulgong and the Central West. The Eisteddfod has grown so much it is now held at two locations The Gulgong Prince of Wales Opera House and the Gulgong Memorial Hall.

The Gulgong Prince of Wales Eisteddfod is a subsidiary of Gulgong MADS. Our main aim is to raise funds for the continuing restoration of the Prince of Wales Opera House.

Known as the friendly Eisteddfod which kicks off the Eisteddfod season each year in our region, The Gulgong Prince of Wales Eisteddfod gives local children and those in our rural community an opportunity to showcase their talents in a range of creative arts.

Local schools and those across the Mid-Western Region also participate in a range of classes within the syllabus. On average, we have twelve schools participate in our Eisteddfod each year across dance, speech and music.
?
The Gulgong Prince of Wales Eisteddfod is run by a sub-committee with Gulgong MADS continued support. The Eisteddfod committee would like to thank Gulgong MADS for supporting this annual showcase of young talent.

RULES GOVERNING COMPETITION

Failure to comply with any of the following rules and conditions may involve disqualification and withholding of prizes. The decision of the Committee in all questions of dispute arising out of, or not provided for by, these Rules and Conditions shall be final. All entries are received subject to this decision, which shall not be subject to any appeals by law, as such could be contrary to the spirit of friendly competition upon which the Eisteddfod is based.

Bad language and bad sportsmanship by entrants, their relatives or friends will not be tolerated, and offenders will be asked to leave the venue. Entrants related to or associated with offenders may be disqualified.

Venue - All of the Dance section will be held at the Memorial Hall, Herbert Street, Gulgong. All Speech & Drama will be held at the Opera House Mayne Street, Gulgong. GROUP SPEECH & DRAMA Memorial Hall, Herbert St, Gulgong
Amateurs - All competitions are intended for amateurs only, except for those listed in the syllabus as being open to professionals as well. Where group classes are open to professionals, no more than 50% of the group may be professionals. An amateur is one who does not, or has not, obtained his or her living by performing or teaching that branch which is subject to competition.
Entries - Close on the closing dates and times listed. No entry will be accepted from any person who is or was, during the six months preceding the end of the Eisteddfod, taught or coached by the Adjudicator for that Section. A breach of this rule will result in disqualification. Entries are via www.stardom.com.au. The names of all competitors in duos and trios must be listed on the entry .
Cancellations / Alterations - The Committee reserves the right to cancel a class if there are fewer than three entries or to combine it with the next age group. Prize money in any class may be lowered or not awarded if there are fewer than 4 entries or if the standard of performance is not adequate. The number of places awarded in a class may also be reduced according to the number of entrants. The Committee has the right to amend the program at any time, to appoint a substitute adjudicator, to divide or couple any class or award, and/or to alter competition times.
Prizes - Senior prizes and all Championships will be awarded on the following scale: One to three entries in class 1^st prize

Four to five entries 1^st & 2^nd prize

Six or more entries 1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd prize

Where classes are combined, the prizes given are those applicable for the class of the oldest contestant or highest grade. If one competitor is the sole competitor in a number of classes, a certificate may be the only prize awarded

NB – PRIZES ARE AWARDED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE ADJUDICATOR THE ACTUAL FULL AMOUNT OF PRIZE MONEY MAY NOT BE AWARDED IF THEY WISH TO DO SO THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EISTEDDFOD NO DISCUSSION WILL BE ENTERED INTO

Entrants - Must make themselves available for the full session (morning, afternoon or night) to allow for any necessary changes. Entrants must be ready to perform at least 15 minutes before class entered is due to commence. Entrants requiring costume changes between consecutive classes are exempt from this rule.
Order of Competition - Competitors shall compete in the order in which their names appear on the official program, subject to any variation the Committee may deem necessary. In exceptional circumstances, out of class performance may be permitted, at the discretion of the convenor.
Upon Arrival - ALL competitors (including those in improvisation) must report to the session clerk on arrival
Age / Grade Limit - The competitor’s age or grade level is recognized as at the 1^st MAY each year. Date of birth/grade level (which is currently being studied) must be stated on the entry form where age/grade limits apply. Where competitors of different ages compete in duets or groups, the age limit for entry to that class will be based on the age of the oldest competitor. The Committee reserves the right to call upon any competitor or their teacher to furnish at the competitor’s own expense, proof of age, and to withhold any prizes until such proof has been obtained.
Open - Means there is no age restriction, except where noted.
Restricted - Dance: “Restricted” means not having won a first place in that dance style at any eisteddfod or dance festival up until the closing date of entries. A restricted dancer may only compete in a restricted section only. If a restricted dancer chooses to enter an open section, they forfeit the opportunity to dance in the restricted section for that class ie a restricted dancer can only dance in either open or restricted for a particular class not both.
Adjudicators - The Adjudicators reserve the right to terminate a performance at any stage. The Adjudicator’s decision is final unless a protest is lodged under Rule 18, in which case the Committee’s decision is final. The Adjudicator also reserves the right to vary the allocation of prizes within a class, or if a satisfactory standard is not reached, to reduce or withdraw prizes. No competitor, teacher, parent or relative of a competitor may approach the adjudicator. Any communication must be through the Session Convenor.
Adjudicators’ Reports -These will be available free of charge after the final adjudication of each session and may be obtained from the session clerk. They will not be forwarded afterwards. Group reports to be collected by a teacher, not an entrant or parent without permission. Any Reports not collected at the end of the eisteddfod will be disposed of.
Prompting - No prompting or assistance of any kind may be given to any competitor, except from the Adjudicator. Special Needs groups are exempt. No teacher or parent shall be allowed on the stage area with a competitor. (Special Needs group exempt). Disregarding this rule will result in disqualification of the competitor.
Rehearsals - Once a section has commenced, no rehearsals may be held in the Prince of Wales Opera House or the Memorial Hall. A rehearsal is defined as any form of conducted performance, or planned performance, or any part of performance that exceeds one minute.
Duplication of items - No competitor may compete more than once in any solo class. The exception is where the committee has combined two classes a particular competitor is in. No competitor may render the same item in more than one class, except where otherwise stated.
Minimum Props - Only those props required to enhance the performance are permitted. These must be able to be carried on stage by the competitor without extra assistance. Props must not obstruct passageways and must be removed from the backstage area as soon as possible after the performance. Before the commencement of the session, stage manager must be advised of the props stored backstage.
Protests - Any protests must be lodged verbally to the Session Convenor or the rostered Committee Member within ten minutes of the adjudicator’s decision. A written explanation outlining the reasons for the protest must be submitted before the end of the Session, accompanied by a deposit of $20. The protest will be decided by an ad hoc Protest Committee of a minimum of three, comprising the Session Convenor and two or more Eisteddfod Committee members (whoever is willing or available at the time). Their decision will be final. Should the protest be upheld, the deposit will be refunded. Verbal grievances or complaints to individual committee members or eisteddfod workers are not in the spirit of Eisteddfod competition. They will not be tolerated and could lead to exclusion from any further participation in the Eisteddfod.
Admission - Competitors will be admitted free to the hall only when they are actually competing during that session.
Rules - Please read the rules carefully and check all entries as no alterations can be made once the program has been printed. We recommend you keep a copy of your entry to verify the details are correct.
Private Video Recording and Photography - It is the policy of the Gulgong Prince of Wales Eisteddfod Committee that there is no private still photography or image recording of any performance.
Scholarships - The scholarship is awarded by the Adjudicator to a competitor who displays the ability to further their studies in their chosen field. Scholarship monies are intended for this purpose. Age limit for junior scholarship is 12 years and under, senior scholarship 13 years and over. Competitors must compete in at least three contrasting solo classes to be eligible. A winner is ineligible to enter the same scholarship for the following year’s Eisteddfod. A minimum of 8 entrants is required for Dance and Minimum 5 entrants for Speech/Drama before the Full Scholarship Amount will be awarded or a smaller Amount will be awarded at the Committee’s discretion.NO PERFORMANCE IS REQUIRED IN THIS CLASS. It is based on the competitor’s performance throughout their section eg Dance or Speech & Drama.
Own Risk - All competitors perform at their own risk and the Gulgong Eisteddfod Committee is unable to accept any responsibility for performers, their equipment and/or personal belongings.
Responsibility of Syllabus, Entry Form and Program - While every care is taken in compiling the syllabus, entry form and programs, the Committee will not be responsible for any omissions, alterations or errors that may occur. The entrant is responsible for ensuring their entry form is correct.
Acceptance of Rules & Conditions - All entries are received according to the conditions and rules of the Gulgong Eisteddfod Committee as stated above.
Copyright Requirements - The Law of Copyright applies to all sections of the Eisteddfod – Dance. It is the responsibility of each competitor, teacher & school to adhere to the Act. Competitors are responsible for all royalty and copyright payments and liabilities (if any). Any music copied from copyright is the responsibility of the competitor and not the Eisteddfod.

Speech (Art of Speech and Drama) Section – Original poetry etc must be used for performance. If out of print a licensed stamped copy may be used. The adjudicator is to be given an original or copy of the poem etc. All unauthorised copies will be destroyed at the conclusion of the session.

Performance Etiquette - Good sportsmanship is expected from all competitors and audience at all times. There must be no applause, whistling, stamping of feet etc. before or during a performance. Applause and encouragement are to be reserved for the end of a performance.
Requests to Move Classes – once the program has be released, classes CAN NOT be moved.

ADDITIONAL RULES & REGULATIONS FOR DANCE
Adjudicators now have the power to stop a dance performance if the lyrics, dress or choreography are considered inappropriate, or dance practice is not safe.

The stage area will be covered with Tarkett dance floor. No resin or glitter is permitted.

Professional dancers may only enter solo classes specified as open to professionals.

Dancers who have completed their secondary schooling (finished Year 12) and/or are 19 years and over are required to enter OPEN classes.

Championships - To compete in a Championship the competitor must have danced in the following classes below for the style they wish to enter: Championship Dances are NOT A REPEATED PERFORMANCE they must have another dance to do this.
Tap Championship - Tap Improvisation plus one other tap solo class
(Tap Solo, Fast or Slow/Waltz Tap, Song & Dance Tap).
Classical Championship - Classical Improvisation plus one other classical solo class (Classical, Demi-Character, National Character).
Jazz Championship - Jazz Improvisation plus another Jazz Solo class.
Modern/Contemporary Championship - Modern Improvisation or Contemporary Improvisation plus one other Modern or Contemporary solo class (Modern Solo, Contemporary Solo).
Improvisations - All classes are to be danced in leotards and tights (stockings) only. Music will be chosen by the Adjudicator. Demi-Character Improvisations are 1.5 minutes long. Other Improvisations 1 minute.
Spraying and Resin - The spraying of shoes and the use of resin in the dressing rooms will lead to disqualification. Please leave rooms tidy at all times. No tap shoes to be worn in the hall unless covered.
Time Limits - Competitors must comply with the times stated.

DANCE - Minimum time for a Solo: 1.5 minutes. Maximum time limits: Restricted Solos: 2.5 minutes; Unrestricted Solo: 3 minutes; Duo/Trio: 3 minutes; Groups: 5 minutes. Own Choreography Group Min 2.5 minutes - Max 5 minutes. In case of non-compliance, adjudication will be at the discretion of the adjudicator.

SPEECH – If Time Limit applies the following limits per age section unless otherwise stated

8 Years & Under – Max 2 mins

9 - 12 Years – Max 3 mins

13 Years & Over – Max 4 mins

No Accompanist - Competitors must upload their music . A CD deck and operator will be provided by the Eisteddfod Committee if the uploaded music doesn’t work, it is always handy to have a copy of your music incase this happens. Competitors must bring music on CDS or USB or phone ( iphone the best to use ) if not uploaded by due date.Competitors must ensure their CDs are clear, audible and of a satisfactory standard for the Adjudicator. All CDs must be clearly marked with the competitor’s number and class number. National Character and Demi-Character must have the name of character written on the CD. No other person may approach, interfere with, or operate the official equipment used by the Eisteddfod Committee. The Adjudicator reserves the right to downgrade or disqualify any competitor who does not comply with our rules and regulations.
PROMPTING - This is NOT permitted, except in the Baby Dance and Special Needs classes. No teachers or parents to remain backstage or in the wings, except in the Baby Dance and Special Needs classes.
Tags - There are to be no ‘tags’ on dance performances. At the completion of the item, dancers are to bow and exit the stage.
Curtains - will remain open at all times. Students are expected to know how to place themselves on stage.
Re-runs - A ‘run-off’ will not be eligible for a placing or a prize, nor will a re-run (if allowed). The entrant may receive adjudications. This DOES NOT apply to 6 Years & Under Sections in DANCE ONLY
Stockings - Stockings/tights are to be worn by all female dancers in all sections for solo and group performances. Failure to do so will lead to disqualification.