Speech and Drama Rules

 

All participants in the Maryborough Eisteddfod do so in a spirit of friendly competition and enhancement of performance abilities in a forum where stage experience can be gained and learned. The event is staged with mutual respect amongst organisers, adjudicators, competitors and supporters, maintaining the spirit and integrity of the Eisteddfod tradition. 

 

Please read the following rules and regulations carefully to ensure competitors are not disadvantaged. A breach of any rule may lead to disqualification.  

 

TERMINOLOGY:

Session: Three per day (Morning Session, Afternoon Session, Evening Session).

Discipline: The 5 Disciplines are 1) Vocal & Choral; 2) Speech & Drama; 3) Instrumental; 4) Literary; 5) Dance.

Section: e.g. 199 – Musical Theatre

 

1.       GENERAL RULES FOR ALL DISCIPLINES:

1.1               By entering the Eisteddfod the competitor agrees to the Maryborough Eisteddfod rules. The competitor enters at their own risk and will satisfy her/himself as to the safety of the competition area to be used. All competitors will follow all directions and set rules stated by the competition organiser and waives any claims for liability against any organiser (whether an Association or Individual), participant, official, steward, judge, visitor, employee or invitee (the “participants”). By entering, the competitor releases the participants from all liability that may arise out of the competition to the competitors. Such liability may include any personal injury, property loss or damage. 

1.2               Entries are received via www.stardom.com.au. This can also be accessed via the Maryborough Eisteddfod website http://www.maryborougheisteddfod.com and under the ‘Enter’ tab.

1.3               Section numbers and colour codes (for administration purposes) are as follows:

(i)      Section numbers starting with 1 (RED) - Vocal & Choral Disciplines 

(ii)    Section numbers starting with 2 (BLUE) - Speech & Drama Disciplines

(iii)   Section numbers starting with 3 (GREEN) - Instrumental Discipline

(iv)  Section numbers starting with 4 (YELLOW/ORANGE) - Literary Discipline

(v)    Section numbers starting with 5 (PURPLE) - Dance Discipline

1.4               Performances are to be limited to the Discipline type unless otherwise stated (for example, no Vocal performance in the Instrumental Discipline, unless specifically stated in the Section Description).

1.5               Entry dates need to be observed. Only under exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the Executive Committee will any late entries be accepted.

1.6               Contact the Convenor for assistance if required. Contact details are on the Maryborough Eisteddfod website.

1.7               Entry and payment is via the Stardom Competition Online Entry System. Payment is required at time of entry. Secure payment is offered online via credit card. Direct deposit is also available. Your entry is not confirmed until payment is received.

1.8               If competitors are entering individually, ensure that duos/trios are only recorded on one entry.

1.9               The Section Description is to be considered part of the Rules and Regulations.

1.10            The Committee reserves the right to refuse an entry.

1.11            All Eisteddfod participants do so at their own risk.

1.12            The age section of the Eisteddfod is for amateur competitors only. All ‘Open’ Sections may have competitors of any age and ability.

1.13            Competitors must be within the specified age limits as at 1 July. Competitors in groups may be younger than the age range but must not be older. The Committee reserves the right to request proof of age from competitors.

1.14            All Sections are not gender specific, unless otherwise stated.

1.15            Order of performance for competitors will be drawn before the programme is printed and competitors will appear in the order shown. However, the Executive reserves the right to make any alterations to the programme if and when it becomes necessary. The Executive may:  (i) cancel a Section

(ii)    vary the prizes

(iii)   combine Sections

(iv)  change the run order or timing of Sections and/or competitors

1.16            Refunds of entry fees will only be granted when a Section is cancelled by the Executive Committee.

1.17            A competitor may only enter a Section once, except where stated and as qualified in certain Sections. e.g. a member of two choirs entered in the same section.

1.18            All competitors must be named (Groups of 4 or above are required to provide a collective name and do not need to provide the individual names). “And Partner” may be used on the Entry Form

but a name must be provided to the Convenor at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the session.

1.19            No competitor may use the same selection in more than one Section.

1.20            No competitor may perform the same selection that has previously been awarded a first place at the Maryborough Eisteddfod.

1.21            Copyright (conventional and electronic) remains the property of the contributing author in all Sections except handwriting. (See further information below regarding Own Choice Pieces).

1.22            It is the responsibility of the competitor to ensure that Own Choice Pieces are within the guidelines for the Section. If a piece is deemed by the Adjudicator to be outside of the guidelines the entrant may not be placed.

1.23            On the day: the title and composer/author of the Own Choice Piece must be submitted at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the Session. AMCOS forms must be attached.

1.24            Time limits, where stated, must not be exceeded. It is the Adjudicator’s privilege to conclude a performance by ringing of the bell if a decision has been made regarding the merit of the performance.

1.25            Competitors are to be dressed appropriately, i.e. thongs, revealing clothing. Competition pieces must not contain excessive use of foul or blasphemous language or actions. Consideration should be given to age appropriateness.

1.26            Use of recording devices of any kind is strictly prohibited in the Auditorium and Federation Room, dressing rooms and backstage. Any person found to be recording video or sound may be ejected from the theatre and further actions may be taken, at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

1.27            Competitors must report to the relevant Marshall and be in readiness backstage (or as otherwise directed by an official) prior to the commencement of the Section in which they are competing.

1.28            Competitors wishing to withdraw are reminded that it is courtesy to inform the Convenor or Marshall before commencement of the Session.

1.29            The Adjudicator’s decision will be final.

1.30            No prize will be awarded in any contest unless there is sufficient merit. All awards in every Section will be at the Adjudicator’s discretion. Certificates and prizes may be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Highly Commended in each Section.

1.31            To be eligible for a major Eisteddfod award, competitors must compete in three or more Sections in the relevant Discipline, with the exception of the Literary Discipline.

1.32            No public protest will be entered into during the sessions. Written protests will be accepted by the Convenor or Executive within 30 minutes of the protest issue arising, accompanied by a $50.00 fee which will be forfeited if the protest is rejected after consideration by the Executive. Decisions regarding protests will be notified verbally by the end of the Session and in writing within 7 days of the close of the Eisteddfod.

1.33            No person, other than the entrant(s), will be permitted to take the stage. No parents or friends to be backstage (Exceptions: Accompanist or where the competitor requires physical assistance to get to the stage). Teachers may be permitted backstage in consultation with the Convenor. Student/teacher positive reinforcement should be saved for the end of the session. Competitors will be supported by volunteer staff.

1.34            The Adjudicator must not be addressed during a session except via an Eisteddfod official. All inquiries or requests are to be made to the Convenor.

1.35            Prompting by the Adjudicator only.

1.36            Entry and exit to the Auditorium or Federation Room during performances is restricted.

1.37            The Brolga Theatre has workplace safety guidelines in place for all stage and backstage activities. If these guidelines are deemed by the theatre to have been breached, perpetrators may be asked to leave the premises. A competitor asked to leave the theatre may be disqualified.

1.38            Group Numbers: Small Group – 4 to 12 members; Large Group – 13 members or above.

1.39            Some discretion regarding numbers may be given based on extenuating circumstances, such as, illness or injury. It is the responsibility of the competitor to ensure that the Convenor is informed immediately of any extenuating circumstances. A decision will be made in consultation with relevant members of the Committee and the Adjudicator.

1.40            Adjudication sheets will be available after the session has been completed.

1.41            Volunteers and Committee members are to be treated with the utmost respect. Abuse of any kind will not be tolerated. Any concerns or complaints must be to the Convenor and not any volunteers.

1.42            Only the teacher and up to two assistants are permitted in dressing rooms during group competition days. Passes will be given to teachers at registration prior to the competition. Under certain circumstances special considerations can be considered by the Committee, however, these must be discussed prior to the start of competition date. 

1.43            The Backstage door and adjacent car park is out of bounds. Teachers make arrangements with parents/caregivers to meet students at the front foyer of the theatre.

2.       SPEECH AND DRAMA

2.1 Set Pieces: Compulsory pieces set by the Adjudicator, are displayed on the website www.maryborougheisteddfod.com. If you are unable to access the Set Pieces, contact the Convenor.

2.2 It is the competitors’ responsibility to see that they have the correct Set Pieces as stated in the Schedule of Competition. Otherwise, the competitor will be disqualified.

2.3 Own Choice: Marks will be awarded for the quality of the selections. No competitor may use the same Own Choice in more than one Section. A Set Piece may not be used as an Own Choice selection. Competitors can perform a piece only once in the Eisteddfod. All competitors must supply their own individual copies of Own Choice for the Adjudicator. Do not submit originals for Own Choice work as all copies will be destroyed by the Committee after each Session.

2.4        AWARDS:

Most Outstanding at Speech 18 years and under

Most Outstanding at Drama 18 years and under

Encouragement Award 18 years and under

2.5       CHAMPIONSHIPS: 

Verse Speaking – 18 Years and Under (Adjudicated in three parts: Set Piece, Own Choice, Impromptu Reading).

2.6 The name of the competitor and not a ‘’Nom de Plume” is to be used at time of entry and all competitors are numbered consecutively in the Programme Section.

2.7       No person will be permitted to compete as a substitute for solo performers. 

2.8 In all DUET/DUO and DUOLOGUE Sections, the names of both/all competitors must be stated at time of entry. No departure from these stated groupings will be allowed. In these Sections a competitor may perform twice in own age group but only with a different partner. 

2.9 Individual competitors may perform more than once in all groups, but only as part of a different group (with exception of Group Improvisation). Primary School students may NOT compete up in Secondary.

2.10 The committee reserves the right to transfer competitors to the Section above or below in Sections where there are insufficient competitors in a particular Section.

2.11 A copy of the work to be performed, in performance order, labelled with Section & Competitor numbers and acknowledging the author’s name, MUST BE provided for the Adjudicator. 

2.12      Prompting or assistance of any kind shall not be given to any entrant, except by the Adjudicator, who may take any contravention of this rule into consideration in his or her adjudication.

2.13 For Drama performance items in Sections ‘Character Recital’ and ‘Dramatic Performance,’ costumes and props may be used. For all other Drama Sections, competitors are to wear theatre blacks.

2.14      Theatre Blacks: consist of black pants (of reasonable leg length) and a shirt. Costume Piece/s, for example, a hat, scarf, apron etc., may be worn with theatre blacks to represent the character.

2.15 In Sections for Write and Read Own Poem, a copy of the poem must be provided to the Adjudicator at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the Section. The performance of the poem must be read, not recited from memory.

3.       CODE OF CONDUCT 

3.1 A copy of the Code of Conduct will be available Backstage and will be enforced by the Committee. This applies to any land, building, venue or equipment being owned, hired, leased or otherwise utilised by the Maryborough Eisteddfod Incorporated or any of its agents or employees in the execution of the business and objectives of the Maryborough Eisteddfod any time of the year.

3.2 Zero Tolerance: The Committee of the Maryborough Eisteddfod Incorporated (the Committee) will not tolerate any unacceptable conduct (including, but not limited to, verbal abuse of any person, obscene language, loud or boisterous conduct), which is deemed unacceptable by the Committee. This includes all persons attending at any venue of the Maryborough Eisteddfod.

3.3 Refusal of a directive: Any member of the Committee or designated official, may give a directive at any time, to any person to whom this code applies to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Eisteddfod. Any person who refuses to obey such directive may be asked to leave the venue, and Failure to do so may result in the Committee taking such action including the calling of police to ensure the Eisteddfod’s unimpeded operation.

3.4 Child Behaviour: Any child behaving in a manner that is unacceptable will be removed if it be deemed appropriate by the official. If that child is a competitor, they may be disqualified from competing in that section and other sections.