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.