2020 Lismore Musical Festival
Spoken Word
12 Sep 2020 to 12 Sep 2020
(To be confirmed after receipt of Entries and Programming has been finalised)
View Discipline Rule

2020 REVISED RULES GOVERNING THE SPOKEN WORD COMPETITIONS


Competitors are asked to study the following rules carefully as they will be strictly enforced. This applies particularly to the submission of entry forms which will be rejected if they do not comply.


1. In these rules and conditions the word "Committee" shall mean "The Management Committee of the Lismore Musical Festival Society".

2. The decision of the Committee in all questions arising, shall be final. All entries are deemed to be made subject to these conditions.

3. The Committee reserves the right to determine the Status of any competitor and the application and interpretation of these rules.

4. In the event of insufficient or large entries, the Committee reserves the right to combine or divide sections accordingly. In any section where insufficient entries are received the Committee may exercise its discretion with regard to the retention or the alteration of any section for that year.

5. The Committee reserves the right to amend the program at any time by varying the order of the competitors or sections at any session.

6. All competitions are intended for amateurs. Teachers may not perform.

7. All competitors perform entirely at their own risk.

8. AGE: In all competitions the age as at the 31st May 2020 shall be deemed to be the age of the competitor

9. The Committee reserves the right in age competitions to call upon any competitor to produce at his/her own expense, PROOF OF AGE and to withhold any prize/money until such proof shall have been furnished.

10. The Committee reserves the right to refuse any entry, and, in particular, those from competitors who have been pupils of an adjudicator, within a period of 12 months prior to the closing of entries. These competitors are not eligible to compete in any section judged by that adjudicator.

11. Competitors will be regarded as being CONVERSANT WITH THE RULES of the competitions of the Society affecting their positions as competitors. The PLEA OF LACK OF KNOWLEDGE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AS A BONA FIDE REASON FOR THE INFRINGEMENT OF THE RULE. In the event of a protest being lodged the competitors so infringing shall be liable to disqualification or may otherwise be dealt with by the Committee.

12. Entries in all sections must be lodged online by the date advertised for the closing of entries. No entry will be accepted without its full entry fee. As the closing date has been extended, NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.

14. In all sections where two or more combine to compete e.g. duos, duets, trios, the name of each competitor must be given at the time of entry. Non-

compliance with this rule will render the entry liable to rejection.

15. In sections where there are two (2) or more competitors competing in combination, NO competitor may compete more than once in any capacity. No competitor shall be allowed to render the same item in more than one (1) section.

16. Competitors MUST perform in OWN age sections and not outside their own age group, unless specifically indicated in the schedule as open to all ages (unrestricted).

17. It is not necessary to name OWN CHOICE items on the entry forms.

18. In OWN CHOICE sections, copies of pieces for use of the Adjudicator must be handed to the Spoken Word table secretary immediately prior to the commencement of the SESSION (morning, afternoon or night) in which the item is to be heard.

19. In OWN SELECTION competitions, marks will be awarded for quality of choice. Very lengthy selections will not improve the competitor's chance of success and teachers are advised to take note of this.

22. Time Limits. Vocal/Instrumental and Spoken Word Competitors please read Schedules for time limits

24. CHAMPIONSHIP: Competitors must enter and perform in their corresponding AGE, or acceptable qualifying section/s as indicated in the schedule before the Championship is held.

26. The Adjudicator's decision shall be final and he/she has the power to withhold or divide prizes according to merit. He/she shall also be entitled to recommend the awarding of a second place if he/she thinks the rendition has not sufficient merit to carry a first prize, but he/she shall intimate his/her decision when making the adjudication.

27. In many cases only part of a song, recitation or instrumental item may be heard by the Adjudicator and the bell does not necessarily signify disapproval or rejection. The Adjudicator's objective will be to hear all items at the session in which they are set down.

29. If through unforeseen circumstance an Adjudicator is unable to perform his/her duty, the Committee reserves the right to appoint a substitute

30. Competitors must assemble in the space provided by the committee and must be ready to render their items in the order in which their names appear

in the program. Any delay on their part causing disruption of the business of the session will render them liable to disqualification.

31. No teacher will be allowed on stage with a competitor unless as an accompanist FOR THAT ITEM. Prompting from the audience or side of stage is strictly forbidden and is liable to result in disqualification of that competitor.

40. Usage of venues or equipment PRIOR to the Eisteddfod is not the responsibility of the Lismore Musical Festival Society. All rehearsals should be privately arranged by and paid for by the competitor with the appropriate authority.

41. No use of the stage for practice is permitted at any venue during the competitions.

42. During the actual competitions all enquiries of, or representations to, the Adjudicator must be made in writing either through the Secretary or a Committee member.

43. UNAUTHORISED communication with the Adjudicator during the competition is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. Failure to comply will mean immediate disqualification.

44. PROTESTS: If any, shall be lodged with the Secretary in writing, within one hour after completion of section in respect of which the protest is entered and must be accompanied by $50.00 which shall be forfeited if the protest is deemed to be frivolous or unfounded.


SPEECH and DRAMA


1. Clear copies of own choice pieces

MUST be handed in BEFORE the session

in which the item will be presented or a competitor may be disqualified.

If you cannot be present in time, please POST copies to the secretary to

reach her in time.


2. ADJUDICATOR'S COPY

(a) Set Pieces - the Adjudicator must work from an original.

(b) Own Choice - the competitor may supply the adjudicator with a

photocopy provided :-

  (i) the original is used by the competitor for performance.

  (ii) the Eisteddfod Committee destroy the copies immediately after the

adjudication.


3. COMPETITOR'S COPY

If the competitor is not performing from memory, original or licensed

photocopy must be used in the performance.

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY 30/06/2020 12:00:00 AM (AEST)
15-18 Years
740 Senior Championship Solo     15-18 Years

Time Limit:

Competitor must enter this section as well as the three (3) compulsory sections 744, 745, 746 and a total fee of $36.00 is required (ie. $10.00 for each compulsory section and $6.00 for championship section). Note: If entering for only I or 2 sections of the championship the fee is $10.00 each, as for other sections. To win the championship the competitor must enter the three compulsory sections - 744, 745, 746 - and gain the highest aggregate mark.
Entry: $6.00
13-14 Years
741 Intermediate Championship Solo     13-14 Years

Time Limit:

Competitor must enter this section as well as the three (3) compulsory sections 752, 753, 754 and a total fee of $36.00 is required (ie. $10.00 for each compulsory section and $6.00 for championship section). Note: If entering for only I or 2 sections of the championship the fee is $10.00 each, as for other sections. To win the championship the competitor must enter the three compulsory sections - 752, 753, 754 - and gain the highest aggregate mark.
Entry: $6.00
11-12 Years
742 Junior Championship Solo     11-12 Years

Time Limit:

Competitor must enter this section as well as the three (3) compulsory sections 760, 761, 762 and a total fee of $36.00 is required (ie. $10.00 for each compulsory section and $6.00 for championship section). Note: If entering for only I or 2 sections of the championship the fee is $10.00 each, as for other sections. To win the championship the competitor must enter the three compulsory sections - 760, 761, 762 - and gain the highest aggregate mark.
Entry: $6.00
15-18 Years
743 Shakespearian Selections Solo     15-18 Years

Time Limit: 04:30

To be presented in any order and as a whole. Applause at the end. (a) Dramatic Selection - one character to speak. No costumes; Limited props. (b) Sonnet speaking (one only).
Entry: $10.00
744 Speech Solo     15-18 Years

Time Limit: 05:00

Championship Qualifier. Not To Be Read
Entry: $10.00
745 Poetry Speaking Solo     15-18 Years

Time Limit: 04:30

Championship Qualifier.
Entry: $10.00
746 Prepared Prose Reading Solo     15-18 Years

Time Limit: 04:30

Championship Qualifier.
Entry: $10.00
747 Dramatic Selection Solo     15-18 Years

Time Limit: 04:30

Non - Shakespearian. No costume. Limited props. Deletions to be made so one character speaks.
Entry: $10.00
748 Australian Section Solo     15-18 Years

Time Limit: 04:30

Maximum time limit for whole of Section is 4 1/2 minutes. (a) One Prose Speaking (b) One Poetry Speaking. Pieces must be by Australian writers, and can be performed in any order. They must be presented as a whole with no applause until the end.
Entry: $10.00
749 Humourous Solo     15-18 Years

Time Limit: 04:30

Student's Choice - Poem, prose, monologue, mime/improvisation, stand-up comic routine etc. Be imaginative & entertaining.
Entry: $10.00
750 Prepared Bible Reading Solo     15-18 Years

Time Limit: 04:30
Entry: $10.00
751 Write and Read own Poem or Prose Solo     15-18 Years

Time Limit: 04:30
Entry: $10.00
13-14 Years
752 Prepared Talk Solo     13-14 Years

Time Limit: 04:00

Championship Qualifier. Not To Be Read
Entry: $10.00
753 Poetry Speaking Solo     13-14 Years

Time Limit: 04:00

Championship Qualifier.
Entry: $10.00
754 Prepared Prose Reading Solo     13-14 Years

Time Limit: 04:00

Championship Qualifier.
Entry: $10.00
755 Dramatic Selection Solo     13-14 Years

Time Limit: 04:00

No costume. Limited props Deletions to be made so only one character speaks.
Entry: $10.00
756 Australian Section Solo     13-14 Years

Time Limit: 04:00

Maximum time limit for whole of Section is 4 minutes. (a) One Prose Speaking (b) One Poetry Speaking. Pieces must be by Australian writers, and can be performed in any order. They must be presented as a whole with no applause until the end.
Entry: $10.00
757 Humourous Solo     13-14 Years

Time Limit: 04:00

Student's Choice - Poem, prose, monologue, mime/improvisation, stand-up comic routine etc. Be imaginative & entertaining.
Entry: $10.00
758 Prepared Bible Reading Solo     13-14 Years

Time Limit: 04:00
Entry: $10.00
759 Write and Read own Poem or Prose Solo     13-14 Years

Time Limit: 04:00
Entry: $10.00
11-12 Years
760 Prepared Talk Solo     11-12 Years

Time Limit: 03:00

Championship Qualifier. Not To Be Read
Entry: $10.00
761 Poetry Speaking Solo     11-12 Years

Time Limit: 03:00

Championship Qualifier.

Entry: $10.00
762 Prepared Prose Reading Solo     11-12 Years

Time Limit: 03:00

Championship Qualifier.

Entry: $10.00
763 Prepared Bible Reading Solo     11-12 Years

Time Limit: 03:00
Entry: $10.00
764 Restricted Poetry Speaking Solo     11-12 Years

Time Limit: 03:00

Section restricted to those who have never won first prize in any festival or eisteddfod competition.
Entry: $10.00
765 Humourous/Light Poetry Speaking Solo     11-12 Years

Time Limit: 03:00
Entry: $10.00
766 Dramatic Selection Solo     11-12 Years

Time Limit: 03:00

No costume. Limited props. Deletions to be made so one character speaks.
Entry: $10.00
767 Write and Read own Poem or Prose Solo     11-12 Years

Time Limit: 03:00
Entry: $10.00
9-10 Years
768 Poetry Speaking Solo     9-10 Years

Time Limit: 02:30

Excellence Award Qualifier.
Entry: $10.00
769 Prepared Prose Reading Solo     9-10 Years

Time Limit: 02:30

Excellence Award Qualifier.
Entry: $10.00
770 Prepared Bible Reading Solo     9-10 Years

Time Limit: 02:30
Entry: $10.00
771 Humourous/Light Poetry Speaking Solo     9-10 Years

Time Limit: 02:30
Entry: $10.00
772 Character Recital Solo     9-10 Years

Time Limit: 02:30

Acted poem, prose or drama to be performed in costume.
Entry: $10.00
773 Restricted Poetry Speaking Solo     9-10 Years

Time Limit: 02:30

Section restricted to those who have never won first prize in any festival or eisteddfod competition.
Entry: $10.00
774 Write and Read own Poem or Prose Solo     9-10 Years

Time Limit: 02:30
Entry: $10.00
7-8 Years
775 Poetry Speaking Solo     7-8 Years

Time Limit: 02:00
Entry: $10.00
776 Prepared Prose Reading Solo     7-8 Years

Time Limit: 02:00
Entry: $10.00
777 Character Recital Solo     7-8 Years

Time Limit: 02:00

Acted poem, prose or drama to be performed in costume.
Entry: $10.00
778 Restricted Poetry Speaking Solo     7-8 Years

Time Limit: 02:00

Section restricted to those who have never won first prize in any festival or eisteddfod competition.
Entry: $10.00
779 Write and Read own Poem or Prose Solo     7-8 Years

Time Limit: 02:00
Entry: $10.00
6 Years & Under
780 Character Recital Solo     6 Years & Under

Time Limit: 02:00

Acted poem, prose or drama to be performed in costume.
Entry: $10.00
781 Poetry Speaking Solo     6 Years & Under

Time Limit: 02:00
Entry: $10.00
13-16 Years
782 Dramatic Duologue     13-16 Years

Time Limit: 07:00

Please note on your Entry Form, with whom you will be acting and MAKE ONE ENTRY with BOTH COMPETITORS NAMES on the entry form. Costume essential. Props and scenery must be simple and easily set up. Please notify the Secretary as soon as possible if you cannot perform.
Entry: $14.00
12 Years & Under
783 Dramatic Duologue     12 Years & Under

Time Limit: 05:00

Please note on your Entry Form, with whom you will be acting and MAKE ONE ENTRY with BOTH COMPETITORS NAMES on the entry form. Costume essential. Props and scenery must be simple and easily set up. Please notify the Secretary as soon as possible if you cannot perform.
Entry: $14.00
10 Years & Under
784 Dramatic Duologue     10 Years & Under

Time Limit: 04:00

Please note on your Entry Form, with whom you will be acting and MAKE ONE ENTRY with BOTH COMPETITORS NAMES on the entry form. Costume essential. Props and scenery must be simple and easily set up. Please notify the Secretary as soon as possible if you cannot perform.
Entry: $14.00
13-16 Years
785 Dramatic Trio     13-16 Years

Time Limit: 07:00

Please note on your Entry Form, with whom you will be acting and MAKE ONE ENTRY with THREE COMPETITORS NAMES on the entry form. Costume essential. Props and scenery must be simple and easily set up. Please notify the Secretary as soon as possible if you cannot perform.
Entry: $14.00
12 Years & Under
786 Dramatic Trio     12 Years & Under

Time Limit: 05:00

Please note on your Entry Form, with whom you will be acting and MAKE ONE ENTRY with THREE COMPETITORS NAMES on the entry form. Costume essential. Props and scenery must be simple and easily set up. Please notify the Secretary as soon as possible if you cannot perform.

Entry: $14.00
10 Years & Under
787 Dramatic Trio     10 Years & Under

Time Limit: 04:00

Please note on your Entry Form, with whom you will be acting and MAKE ONE ENTRY with THREE COMPETITORS NAMES on the entry form. Costume essential. Props and scenery must be simple and easily set up. Please notify the Secretary as soon as possible if you cannot perform.
Entry: $14.00