Festival Rules - Speech & Drama
Please read carefully! Non-compliance with any of these conditions may lead to disqualification. These terms and conditions are in place to ensure smooth and fair running of the Festival
Eligibility.
Classes are restricted to amateurs. An amateur is considered to be one who does not derive the main part of his/her income from that section of art in which he/she wishes to compete. No performer under the age of 18 years will be regarded as professional.
If an entrant is well-known or has been taught by the Adjudicator, the entrant must inform us via email prior to the first day of the festival
Age.
ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL CLASSES is determined by the performer’s age. You should enter the class that applies to the age of your child on the 31st August 2023. This is to ensure performers compete within their school year.
Any query about age and class entered must be made at least two weeks before the date of competition. Competitors may be required to produce proof of age before receiving awards.
Entries.
A performer may enter only once in any solo class and may not perform in any duet/trio or group class more than twice unless otherwise stated.
The closing date for applications is 5pm on the 5th March 2023. Entries received after the closing date will not be accepted.
The responsibility for entering the appropriate class lies entirely with the performer and/or teacher concerned.
Entry fees are non-refundable. Exceptions will be made for illness whereby the performer can provide a signed doctors note.
The Entry Fee for each session can be found in the syllabus and on the website.
Entries will be accepted in order of receipt, and will be returned if they cannot be accommodated within the timetable.
Timetabling & Dates
The date and time of your class/category will be confirmed via email approximately 3 weeks prior to the festival starting.
Applicants may not request specific dates or times and must be available for the entire afternoon on both dates, until receipt of the confirmed timetable.
The closing date for applications is 5pm on the 5th March 2023. Entries received after the closing date will not be accepted.
Time Limits
All introductions are to be included in the timing, except where specifically stated.
The maximum time limit must not be exceeded.
Performances that exceed the time limit will be adjudicated but are not eligible for a First Prize or may be stopped by the organizers or adjudicators if the time limit is grossly exceeded.
The adjudicator may choose to take into account any entry where the performance lasts less than half the maximum permitted time.
Adjudicators.
The Adjudicator is within their right to withhold categories, to terminate any performance if the content is thought to be unsuitable, or to disqualify any performer who does not abide by the Festival rules.
Communication with the adjudicators is STRICTLY PROHIBITED before, and during the Festival.
The Festival may replace or engage additional Adjudicators if need be.
In all matters of adjudication, the Adjudicator's decision is final.
Late arrival & Absences.
Performers must arrive 15 minutes before the start time of their class.
At the discretion of the Adjudicator, performers arriving late for their class may be allowed to perform at the end of the class, provided the adjudication has not started.
If a performer is no longer able to attend the festival, we ask that you give us as much notice as possible. This helps ensure the smooth running of the Festival on the day
Cups, Trophies & Awards
Cups and trophies specified in the syllabus will be awarded, subject to their return by the previous winner.
A minimum category of MERIT must be obtained in order to win awards in the Speech and Drama Sections.
A first, second and third place will be announced by the adjudicator in all classes with 5 performers or more. In classes where there are less than 5 performers, the adjudicator may only award first place.
Winners of cups and trophies are responsible for any loss or damage, and must arrange for them to be returned in a clean condition no later than the 1st February in the year following it’s award.
Winners may have their names engraved on a cup or trophy at their own expense.
Admissions & Photography
The general public is admitted to all sessions and tickets can be purchased on our website.
The Festival retains the right to refuse public admission to any class without giving a reason.
The use of equipment, including mobile phones, to make recordings or take photographs in the hall and during performances is strictly forbidden. Performers whose performances are otherwise recorded will be disqualified.
Names of class winners may be published in the local press, on our Facebook page and, occasionally, our website. Parents/guardians must inform the festival organisers if they wish a name to be withheld.
Periodically a press photographer may visit or professional photographers on behalf of the festival, and these photos will be used for online and social marketing purposes. Please be sure to ‘tick’ the “No Photographs” box on the Entry Form if you do not want you, or your entrants to appear in published photographs.