Event Name: Shakespeare Ensemble – Secondary
Location: Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood O’Grady Centre
Section Number: 57
General Category Information:
1 piece only to be performed.
Teachers/Tutors may not perform as a part of any group.
Each ensemble within a section must consist of different students. Ie. A group of 5 students entered in self devised small ensemble can only perform in one group. If there are two groups from the same school in self devised small ensemble, they must consist of different students.
Prompting or assisting from side of stage is not permitted.
All Ensemble Drama sections are to be performed from memory.
Scripts may not be included as props, sets or costumes.
Scripts are to be included via PDF in your registration form.
Scripts that require sound effects must produce sound locally by another student or teacher. Entrants will be required to provide their own playback unit (ie. phone, laptop etc.) for any sound effects required. A cable will be provided front of stage, and it is the responsibility of the entrant to provide their own assistant (staff, teacher etc.) to play any sound effects at the appropriate time.
Use of offensive language will be penalised, and the performance may be stopped. The content of the script must be appropriate to the age of the performer and for a school age audience.
Entrants may bring minimal hand-held props.
No set constructions permitted.
Costumes or theatre blacks may be worn where appropriate. While costuming is an optional requirement, they MUST adhere to appropriate modesty standards for the age. Costumes must preserve the dignity of the performer.
Section Specific Guidelines
Performer Limit:
3-20 Performers
Performances must not exceed stipulated section duration limits.
Years 7-10: 4 minutes
Years 11-12: 5-7 minutes
Performances will be stopped at 1 minute over time
The script must be a work written by William Shakespeare.
Provided Equipment
3 large drama boxes
5 small drama boxes
Chairs
1 Small Table
Judging Criteria:
- Realise and sustain role or character, focus and energy.
- Use of space in the context of the performance style: control, energy, spatial awareness.
- Ability to work as an ensemble: control of delivery, responses to cues, awareness of rhythms.
- Integrity, originality and clarity in analysis, interpretation and presentation of the chosen material.
- Realisation of a coherent theatrical performance.
- Effective interpretation and delivery of Shakespeare’s language
- Vocal skills appropriate to form: projection, clarity, tone, pitch, pace.
- Stagecraft: understanding of each other, audience, entrances and exits.
Immediate Point Deductions:
- 2 point deduction per 30 seconds over time, and the performance will be stopped at 1 minute over time.
- 2 point deduction for inappropriate material, costumes or content for a school audience.
- 2 point deduction for reading from any material (scripts, books, cue cards), unless it is used as a prop.
- 5 points deducted for script not previously submitted for approval on registration.
- 100% point deduction for use of any swearing or slurs.
