Event Name: Slam Poetry Solo
Location: Southern Cross Burwood – Drama Studio
Section Number: 64
General Category Guidelines:
1 piece only to be performed.
Students are strongly encouraged to not rely on the script so as to enable them to connect with the audience, however students may use a script as a prompt.
Performances may include languages other than English where it is contextual and therefore, can be readily understood by an audience.
Translations must be provided as part of the script PDF.
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.
Pieces should be representative of the style and flair of slam poetry.
If using a script in hand, they must be printed and no phones are permitted to be used as a script.
Section Specific Guidelines:
Time stipulations – Performances must not exceed:
Year 3-6: (Ages 7-12) 3 minutes
Year 7-10: (Ages 12-16) 4 minutes
Year 11-12:(Ages(16-18) 5-7 minutes
Repertoire must be completely original and written by the entrant, representing the authentic voice of the entrant. If an entrant has performed in this section in other years, the piece must be different than previously performed.
Costumes are not required – school uniforms, neat performance wear or theatre blacks are preferred. If choosing to wear a costume, it must be appropriate for the general public.
Judging Criteria:
- Realise and sustain role of speaker, focus and energy.
- Timing: control of delivery, responses to cues, awareness of rhythms, pace.
- Control of movement, dynamics, energy, tension and rhythms.
- Clear intent and appropriate relationship with the audience in the context of the performance space.
- Integrity, originality and clarity in analysis, interpretation and presentation of the original material.
- Realisation of a theatrical and poetic delivery.
- Original work performed representing the voice of the poet.
Immediate Point Deductions:
- 2 point deduction per 20 seconds over time.
- 2 point deduction for inappropriate costume.
- 2 point deduction for heavy reliance on script and lack of engagement with audience.
- 5 deduction for script not previously submitted for approval on registration.
- 100% point deduction for use of any swearing or “slurs”
