CLASS RULES

VOCAL SECTION RULES

Performers may bring their own accompanist but an official accompanist can be provided free of charge. Please indicate your preference when booking your chosen class.

If the official accompanist is required, COPIES OF OWN CHOICE PIECES MUST BE SENT TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FESTIVAL. Please send these to LGKDrama@outlook.com. Please mark the file entrant’s name and class. Please annotate the file with any intended metronome mark, and pauses/cuts etc.

Performers must bring original copies of the music being performed for the adjudicator. AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED THROUGHOUT THE DAY TO CLASS WINNERS.

SPEECH AND DRAMA SECTION RULES

Copies of poems may be obtained from the festival. Competitors need not obtain permission to perform Own Choice pieces, as both set and own choice selections are covered by an arrangement with the Authors’ Licensing & Collection Society for which entry fees include the cost. This does not apply to Duologue or Group Presentation for which permission must be obtained. Please note that competitors who run over time may be penalized. All verse must be memorized unless otherwise stated. No gestures in lyrical verse. Own choice pieces must be age appropriate.

MUSICAL THEATRE RULES

The emphasis is on a complete performance and presentation, rather than solely a study of music and will show ability in acting, singing, dancing and choreographic skills. Performances must show implicit dramatic content with portrayal of characters and their motivations. This is an opportunity to explore style, form and character through communicating the dramatic context of a musical text. Extracts from plays may be edited to create dialogue moving into musical scenes. To present a short piece of dialogue or a piece of devised text with a performance in character with a song from Musical Theatre or Film. The performance should include some movement. In Group Classes items may be linked by a theme.

All performance must be from memory and clearly introduced. We reserve the right to cancel classes, restrict the number of entries into classes or limit audience numbers should it be necessary. Please check the website for regular updates.

1. Chairs and a table will be provided if required.

2. Music files will need to be uploaded this year. Instructions can be found on the Musical Theatre page on the website. A back up music file can be brought on the day in the event of music issue.

3. Minimal props and a suggestion of costume essential to the action of the character may be used. N.B. full stage costume is discouraged and may contravene copyright.

4. Please provide a copy of the script and music for the Adjudicator and a further copy of the script for the sound operator.

5. Time limits must be strictly observed. Introductions are not included in the time limit. 2 minutes are allowed for set up.

The available space for performing is 5 metres by 5 metre for the Longwell Green Community Centre.

DANCE SECTION RULES

Dance Rules - to be read in conjunction with the General Rules

1. Longwell Green & Kingswood Performing Arts Festival is for amateur performers only, including performers who may have but no longer train vocationally. For performers aged 21 and under.

2. Age to be reckoned as of 31st August 2025.

3. There is NO CLOSING DATE and entries will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis, and once capacity has been reached no further entries will be accepted.

4. The Committee reserves the right to refuse any entries without assigning a reason.

5. The time limit to each class must not be exceeded under any circumstances and is as stated in the syllabus. If the time is not adhered to, the performer will give up the right to winning the section and can only be placed.

6. Performers may enter twice in any Group class and in duet and trio classes may enter twice with the same partner so long as it is a different genre. This applies to Classical and Cabaret.

7. Music files will need to be uploaded this year. Instructions can be found on the Dance section of the website.

8. We reserve the right to start the class 30 minutes prior to the stated time. It is the responsibility of the performers to make their supporters aware of this.

9. The use of recording, photographic and videoing during any performance is not permitted.

10. The Adjudicator’s decision in all classes will be deemed final and the right is reserved to withhold awards where, in their opinion, the standard of performance is insufficiently high, or to individuals who infringe the rules.

11. No voice accompaniment with Musical Theatre is allowed. No “Tap Sound Effects” on music for Tap.

12. The Committee reserves the right to amend or alter classes if deemed necessary.

13. Competitors entering Ballet classes may not perform on pointe until they reach 13years of age.

14. No props are permitted in Classical ballet.

15. Restarts will not be allowed for ages 9 years and over. However, the Committee reserves the right to allow a restart any performers 9 years and over, but they will be ineligible to be awarded a place.

16. All music, characterisation, costumes and dance should be age related and will be marked accordingly.

17. Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals will be awarded in all classes. Competitors must obtain 84 marks to be awarded a trophy. Lanyards will be available for purchase.

18. NO CHANGES WILL BE ALLOWED LATER THAN 14 DAYS PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE FESTIVAL.

The available space for dancing is 5 metres by 5 metre for the Longwell Green Community Centre.