- General: All the Festival's General Rules set out on page 4 of this Syllabus apply to Speech and Drama classes. Additional rules are set out below.
- Own choice pieces: Each own choice piece, which cannot be used for more than one class in this Festival, must be shown on the entry form, together with name of the book, play or poem and the author, as applicable. Clearly legible pieces must be sent with the form.
No competitor may present an item with which they have previously been awarded first prize in this Festival. - Musical Theatre: Please note that a piano is available. Performers must provide their own accompanist if required. A CD player will be provided by the Festival but any other equipment used for playing music (ie. Laptop, I-pod, speakers etc.) remains the entrant's own responsibility.
Full costume is not permitted in any drama or speech class. However small hand props or small items of character's clothing are acceptable in an Acting or Musical Theatre class.
Entrants are permitted to enter a solo class once only. An entrant may enter a Duologue Acting, Group, Musical Theatre Duet or Musical Theatre group class more than once provided they do not perform the same piece and character. - Introductions: Introductions must not be more than 40 words.
- Copyright: The Festival cannot be held responsible for any breaches of the copyright law and it should be noted that copyright regulations protect literary and dramatic works for 70 years after the death of the author or playwright. The Festival has entered into an agreement with the Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society. As a result, entrants do not have to seek copyright permission for any poetry, prose or solo dramatic items performed, to a time limit of 10 minutes. Authors will be directly reimbursed as a consequence of their works being performed at this Festival. Duologues and group dramatic activity are not covered by this agreement; copyright for these items should be sought by the performers at the time of entry.
Awards, cups and medals: Class Winners will be presented with trophies, cups or medals. In particular the Janet and David McVitie Trophy and the Joan Archer Memorial Trophy will be awarded.
To meet Child Protection regulations, parents and guardians are required to ensure their children aged 16 and under, while travelling to, at or taking part in the Festival, are under their care or under the care of a responsible adult. - Fees: Entrance fees are £5.50 for solo classes, £8 for duologue classes and £3 per member of the group class. There is also an administration charge of £2.00 per entrant.
