Acting Events
In each division, a full team consists of the following: three acting monologues, two acting duo/trio scenes, and one acting ensemble scene. The acting sweepstakes score is calculated based on these three events. It is not required to bring a “full team” as described above. For example, you may bring only a monologue and duo/trio scene if you so choose.
Acting Monologue
A monologue is one person portraying the role of one person. A monologue may also consist of an interpretation of a sonnet or one of Shakespeare’s poems. The time range is 2-4 minutes with a 15 second allowance. Timing begins after the introduction. Any performer going over or under time in 2 or more rounds will receive a 10 point deduction. This deduction will also be reflected in the team’s total sweepstakes points.
Acting Duo/Trio Scenes
A duo/trio scene is between two or three characters with an emphasis on interpretation and relationships. Time range is 3-5 minutes with a 15 second allowance. Timing begins after the introduction. Any scene going over or under time in 2 or more rounds will receive a 10 point deduction. This deduction will also be reflected in the team’s total sweepstakes points.
Acting Ensemble Scene
The ensemble scene will consist of no less than 4 participants. Scenes may be from any of Shakespeare’s plays with an emphasis on interpretation and ensemble work. Time range for the scene is 6-10 minutes with a 15 second allowance. Timing begins after the introduction. Any scene going over or under time will receive a 10 point deduction. This deduction will also be reflected in the team’s total sweepstakes points.
Acting Introductions
Before your acting event, a performing student will introduce themselves by stating their entry code (for example, BG-21) and the title of the piece.
Acting Evaluation Criteria
Evaluation Criteria
Scenes will be evaluated based on:
- Voice (Diction and Projection)
- Body (Physicalization, Blocking, and Movement)
- Character (Objectives/Motivation, Tactics/Actions, Presence, and Communication)
- Text (Language, Understanding, Rhythm, and Tempo)
Please see our sample acting ballot.
Regulations
A participant should not use a cutting in acting monologues or acting duo/trio scenes from a play or be involved in an acting ensemble scene from which they have already participated in previously at the Shakespeare Competition. Material performed by a participating school in the last 3 years should not be repeated by that school. It is encouraged that schools use a variety of Shakespeare’s works from year-to-year to expose students to different titles. Utilizing the same material within a 3 year time period could result in disqualification.
Use of props, costumes, make-up, and/or sound is optional. All audio equipment must be provided by the participating school and electrical power is not guaranteed in every performance space. Adjudicators do not consider costumes, make-up, and/or props when scoring pieces in order to focus on the acting of the piece. For this reason, we encourage you to simplify your design elements.
Participant performers should not pull additional audience members up onto the stage even in a capacity where the audience member doesn’t speak as that increases the number of performers in a piece and would be in violation of the rules.
The use of glitter, confetti, and/or liquids (blood, paint, beverages, etc.), will result in immediate disqualification.
Acting Awards & Scholarships
Awards
First, second, and third place will be awarded in each acting event in all 6 divisions.
Additionally, a first, second, and third place sweepstakes will be awarded in each division. Sweepstakes will be calculated by adding the scores of each piece. Acting duo/trio scenes and acting ensemble scenes are weighted so that each category is worth 900 points. The acting sweepstakes score is out of a total 2,700 points.
Acting Monologues: 3 monologues x 3 judges x 100 points = 900 points
Acting Duo/Trio Scenes: 2 scenes x 3 judges x 100 points x 1.5 = 900 points
Acting Ensemble Scenes: 1 scene x 3 judges x 100 points x 3 = 900 points
Scholarships
Larry Lott Award: In conjunction with the ensemble scene competition, judges recognize the best actor in an ensemble scene in each division. The recipient of this award receives a certificate for their accomplishment and, if a senior, a $1000 scholarship to SUU.
Barbara Barrett Award: Given to highest scoring Juniors and under in the Monologue and Duo/Trio competition. ($500 scholarship to the Festival’s summer Actor Training Camp or Junior Actor Training Camp)
Ray Jones Award: Given to highest scoring seniors in the Monologue and Duo/Trio competition. ($1,000 to SUU)