Acting Events
In each division, a full team consists of the following: three acting monologues, two acting duo/trio, and one acting ensemble scene. The acting sweepstakes score is calculated based on these three events.
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
A duo/trio is a scene 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 poi
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 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/trios 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. The scoring of the scenes is based on the quality of the scene and adjudicators do not consider costumes, make-up, and/or props when scoring pieces.
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 rating scores of each piece. Acting duo/trio 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: 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
High school seniors will have the opportunity to audition for several Utah University/College dance programs, this includes the potential for scholarships in said programs. Check back here for the audition sign-up, a complete list of University/College Dance Programs, and other pertinent information.