The speech and drama section comprises two parts; dramatic skills and the spoken word. Most classes are divided into age categories so competitors will be performing with people of a similar age. Open classes are specifically aimed at entrants who have never performed in that particular class before.
There is a variety of verse speaking classes available including
- an own choice favourite poem,
- sonnet speaking,
- comedy poem,
- any choice of poem by a specified author,
- a recent addition is any poem on the subject of being a global citizen – poetry that reflects upon living in todays world.
For the younger entrants there is an own choice of two nursery rhymes to be memorised and spoken.
Prose is well represented with
- an own choice comedy prose piece,
- any choice of prepared prose reading from a specified author’s novels,
The beautiful prose of the King James Version of the Bible can be explored and enjoyed in two bible and prayer book reading classes.
For the particularly brave or accomplished there are sight reading (poetry or prose) classes and for the actors, solo improvisation and devised acting classes. Exciting stuff and not for the faint hearted!
Actors can also choose from
- solo or duologue acting,
- Shakespearian solo or duologue acting
- group acting
- devised drama
- musical theatre
Each class is adjudicated by a professional, experienced adjudicator who will give advice and encouragement to the whole class and also individual advice to each entrant in an adjudication report. Marks are allocated using the International Federation of Festivals marking system, certificates are awarded to third, second and first places with medals given for third and second place and a trophy presented for first place.
- General: All the Festival’s General Rules 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 copies of own choice 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.
- 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 only once. An entrant may enter a Duologue Acting, Group Acting, Musical Theatre Duet or Musical Theatre Group class more than once provided they do not perform the same piece and character.
- Musical Theatre: Please note that a piano is available for accompanying music. A cd player and speaker will be provided by the Festival but any other equipment used for playing music (i.e. laptop, i-pod, speakers etc) remains the entrant’s own responsibility.
- 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.
- To meet Child Protection regulations, parents and guardians are required to ensure their child(ren) under the age of 16, while travelling to, at or taking part in the Festival, are under their care or under the care of a responsible adult. In addition, on the day, they must confirm their child is fit and well to perform.
- 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. There will also be a trophy awarded for the most promising performer, not necessarily a class winner.
- Fees: Entrance fees are £5.50 for solo classes, £8 for duologue classes and £3 per member of the group acting class. There is also an administration charge of £2.00 per entrant. On the day spectator fees will be £5 for adults and £3 for children (8 years and above).
- All Speech and Drama entry forms, together with the proper fees, must be received by the Drama Co-ordinator, Stephanie Heney, 8 Kingsway, Ansdell, Lytham St Annes, FY8 1AB. Fees are not refundable. The closing date for 2021 Speech and Drama entries is to be confirmed.
Steph Heney
Chair Person & Drama Co-ordinator
After several years of entering her pupils in the festival, drama teacher and Lamda examiner Steph was persuaded onto the committee. It is a decision she has never regretted and one which has given her much satisfaction and pride in belonging to such a worthwhile and joyful event.
Speech and Drama Syllabus 2021
| Class Number | Class | Choice |
|---|---|---|
| D1 | Nursery Rhymes – Age 7 and under | Own choice of two nursery rhymes – limit 1 minute |
| D2 | Verse Speaking – Age 9 and under | Any poem by Laura Dockerill – limit 1 minute |
| D3 | Verse Speaking – Age 10 to 11 | Any poem by Joseph Coehlo – limit 1 minute |
| D4 | Verse Speaking – Age 12 to 14 | Any poem by Sarah Crossan – limit 2 minutes |
| D5 | Verse Speaking – Age 15 to 18 | Any poem by C P Cavafy – limit 3 minutes |
| D6 | My Favourite Poem – Age 13 and under | Own Choice – limit 2 minutes. Introduce your poem by telling the audience in not more than 40 words why it is your favourite. |
| D7 | My Favourite Poem – Age 14 to 18 | Own Choice – limit 3 minutes. Introduce your poem by telling the audience in not more than 40 words why it is your favourite. |
| D8 | Heroes – Open | Own Choice of any poem on the subject of what you consider to be heroic – limit 2 minutes |
| D9 | Any Comedy Poem or Prose Passage – age 11 and under | Own Choice from memory – limit 3 minutes |
| D10 | Any Comedy Poem or Prose Passage – age 12 to 14 | Own Choice from memory – limit 3 minutes |
| D11 | Any Comedy Poem or Prose Passage – age 15 to 18 | Own Choice from memory – limit 4 minutes |
| D12 | Prepared Reading – age 9 and under | Any book by Atinuke – limit 150 words |
| D13 | Prepared Reading – age 10 to 11 | Any book by Berlie Doherty – limit 200 words |
| D14 | Prepared Reading – age 12 to 14 | Any book by Maurice Gleitzman – limit 250 words |
| D15 | Prepared Reading – age 15 to 18 | Any book by Juno Dawson – limit 250 words |
| D16 | Sonnet Speaking – Open | Own choice of any sonnet |
| D17 | Sight Reading – age 13 & under | To read a passage chosen by the adjudicator |
| D18 | Sight Reading – age 14 to 18 | To read a passage chosen by the adjudicator |
| D19 | Public Speaking – Open | A speech on any subject to last no longer than 4 minutes. Visual aids may be used. |
| D20 | Bible Reading – age 18 and under | Choice from King James Authorised Version of: Genesis 37 verses 1 to 24; Psalm 104 verses 1 to 14; John 2 verses 1 to 22 |
| D21 | The Book of Common Prayer – age 18 and under | Limit 3 minutes. To speak or read a passage from the Book of Common Prayer 1662, to be chosen from one of the following:
|
| D22 | Shakespeare Solo – age 18 and under | Own Choice from any Shakespeare play – limit 4 minutes |
| D23 | Shakespeare Solo – Open – Novice | Own Choice from any Shakespeare play – limit 3 minutes |
| D24 | Drama Solo – age 11 and under | Own Choice from any play other than Shakespeare – limit 4 minutes |
| D25 | Drama Solo – age 12 to 14 | Own Choice from any play other than Shakespeare – limit 4 minutes |
| D26 | Drama Solo – age 15 to 18 | Own Choice from any play other than Shakespeare – limit 4 minutes |
| D27 | Drama Solo – Open – Novice | Own Choice from any play other than Shakespeare – limit 4 minutes |
| D28 | Solo Improvisation – age 18 and under | An improvisation, with or without speech, on a theme set by the adjudicator – limit 3 minutes plus up to a minute for preparation. |
| D29 | Drama Duologue – age 11 and under | Own Choice from any play other than Shakespeare – limit 5 minutes |
| D30 | Drama Duologue – age 12 to 14 | Own Choice from any play other than Shakespeare – limit 5 minutes |
| D31 | Drama Duologue – age 15 to 18 | Own Choice from any play other than Shakespeare – limit 5 minutes |
| D32 | Shakespeare Duologue – age 18 & under | Own Choice from any Shakespeare play – limit 5 minutes |
| D33 | Group Acting – age 18 and under | Own Choice piece from a published play with not less than 3 players – limit 5 minutes |
| D34 | Devised Drama Solo – age 13 and under | Perform a prepared scene of your own devising based on one of the following events: • autumn afternoon • a secret place • the walk. The scene must be a minimum of two minutes and no more than three minutes in performance time. The performer must announce the title prior to the performance. |
| D35 | Devised Drama Solo – age 14 to 18 | Perform a prepared scene of your own devising based on one of the following phrases: •and then we saw it • oh, now I get it • of course we’re allowed . The scene must be a minimum of three minutes and no more than four minutes in performance time. The performer must announce the title prior to the performance. |
| D36 | Devised Drama Solo – Open – Novice | Perform a prepared scene of your own using one of the following objects as a stimulus: • a bucket • a torch • a tennis ball . The object must be used in the performance and be provided by the performer. The scene must be a minimum of two minutes and no more than three minutes in performance time. The performer must announce the title prior to the performance. |
| D37 | Devised Drama Duologue – age 13 & under | Perform a prepared scene of your own devising based on one of the following events: • the last time • the accident • the lift journey. The scene must be a minimum of two minutes and no more than three minutes in performance time. The performers must announce the title prior to the performance. |
| D38 | Devised Drama Duologue – age 14 to 18 | Perform a prepared scene of your own devising based on one of the following phrases: • I don’t trust them • not my fault • this is the plan . The scene must be a minimum of three minutes and no more than four minutes in performance time. The performers must announce the title prior to the performance. |
| D39 | Devised Drama Duologue – Open – Novice | Perform a prepared scene of your own using one of the following objects as a stimulus: • a wellington boot • a cardboard box • a feather duster. The object must be used in performance and be provided by the performers. The scene must be a minimum of two minutes and no more than three minutes in performance time. The performers must announce the title prior to the performance. |
| D40 | Devised Drama Group – age 13 & under | Perform a prepared scene of your own devising based on one of the following events: • the adventure park party • the sleepover • the nightmare. The scene must be a minimum of two minutes and no more than three minutes in performance time. The performers must announce the title prior to the performance. |
| D41 | Devised Drama Group – age 14 to 18 | Perform a prepared scene of your own devising based on one of the following phrases: • wait! • no chance • it could be fun. The scene must be a minimum of three minutes and no more than four minutes in performance time. The performers must announce the title prior to the performance. |
| D42 | Devised Drama Group – Open – Novice | Perform a prepared scene of your own devising based on one of the following phrases: • this is your big idea? • top marks • it’s not my best. The scene must be a minimum of three minutes and no more than four minutes in performance time. The performers must announce the title prior to the performance. |
| D43 | Musical Theatre – Solo – age 11 and under | Present a piece of devised text in character which will lead into/occur during the performance of a song. The song may be from a theatre musical or a film musical composed by any composer and should be between three and four minutes long. It must be accompanied (see Rules) and memorised. |
| D44 | Musical Theatre – Solo – age 12 to 14 | Present a piece of devised text in character which will lead into/occur during the performance of a song. The song may be from either Hairspray, Matilda, School of Rock or Wicked. and should be between three and four minutes long. It must be accompanied (see Rules) and memorised. |
| D45 | Musical Theatre – Solo – age 15 to 18 | Present a piece of devised text in character which will lead into/occur during the performance of a song. The song may be from either Chicago, Cabaret, Avenue Q or Dear Evan Hansen and should be between three and four minutes long. It must be accompanied (see Rules) and memorised. |
| D46 | Musical Theatre – Duets – age 11 and under | Present a piece of devised text in character which will lead into/occur during the performance of a song. The song may be from a theatre musical or a film musical composed by any composer and should be between three and four minutes long. It must be accompanied (see Rules) and memorised. |
| D47 | Musical Theatre – Duets – age 12 to 14 | Present a piece of devised text in character which will lead into/occur during the performance of a song. The song may be from either Hairspray, Matilda, School of Rock or Wicked and should be between three and four minutes long. It must be accompanied (see Rules) and memorised. |
| D48 | Musical Theatre – Duets – age 15 to 18 | Present a piece of devised text in character which will lead into/occur during the performance of a song. The song may be from either Chicago, Cabaret, Avenue Q or Dear Evan Hansen and should be between three and four minutes long. It must be accompanied (see Rules) and memorised. |
| D49 | Musical Theatre – Groups – age 13 and under | Present a piece of devised text in character which will lead into/occur during the performance of a song. The song may be from a theatre musical or a film musical and should be between three and four minutes long. It must be accompanied (see Rules) and memorised. |
| D50 | Musical Theatre – Groups – age 14 to 18 | Present a piece of devised text in character which will lead into/occur during the performance of a song. The song may be from a theatre musical or a film musical composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and should be between three and four minutes long. It must be accompanied (see Rules) and memorised. |
| D51 | Musical Theatre – Solo, Duet, Group – Open | Present a piece of devised text in character which will lead into/occur during the performance of a song. The song may be from a theatre musical or a film musical composed by any composer and should be between three and four minutes long. It must be accompanied (see Rules) and memorised. |
Speech & Drama Adjudicators 2021
