SPEECH & DRAMA SYLLABUS
Registered Charity Number: 283503
Affiliated to the British and International Federation of Festivals of which Her Majesty the Queen is Patron
The 2019 Speech & Drama Section will run from the Tuesday 12th November to Saturday 16th November.
Competitors are advised that that there will be 2 possible performance locations.
Please refer to your Attendance Slip (received after entry) to confirm location.
SPEECH & DRAMA
Adjudicator: Helen Grady, BA Hons
ALL CLASSES ARE OPEN TO COMPETITORS FROM ANY DISTRICT
The Southend Musical Festival is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society whereby entrants do not have to seek copyright permission for any poetry, prose or solo dramatic items* performed, to a limit of 10 minutes. Performers and teachers will be delighted to know that this Agreement ensures that authors will be directly reimbursed as a consequence of their work being performed at this Festival.
*Footnote: Solo dramatic items must be announced with title and author at the time of performance to qualify for copyright indemnity, and the performer must not change the words or gender of the character.
– The Adjudicator must have a copy of your OWN CHOICE. Failure to provide one may result in a loss of marks.
– Announce your items clearly.
– Time limits must be STRICTLY OBSERVED.
PROMPTING from the audience is not allowed under any circumstances.
– Teachers are requested to discourage Competitors from submitting entries containing material liable to cause offence to the audience and consideration must be given to the church venue.
– COSTUMES are not permitted in ANY Classes unless otherwise stated.
The following overall awards will be made at the discretion of the Adjudicator:
The Ridley Batchelor Cup:
for the most promising performance in Gold & Silver Acting Classes (500, 501)
The Anita Philpott Book Prize:
for the most promising performance in Boys Only Verse Speaking Classes (514-516)
The Doris Freyer Cup:
for the most impressive performance in Acted Poem or Story Classes (524 – 527)
The Helen Thatcher Trophy for Dramatic Scene:
for the most creative performance in the Dramatic Scene Classes (535 – 541)
The Hayley Ann Cresswell Challenge Cup donated by the Basildon Youth Theatre:
for the most innovative and entertaining performance in Dance Drama Classes (555 – 558)
The Basildon Youth Theatre Challenge Cup:
overall Speech & Drama award for 12 years & under – announced at the end of the Section
The Focus Theatre Workshop Cup:
overall Speech & Drama award for 13 years & over – announced at the end of the Section
The Southend Shakespeare Company Trophy (new prize):
for the most impressive performance in the Shakespeare Classes (528, 529, 533, 534)
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GOLD / SILVER / BRONZE MEDAL ACTING
500 THE PREMIER GOLD MEDAL CLASS 16 yrs & over
Time limit 8 minutes
Boxed Gold Medal award
NB Previous winners of this class may compete after a period of three years has elapsed.
NO COSTUME MAY BE WORN; a minimum of hand-props is allowed
Competitors are asked to perform a programme consisting of 2 contrasting selections:
(a) Dramatic Excerpt from a published play, TV or film screenplay or adapted novel
(b) Verse Speaking
and to sight read a test piece chosen by the Adjudicator at the Competition.
501 THE PREMIER SILVER MEDAL CLASS 13 to 15 yrs
Time limit 6 minutes
Boxed Silver Medal award
NB Previous winners of this class may not compete
NO COSTUME MAY BE WORN; a minimum of hand-props is allowed
Competitors are asked to perform a programme consisting of 2 contrasting selections:
(a) Dramatic Excerpt from a published play, TV or film screenplay or adapted novel.
(b) Verse Speaking (minimum 1 minute).
502 THE PREMIER BRONZE MEDAL CLASS 12 yrs & under
Time limit 4 minutes
Boxed Bronze Medal award
NB Previous winners of this class may not compete
NO COSTUME MAY BE WORN; a minimum of hand-props is allowed
A dramatic excerpt from a published play, TV or film screenplay or adapted novel.
VERSE SPEAKING
503 VERSE SPEAKING 16 yrs & over
The Clulow Challenge Cup
Book Prize presented by Peter Parsons Time limit 3 minutes
Own choice of poetry from the works of any Poet Laureate.
504 VERSE SPEAKING 14 to 15 yrs
The Kathleen Stone Cup
Book Prize presented by Peter Parsons Time limit 3 minutes
Own choice from the Nation’s Favourite Poems series published by the BBC.
505 VERSE SPEAKING 12 to 13 yrs
The Olive Owers Plaque
Book Prize presented by Peter Parsons Time limit 2½ mins.
Own choice from the Nation’s Favourite Poems series published by the BBC.
506 VERSE SPEAKING 11 yrs
Book Prize presented by Peter Parsons
Own choice. Themes: Friends, Football or Fantasy. Time limit 2 minutes
507 VERSE SPEAKING 10 yrs
Time limit 2 minutes
Book Prize presented by Peter Parsons
Own choice of poetry from the works of Steve Turner or Brian Patten.
508 VERSE SPEAKING 9 yrs
The Daniel Radcliffe Cup
Book Prize presented by Peter Parsons Time limit 2 minutes
Own choice. Themes: School, Scary or Starry.
509 VERSE SPEAKING 8 yrs
The Julie Hall Memorial Cup
Book Prize presented by Peter Parsons Time limit 1½ mins.
Own choice. Themes: Princess, Pet or Pirate.
510 VERSE SPEAKING 7 yrs
The Gresham Cup
Book Prize presented by Peter Parsons Time limit 1 minute
1) “The Sea”, John Foster – from A Green Poetry Paintbox, chosen by John Foster
or 2) “Dream Pet”, Sue Benwell – from A Green Poetry Paintbox, chosen by John Foster
or 3) “Playground Problems”, Eric Finney – from An Orange Poetry Paintbox, chosen by John Foster
or 4) “Lifeboat Rescue”, John Foster – from A Green Poetry Paintbox, chosen by John Foster
511 VERSE SPEAKING 6 yrs
The Lightfoot Cup
Book Prize presented by Peter Parsons Time limit 1 minute
1) “The Wuzzy Wasps of Wasperton” Daphne Lister – from A Green Poetry Paintbox, chosen by John Foster
or 2) “Empty Cottage”, Tony Mitton – from A Green Poetry Paintbox, chosen by John Foster
or 3) “Postcard”, Tony Langham – from An Orange Poetry Paintbox, chosen by John Foster
or 4) “I’d Like to be a Farmer”, Eric Finney – from An Orange Poetry Paintbox, chosen by John Foster
512 VERSE SPEAKING 5 yrs
Book Prize presented by Peter Parsons
From An Orange Poetry Paintbox, chosen by John Foster Time limit 1 minute
1) “Camping Out”, Clive Webster
or 2) “Tiger Tag”, Tony Mitton
or 3) “Footprints”, Irene Rawnsley
or 4) “The Barn Owl” Richard James
513 VERSE SPEAKING – Non-competitive class 4 yrs
Time limit 1 minute
For very young performers to enjoy their first experience of appearing at a Festival, by reciting one of the following poems from An Orange Poetry Paintbox, chosen by John Foster.
1) “Eggs”, Celia Warren
or 2) “Stick Insect”, Judith Nicholls
or 3) “The Roller Coaster”, Marian Swinger
All performers will receive a Certificate of Participation.
514 BOYS ONLY VERSE SPEAKING 13 yrs & over
Book Prize presented by Peter Parsons
Own choice
Time limit 3 minutes
515 BOYS ONLY VERSE SPEAKING 11 to 12 yrs
Book Prize presented by Peter Parsons
Own choice: Themes: Atmosphere, Attitude, Acne
Time limit 2½ mins.
516 BOYS ONLY VERSE SPEAKING 9 to 10 yrs
Book Prize presented by Peter Parsons
Own choice: Themes: Sport, School, Spending
Time limit 2 minutes
517 MICHAEL ROSEN VERSE SPEAKING CLASS *2019 ONLY* Any age
Book Prize presented by Peter Parsons
Any poem by Michael Rosen
Time limit 4 minutes
CHORAL SPEAKING
(No prompting is allowed; any conducting must be in full view of the Adjudicator)
518 CHORAL VERSE SPEAKING 16 yrs & over
Any number of voices, minimum 3. Own choice
Time limit 5 minutes
519 CHORAL SPEAKING 11 to 15 yrs
The Lottie Noel Memorial Cup
3 – 10 voices. Own choice
Time limit 4 minutes
520 CHORAL SPEAKING 10 yrs & under
The Gilbey Pollitt Trophy
3 – 10 voices. Own choice
Time limit 4 minutes
521 CHORAL SPEAKING 11 yrs & over
The Le Page Challenge Shield
Team of 11 or more voices. Own choice
Time limit 4 minutes
522 CHORAL SPEAKING 10 yrs & under
The Claire Angel Challenge Cup
Team of 11 or more voices. Own choice
Time limit 4 minutes
523 CHORAL SPEAKING 7 yrs & under
The Jackie Curtis Cup
Any number of voices, minimum 3. Own choice
Time limit 3 minutes
ACTING
NO COSTUMES ALLOWED; a minimum of hand-props may be used
Discretion must be exercised in choosing material out of consideration for the venue.
524 ACTED POEM OR STORY 16 yrs & over
Entire text to be performed, with or without a narrator
Team of any number, minimum 3. Own choice
Time limit 5 minutes
525 ACTED POEM OR STORY 11 to 15 yrs
Entire text to be performed, with or without a narrator
Team of any number, minimum 3. Own choice
Time limit 5 minutes
526 ACTED POEM OR STORY 10 yrs & under
Entire text to be performed, with or without a narrator
Team of any number, minimum 3. Own choice
Time limit 5 minutes
527 ACTED POEM OR STORY 7 yrs & under
Entire text to be performed, with or without a narrator
Team of any number, minimum 3. Own choice
Time limit 5 minutes
528 SHAKESPEARE SOLO 16 yrs & over
The Percy B. Renshaw Shakespeare Cup
Own choice
Time limit 6 minutes
529 SHAKESPEARE SOLO 12 to 15 yrs
The Margaret Stone Memorial Bowl
Own choice
Time limit 4 minutes
ACTING – DUOLOGUES
Duologues and group dramatic activity are not covered by the agreement with the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society and copyright for these items should be sought by performers at the time of entry.
Discretion must be exercised in choosing material out of consideration for the venue.
530 DUOLOGUES Any age
The Cecily Moore Challenge Cup
Own choice
Time limit 8 minutes
531 DUOLOGUES 15 yrs & under
Own choice
Time limit 6 minutes
532 DUOLOGUES 11 yrs & under
The Irene Creigh Challenge Cup
Own choice
Time limit 4 minutes
533 SHAKESPEARE DUOLOGUE/TRILOGUE 15 yrs & under
Own choice
Time limit 6 minutes
534 SHAKESPEARE DUOLOGUE/TRILOGUE 16 yrs & over
Own choice
Time limit 8 minutes
ACTING – SCENES
Discretion must be exercised in choosing material out of consideration for the venue.
535 DRAMATIC SCENE – Clubs, Academies, etc. Any age
Scene or part-scene for 3 or more characters. Own choice
Time limit 15 minutes
536 DRAMATIC SCENE – Clubs, Academies, etc. 16 yrs & under
Scene or part-scene for 3 or more characters. Own choice
Time limit 15 minutes
537 DRAMATIC SCENE – Clubs, Academies, Schools, etc. 13 yrs & under
The W. V. Higby Memorial Cup
Scene or part-scene for 3 or more characters. Own choice
Time limit 10 minutes
538 DRAMATIC SCENE – Clubs, Academies, Schools, etc. 8 to 11 yrs
Scene or part-scene for 3 or more characters. Own choice
Time limit 10 minutes
539 DRAMATIC SCENE – Clubs, Academies, Schools, etc. 7 yrs & under
Scene or part-scene for 3 or more characters. Own choice
Time limit 10 minutes
540 DRAMATIC SCENE – Directed by a student. Any age
Own choice of scene for 3 or more characters
Time limit 15 minutes
541 DRAMATIC SCENE
Written, directed and performed by students. Any age
Own choice of scene for 3 or more characters.
Time limit 10 minutes
MIME (no costume, music or sound effects)
542 SOLO MIME Any age
The W Camm Bacon Memorial Cup
“Multitasking”
Time limit 4 minutes
543 SOLO MIME 12 yrs & under
“Too Tight”
Time limit 3 minutes
544 IMPROMPTU SOLO MIME Any age
To a title set by the Adjudicator.
Prep. 4 mins; perf. 2-3
545 DUO MIME 14 yrs & over
“Driving Test”
Time limit 4 minutes
546 DUO MIME 13 yrs & under
“It Takes Two To…”
Time limit 3 minutes
547 PREPARED GROUP MIME 16 yrs & over
Own choice; team of 3 or more
Time limit 8 minutes
548 PREPARED GROUP MIME -Senior 12 to 15 yrs
Own choice; team of 3 or more
Time limit 7 minutes
549 PREPARED GROUP MIME – Junior 9 to 11 yrs
The Les Voix Perdues Challenge Cup
Own choice; team of 3 or more
Time limit 6 minutes
550 GROUP MIME (+ music/sound) 16 years and over 16 yrs & over
551 GROUP MIME (+ music/sound) 11-15 years 11 to 15 yrs
552 GROUP MIME (+ music/sound) 10 years and under 10 yrs & over
553 GROUP MIME (+ music/sound) 7 years and under 7 yrs & under
GROUP DANCE DRAMA (No costume; team of 3 or more)
555 GROUP DANCE DRAMA 16 years and over 16 yrs & over
556 GROUP DANCE DRAMA 11-15 years 11 to 15 yrs
557 GROUP DANCE DRAMA 10 years and under 10 yrs & over
558 GROUP DANCE DRAMA 7 years and under 7 yrs & under
559 SOLO SPONTANEOUS IMPROVISATION 13 yrs & over
Create a scene around an object given by the Adjudicator at the Competition. Prep. time 4 mins
Perf. time 2-3 mins
560 GROUP PERFORMANCE – Diverse Abilities Any age
COSTUMES and RECORDED MUSIC ALLOWED
Prepared group performance. Own choice of theme. Maximum 10 per group, but you may include additional helpers as required.
Time limit 12 minutes
**PRE-SCHOOL CLASSES**
These classes are intended for pre-school children only – i.e. those not yet attending
“Big School”! Tutors will be allowed to assist the children during the performance.
563 PRE-SCHOOL CHORAL SPEAKING Pre-school only
The James Frost Memorial Shield
COSTUMES and RECORDED MUSIC ALLOWED
Own choice. Any number of voices. Time limit 2 minutes
564 PRE-SCHOOL DANCE DRAMA/MIME to MUSIC Pre-school only
COSTUMES and RECORDED MUSIC ALLOWED
Own choice. Time limit 5 minutes
READING
565 SIGHT READING 15 yrs & over
Test piece to be chosen by the Adjudicator at the Competition Time limit 2 minutes
566 SIGHT READING 12 to 14 yrs
Test piece to be chosen by the Adjudicator at the Competition Time limit 2 minutes
567 SIGHT READING 10 to 11 yrs
Test piece to be chosen by the Adjudicator at the Competition Time limit 1½ mins.
568 SIGHT READING 8 to 9 yrs
Test piece to be chosen by the Adjudicator at the Competition Time limit 1½ mins.
569 SIGHT READING 6 to 7 yrs
Test piece to be chosen by the Adjudicator at the Competition Time limit 1 minute
RECITAL
No costume; minimal props may (optionally) be used,
as long as these are relevant and appropriate to the recital performance
Using published works, each competitor is to select a theme of his/her own choice and present a recital programme consisting of both poetry and prose. The readings do not have to be learned but the introduction, links between readings, and conclusion must be spoken from memory, and will be judged as part of the overall performance.
570 RECITAL CLASS – Senior 13 to 17 yrs
Overall time limit:
Min. 8, max. 12 mins.
The Beryl Scholfield Memorial Trophy (Senior) & £30 Prize
Programme as above, to consist of a minimum of 3, maximum of 4 readings.
571 RECITAL CLASS – Junior 9 to 12 yrs
Overall time limit:
Min. 5, max. 8 mins.
The Beryl Scholfield Memorial Trophy (Junior) & £20 Prize
Programme as above, to consist of a minimum of 2, maximum of 3 readings.
572 SONNET CLASS Any age
Book Prize presented by Peter Parsons
Recite a sonnet of your own choice.
PREPARED PROSE READING
Entrants are required to read from the set book itself at the Festival – to encourage them to read the whole story, and to master the technique of reading aloud for performance.
Teachers/performers are asked to ensure that readings are kept well within the time limit.
575 PREPARED PROSE READING 16 yrs & over
Time limit 3 minutes
The Focus Ladies Rose Bowl
Read own choice from: the works of Richard Adams
Jodi Picoult or F, Scott Fitzgerald
576 PREPARED PROSE READING 13 to 15 yrs
Read own choice from: the works of George Orwell; Jack London or Alice Seebold. Time limit 2½ mins.
577 PREPARED PROSE READING 11 to 12 yrs
Read own choice from: The Works of Michelle Magorian; Michael Morpurgo or J.M.Barrie Time limit 2½ mins.
578 PREPARED PROSE READING 9 to 10 yrs
Read own choice from; The works of Cressida Cowell or Eoin Colfer. Time limit 2 minutes
579 PREPARED PROSE READING 8 yrs
Read own choice from: The Midnight Gang by David Walliams or the Worst Witch series by Jill Murphy. Time limit 1½ mins.
580 PREPARED PROSE READING 7 yrs
Read own choice from: Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey or the Rainbow Magic series by Daisy Meadows. Time limit 1½ mins.
581 PREPARED PROSE READING 5 to 6 yrs
Read own choice from: The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter; or The Mr Majeika series by Humphrey Carpenter. Time limit 1½ mins.
582 DICKENS CLASS 17 yrs & over
The Dickens Cup awarded by
the Dickens Fellowship, Southend and District Branch No. 54
Read own choice from the works of Charles Dickens Time limit 4 minutes
583 DICKENS CLASS 12 to 16 yrs
The Dickens Prize of £20 awarded by
the Dickens Fellowship, Southend and District Branch No. 54
Read own choice from the works of Charles Dickens Time limit 4 minutes
584 DICKENS CLASS 9 to 11 yrs
The Dickens Prize of £10 awarded by
the Dickens Fellowship, Southend and District Branch No. 54
Read own choice from the works of Charles Dickens Time limit 3 minutes
ORIGINAL COMPOSITION
Original Poetry
Uncorrected, unaided poem – maximum 50 lines – to be submitted with the Entry Form.
The poem should be read by the author or representative at the time appointed for this Class. Marks and places will be awarded for the composition only.
585 ORIGINAL POETRY 16 yrs & over
The Derek Lowe Memorial Cup
586 ORIGINAL POETRY 12 to 15 yrs
587 ORIGINAL POETRY 11 yrs & under
Original Prose /Short Story
Uncorrected, unaided prose / short story – maximum length as shown below – to be submitted with the Entry Form. The work should be read by the author or representative at the time appointed for this Class. Marks and places will be awarded for the composition only.
588 ORIGINAL PROSE / SHORT STORY (max. 1,000 words) 16 yrs & over
589 ORIGINAL PROSE / SHORT STORY (max. 500 words) 12 to 15 yrs
590 ORIGINAL PROSE / SHORT STORY (max. 500 words) 11 yrs & under
591 ORIGINAL PROSE / SHORT STORY (max. 1,000 words) 60 yrs & over
The “U3A” Prize
BIBLE READING
Entrants are required to read from the Bible itself at the Festival.
592 PREPARED BIBLE READING 15 yrs & over
(read from the 1611 King James Authorised Version) Time limit 2½ mins.
593 PREPARED BIBLE READING 12 to 14 yrs
(read from the 1611 King James Authorised Version) Time limit 2 minutes
594 PREPARED BIBLE READING 11 yrs & under
The Alice Jeffery Award for 11 & under Bible Reading
(read from the 1611 King James Authorised Version) Time limit 1½ mins.
We would like to draw your attention to a special class celebrating the 100th anniversary of Spike Milligan’s birth. Class 517 is open to all ages, to recite any poem by Spike Milligan. The Goon Show Preservation Society is sponsoring a prize for this class.
Peter Parsons Book Prizes have been donated for all of the Verse Speaking classes.
Please click on the link below to view the full Speech & Drama Syllabus: