I’ve never entered something like this before, who and what is it for?
The competition is an opportunity for anyone of any age who enjoys performing to show what they can do, at whatever level. We have young people who are practising for dance, music or drama exams and who want to gain experience; adults who welcome the chance to do what they love, and groups of performers who want to perform together and show what they can do. No matter what class you enter, you perform in front of a small friendly audience and an adjudicator.
What does the adjudicator do?
They watch and listen and write down encouraging comments about the performance, what was good and what, if anything, could be improved. At the end of the class, they will say to everyone what they thought of the class as a whole and what they particularly liked. Then each entrant receives:
A certificate with the adjudicator’s thoughts on your performance
A mark which suggests your performance’s current level
If you received one of the top three marks, a bronze, silver of gold placing may be awarded. While only dance class winners receive award medals, some non-dance classes have a trophy or cash prize attached to them for the first-place entrant (see the syllabus for details of these).
How do I enter ?
Have a look through our syllabus and see which classes would be suitable for you, or your child. Then access our new online booking portal – Play and Perform – and make a (free) account. The system will then guide you through the application process, and at the end you can make a secure payment for the classes you have entered.
Then leave it to us! We create a timetable and will tell you in good time which date and time to be at the venue – this depends on the number of people in each class and so takes a little time to sort out, but as soon as it is ready it will be published on the website. You may like to order or buy a programme which also lists the names of the people in each class (this is not published elsewhere).
What happens on the day?
Please come to the venue at least 30 minutes before your class start time and report to the Competitors Table, so that you (and your accompanist if appropriate) can be registered. You can upload accompanying music tracks through the Play and Perform portal; or if not you will be asked to bring a CD of your music (for dance or singing), your sheet music (for instrumental classes) or a copy of your speech, drama or vocal score (for speech, drama and vocals). Hand these to our steward at the table.
Please feel free to go into the hall and watch the classes before yours, and family and friends are also welcome to buy a ticket and come and watch as much as they would like – they form the friendly audience that is so important for performers.
When it is your turn, you will be announced, and then it is over to you! Your performance will be watched by your peers, and also by the professionally trained and authorised adjudicator who will be very experienced. Afterwards enjoy the applause and take a seat until the end of the class. There are different guidelines for some performances, for example drama performances benefit from a brief introduction to give context for the adjudicator and audience. Simple costumes and props are welcomed if they help you perform well but bear in mind that (apart from dance) there are no changing facilities. At the end of the class the adjudicator will give you a personal professional adjudication, and you will take away a report, overall mark, and a certificate.
There are many stewards to help you out on the day, and we will do our best to answer any email queries as well, if anything needs clarification.
We look forward to welcoming you!