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Rules for Overseas Participants.
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SANCTA ONE-ACT PLAY FESTIVAL Rules - scroll down for additional rules pertaining to international competition 1. INTRODUCTION The South African National Community Theatre Association (SANCTA), Gauteng festival is a one-act play festival organised by SANCTA (Gauteng Province), the official South African representative of the International Arts and Theatre Association (IATA), to promote and further the aims of amateur theatre. Its prime objective is to promote learning and training by providing the opportunity to hear comments and opinions by experienced and trained adjudicators. In order to encourage a high standard, certificates and trophies are presented in various categories to the participants in a gala ceremony at the end of the festival. 2. IMPORTANT NOTE ON PROFESSIONALISM In order to retain its Community status, this festival shall be dependant on the community / non professional status of the participating individuals and societies. It will, therefore, be considered an infringement of the rules of the festival should any member(s) of the cast, crew or production team be a professional i.e. one who is deriving a living solely from any related function in the theatrical profession. Such infringement will immediately disqualify the entire society from the festival, be it after closing date for entries, during the rehearsal week, during the performance week or on final night. 3. RULES 1. Only properly constituted and fully operational Community societies, recognised university & college drama departments, recognised drama schools and High Schools may enter. The SANCTA Gauteng Province Festival committee has the right to call for any such supporting documentation from entrants at any time. 2. Entries must consist of a one-act play, an intelligible condensation or an excerpt from a full length play which in itself is intelligible to an audience unfamiliar with the whole work. Points will be lost for any of these criteria not been met. 3. More than one entry of the same play is acceptable. Should this occur, both societies will be notified immediately. The verbal adjudication of both of these plays will not be given until both have been performed (even though the respective performances may be on different evenings). 4. No play that has won best overall production in the past two years may be entered by any society. 5. The acceptability of any particular entry shall be at the sole discretion of the Festival committee. 6. An entry fee for each entry shall be payable in advance (see entry form for details) 7. The payment of royalties and/or rights for the play shall be the responsibility of the entrant society. Proof of payment must be included with the rest of the entry documents (see entry form for closing date) or at the latest prior to the rehearsal period in the theatre. No play will be allowed to perform without proof of royalties and/or rights paid. In the case of original scripts, the playwright must submit, in writing, permission for the piece to be performed. The festival committee will sponsor the costs for royalties and/or rights for the three plays to be performed on the final night only. 8. Entries shall contain a minimum of two on-stage speaking parts and shall be no shorter than twenty (20) minutes and no longer than forty five (45) minutes. Points will be deducted by the festival stage management for infringements. 9. Entrants shall have five (5) minutes to set the stage and three (3) minutes to strike. Points will be deducted by the Festival stage management for infringements. 10. Penalties for overrunning time limits will be as follows : 1 min - 0 points for run of play or 1 point for setting or striking 2 min - 2 points 3 min - 3 points 4 min - 4 points 5 min - DISQUALIFICATION (i.e. plays will not be eligible for entry into Final Night and will thus forfeit the opportunity of winning Best Overall Production and Runner-up. The entry will still be eligible for all other award categories) 11. Each entrant will have a two (2) hour rehearsal period in the theatre in order to set lighting, sound, props, flys, other technical needs and to rehearse all technicals including setting and striking and word run through's. 12. Each entrant will be allocated a performance slot during which the play will be adjudicated. The top three (3) plays will be selected by the adjudicators to be performed on the final night. These will be announced after the final performance prior to the final night. The top three (3) plays will be eligible for the 'Best Overall Production' and 'Best Runner-up Production' awards. The time constraints (Set-up, duration and striking) will not be enforced for the final night. 13. At least one Technical/Production meeting will be held prior to the festival (please refer to cover letter for dates, times and venue). At least the director and stage manager from each group must attend this meeting as well as any other interested parties. 14. It is the responsibility of previous award winners to have their trophy/ies engraved and returned to the committee by the production meeting (see cover letter for date and venue). 15. The following is required to be handed in by the technical/production meeting. a. entry form completed in full; b. full entry fee; c. trophies (engraved and reasonably cleaned, if won by the group or any individual members of that group at the previous competition); d. programme details (names of cast and crew and other information relevant to the play) that will be inserted into the festival programme; e. technical specifications and lighting plan (as issued with entry forms detailing all technicals requirements); f. two copies of the script; g. proof of royalties and/or rights paid (if available at this time) Failure to furnish any one or more of the above (except 15g) will invalidate any entry into the festival. However, any or all of the above can be posted/faxed/hand delivered to any member of the designated festival committee at any time before the closing date. A record will be kept of what was received, when and from whom. 5. ADJUDICATIONS 1. The one-act play festival will be judged and adjudicated within the norms of any other one-act festival and the adjudicators will be aware of the limitations imposed on the cast, crew and production team as well as limitations caused by the host venue. Overall suitability of the play, setting and staging and time limits should be taken into consideration when societies are contemplating entering a festival of this nature. 2. The festival committee will select the best available professional adjudicators and they will be briefed prior to the festival re their tasks. 3. Verbal adjudications will be given for every performance at the conclusion of the day's performances and written versions will be available as soon as possible after the festival. 4. The points system is as follows:
1. All the nominations and awards, except 'Best Overall Production' and 'Best Runner-up Production', will be judged and decided upon during the initial performances preceding the final night. 2. 'Best Overall Production' and 'Best Runner-up Production' will be decided on during the final night. 3. Awards will be made in following categories:
A. STAGE 1) A plan of the theatre stage will be made available. 2) The main curtain will be open during setting and striking. The plays may be performed in front of curtain if required. Setting of the curtain must be done during setting and striking time and each group must supply a curtain operator. 3) The cyclorama screen at the back will be in full view with the black tabs open. Each group must supply their own back tab operator should it be required to be in the closed position. This will be done as part of the setting and striking time. 4) Fly bars will be available. Flown sets are to be set-up during rehearsal and left suspended out of sight, except for performance. (liaison between groups may have to be facilitated by the Festival Stage Manager if too many sets need to be flown). The flying of sets is to be done during setting and striking. Each group must supply their own fly operator/s. 5) No stage markings will be permitted B. SETS 1. The theatre management has requested that sets, size and amount, be kept to minimum as there is little storage space back stage. Any unwieldy sets will have to transported to and from the theatre after each rehearsal and performance. Limited sets can be stored in the theatre complex and will be moved by the groups, backstage, prior to their performance. The backstage positioning will not be part of the setting or striking time. 2. Sets left at the theatre must be stored as compactly as possible. The festival stage management will assist with storage space allocation. Groups will be allowed to store sets at the theatre between their rehearsal and performance periods. 3. The sets of those plays not selected for the final night must be removed after the top three (3) plays have been announced. The sets of the plays performing on the final night must be removed after the awards ceremony. Removal of the sets at any other time can only be done by prior arrangement with the Festival Stage Manager. If sets can only be removed after final night then the group concerned will have to make arrangements directly with the theatre management. 4. Whilst every care is taken with storage and security of sets and props, neither the theatre venue, nor SANCTA, Gauteng Province festival management can accept any responsibility for any theft or any damage whatsoever to any sets, props and costumes and personal effects during the rehearsal, storage and performance periods of festival. C. SETTING AND STRIKING 1. Setting and striking will be done in full view of the audience and adjudicators. Setting and striking will be done in blue lighting to distinguish between this and the play proper. 2. The stage will be lit with white lights prior to setting and after striking to show the empty stage. (House Lights) 3. Setting time will be five (5) minutes. Timing will be taken from bringing up of the blues until the first light and/or sound cue is given by the group for the play proper. All cast, crew, sets, props, etc. can be stationed in the designated area back stage providing they are not a hindrance to the previous group striking their set. 4. Striking time will be three (3) minutes. The group must cue blue lights to come up. This signals the end of the running of the play. The striking time will be taken from then until the group's stage manager cues that all cast, crew, sets and props are cleared into the designated area. Nothing is to be left on stage in the view of the audience. 5. Time penalties will be imposed by the Festival Stage Manager and not the adjudicators. Please adhere to these times as penalties may mean the difference between winning and losing. D. SOUND 1. A festival sound technician will be available for rehearsals and performances. Each group must to provide their own sound operator who will operate all sound equipment during the rehearsal and performance/s and will liaise with the festival sound technician re setting up of equipment, setting of levels, etc. 2. Each group must supply their own sound material. Please ensure that you have the (already prepared) sound available for the rehearsal period as well as for the performance/s. 3. Typically CD players and Tape cassette players will be available. The exact sound facilities (type and number of) can be determined at the Technical meeting. Any other sound requirement, such as computer input (Supply your own computer) must be made known in your the technical specifications and the availability determined at the technical meeting. E. LIGHTING 1. The theatre has a comprehensive computerised lighting system. However, the simultaneous lighting of many plays and limited number of lights, may restrict the availability of specials. 2. General lighting pools will be made available covering the whole stage area in both 'warm' and 'cold' temperatures. 3. Please indicate on the stage plan the following: a. areas to be lit (large) and/or tight specials; b. colour/s of gels needed (time of day and mood & location of scene to be considered); c. angle of light (e.g. 45 degrees, top light, back light, etc.); d. intensity of light (1 - 100%); e. specific set/s and/or prop/s to be lit; f. where any gobo's are to be focused; g. where UV lights is to be placed (if needed) h. where a strobe is to be placed (if needed) 4. Follow spots will be available. The number of follow spots, their permitted placement and facilities will be determined at the technical meeting. Each group must supply and cue their own follow spot operators. 5. A festival lighting technician, who will co-ordinate all the lighting plans and will hang, focus and plot all the lighting, will be available for the rehearsals and performances. 6. Each group must to provide their own lighting director who will: a. With the help of the festival lighting technician, position the lights and set the lighting plot into the lighting system during the group's rehearsal period. b. During the performance(s) the lighting director will cue the festival lighting technician to operate the appropriate lighting plot(s) for the play. NOTE: The festival lighting technician will not interporate or anticipate the lighting requirements during the performances but will operate the lighting sequences set during the rehearsal as directed by the group's lighting director. 7. The standard festival lighting layout, availability of special lights and special effects, etc will be confirmed at the technical meeting. 8. A short verification period will be given, prior to the performances, to verify that the positioning of the specials, etc is still set as planned during the rehearsal period. The time and date of when this is scheduled will be communicated to the groups as part of their festival programme guide. F. DRESSING ROOMS & BACKSTAGE AREAS 1. Dressing rooms will be allocated according to size of cast and the same room will be kept for rehearsal and performance. 2. The dressing room allocations will change for the final night according to size of cast and the running order. 3. All dressing rooms will be unisex. 4. Please remove all personnel assets at the end of each evening. Please keep all dressing rooms, backstage areas and toilets as clean and tidy as possible. 5. No alcohol consumption is allowed backstage or in the dressing rooms. 6. No smoking is allowed in any venues backstage. G. COMMUNICATIONS 1. Head sets (cans) will be provided for use by the Festival Stage Manager and group stage manager and the sound and lighting personnel. 2. During the rehearsal period the festival crew will liaise with senior technical crew and director from each group. 3. During performances the festival crew will liaise only with group's stage manager and the group's sound & lighting director. H. REHEARSALS 1. The rehearsal schedule will be provided as soon as possible after the entry closing date. 2. Groups must start unloading and assembling sets at least thirty minutes before the starting time of their rehearsal period. 3. Please ensure to bring all cast, crew, sets, props, sound tapes and anything else needed for the show. It is very unwise to perform with anybody or anything that has not been rehearsed with. 4. Strict timing of the rehearsal period will be adhered to i.e. no longer than two (2) hours and nothing will be allowed outside of the times allocated to each play. 5. It is advisable that the time be used mainly for technical matters and run throughs, but it will be up the individual groups as to how they utilise their time. 6. An assistant stage manager from the festival crew will be seconded to each group for liaison purposes and will also be with that group on performance night/s. Groups travelling more than 200kms from the Festival Venue may apply well in advance to rehearse and perform on the same day, which request will be considered subject to the availability of both Sancta and the applicable venue staff. I. PERFORMANCES 1. The performance schedule will be provided as soon as possible after the entry closing date. 2. The stage manager of a production must report to the festival stage manager one hour before the start of the days performances. All cast and crew to be backstage at least one hour prior to their performance. It is the duty of the group stage manager to assemble his/her personnel. 3. Running order: a. The Festival Stage Manager will call time to all concerned backstage and in lighting box : 30, 15, and 5 minutes and beginners (time is always called 5 minutes before real time). b. 30 minutes prior to performance: The group stage manager should assemble crew and sets backstage ready to set stage (liaison will have to done with previous group so as not to clash during striking) c. 5 minutes prior to the scheduled performances, beginners and hosts will be called. d. house lights will dim and hosts will enter from stage left onto the stage to introduce the evening. e. hosts will exit stage via backstage f. house lights will fade into blue working lights for setting g. the first group will set and cue for 'setting end' and 'performance begin' h. the running/cueing of the performance is the sole responsibility the of the group concerned. The festival crew is only there to monitor and time the progress. i. during the performance the next group may quietly assemble their set backstage, taking care not to hinder the previous groups performance or set striking j. the performing group's stage manager will cue working blue lights for striking and the Festival Stage Manager when striking is complete. k. working lights will fade and house lights will come up l. the above is repeated for the next performance and so on ..... m. verbal adjudication comments will be given to all of the day's performances after the last performance has completed. 4. Time penalties will be imposed by the Festival stage management for setting, running and striking, but will be applied to each period independently i.e. time saved on any period cannot be transferred to any other period. 5. If any group wishes to view the other performances they may do so from the auditorium. Access is only via the foyer. 6. An interval of 15 minutes long will take place between the second and third performances. 7. At the end of the final festival performance, the three best plays to perform on the final night will be announced. At least the stage manager from each winning group needs to remain on stage to discuss running order with the festival crew. This will be dependant on sound, lighting and set considerations as well as type of play (comedy, drama, musical, etc.) J. FINAL NIGHT 1. The three best plays will perform consecutively without any break for adjudications. 2. The group performing first will be able to set their stage prior to the evening beginning as no timings will be done on setting and striking for any of the groups. 3. The hosts will introduce the evening performances which will commence directly thereafter. 4. The list of nominations will be posted in the foyer during the performances. 5. An interval of thirty minutes will be taken after the three performances during which time all nominees must assemble in the backstage area (ushers from the committee will be on hand to arrange recipients in the order in which they will receive their nomination certificates). The festival crew will set the stage for awards ceremony. 6. Upon acceptance of the nomination certificates all nominees must proceed to their seats in the auditorium from whence the winners shall move to the stage to receive their awards. K. GENERAL 1. No unauthorised personnel will be allowed backstage, in the dressing rooms or in the lighting box during rehearsals and performances. 2. All cast and crew must enter through the stage door during rehearsals and performances. 3. Please spread the word to known audiences that cell phones, sound recordings and photography and video recordings (The festival organisers has first rights on this) are not permitted during performances. 4. Though there are security guards in and around the vicinity of the theatre, the parking of all vehicles is at the risk of the owner. South African National Community Theatre Association (SANCTA) These rules are set down by I.A.T.A. and are to be used as a guideline, together with General Rules for Participants in One Act Play Festivals, issued by SANCTA. Article 12 The number of participants is not limited. However, SANCTA will only cover expenses (accommodation and meals)for a maximum of ten persons, for the period that they are engaged in the Festival (maximum of four days). These persons must be actors, directors, and technicians (number of technicians must not exceed three) All expenses incurred (other than the ten persons referred to above) must be settled upon arrival in South Africa. All travelling expenses to and from host town in South Africa will be the responsibility of the participating group. Article 13 The participating group are to supply their own special sets, costumes, and furniture, together with all props needed. SANCTA can only supply regulation curtains and a minimum of furniture and small props. Article 15 Each group is responsible for obtaining permission, to present the work at the SANCTA Festival, from the relevant author/agent. Confirmation of the granting of this permission is to reach SANCTA by a given date Article 17 All paperwork must be made available to us by a given date which includes: Two copies of script. All technical requirements. Article 28 On arrival at Festival Headquarters each participant will be given a SANCTA badge which will highlight the participant's presence at the SANCTA Festival. All other visitors (other than the ten designated persons) will be given a separate form of identification. Article 30 Each visiting group is duty bound to respect these rules, together with our own Festival Rules. Any infringement will result in the withdrawal of the invitation and the cancellation of the performance. Instituted with effect 1st April 2006 and added to the Sancta General Festival Rules. |