Acting:
* Technical Skill:
* Voice: Projection, articulation, clarity, vocal variety, use of pauses, and accents.
* Movement: Physicality, stage presence, use of space, blocking, and stage movement.
* Character Development: Conveying emotion, believable portrayal, understanding of the character's motivations and relationships.
* Ensemble Work:
* Collaboration: Effective communication and interaction between actors.
* Ensemble Focus: Supporting roles working together to create a cohesive and strong whole.
Directing:
* Interpretation of the Text:
* Understanding the playwright's intent and themes.
* The clarity of the story being told.
* The emotional impact of the performance.
* Visual Storytelling:
* Use of lighting, sound, costumes, set design, and props to enhance the story.
* The effectiveness of the overall aesthetic design.
* Pacing and Rhythm:
* The flow of the performance and its ability to keep the audience engaged.
* The balance between dialogue, action, and pauses.
Writing:
* Originality:
* Freshness and originality of the script.
* Unique voice and storytelling.
* Structure:
* Clear plot and character development.
* Effective pacing and resolution.
* Dialogue:
* Natural and believable dialogue that advances the plot and reveals characters.
* Wit, humor, and emotional impact.
Overall Impression:
* Engagement:
* The audience's ability to connect with the performance emotionally.
* The power of the performance to leave a lasting impression.
* Technical Execution:
* Smooth transitions, technical aspects working together to create a seamless performance.
* Overall Artistic Merit:
* The overall quality of the performance and its artistic achievement.
Specific to the Contest:
* Genre:
* The performance's adherence to the specific genre of the contest (e.g., one-act play, original play, adaptation).
* Theme:
* The performance's effectiveness in exploring the specific theme of the contest.
* Time Limit:
* The performance's adherence to the allotted time limit.
Additional Notes:
* Judges will often have score sheets to record their observations and scoring.
* Judges may offer constructive feedback to the performers after the performance.
* Different contests may have different weighting of criteria, or may focus on specific aspects (e.g., a contest for original plays may emphasize writing more).
Remember, these are general guidelines. It's always best to refer to the specific rules and guidelines of the contest you are participating in. Good luck!