1. OWN CHOICE. The printed books or copies of own choice pieces must be brought by the Competitors and handed to the Adjudicator’s Steward before performing. In Acting Classes, all cuts should be clearly marked. Title and author of all Own Choice items must be supplied in writing at the time of performance, in order to comply with the new Performing Rights Rules.

2. VERSE. GESTURE and MOVEMENT are NOT permitted in the speaking of Lyrical Verse or Bible Recitation. Gesture is allowed in the speaking of Memorised Prose.

3. BIBLE CLASSES. See instructions for Classes 30 - 32. Own Choice selections may be taken from any version of the Bible or the Thomas Cranmer Prayer Book.

4. GROUP SPEAKING. Movement optional. Hand props allowed. Groups must enter under a Collective Title, NOT Individual Names.

5. MIME CLASSES. In all Mime Classes no-one under 10 years may enter. No costume or handprops are allowed. Table and chairs will be provided. Shoes if worn, must have soft soles. Sound effects or music may accompany the mime offstage. Tape Recorder or C.D. Player (13 amp or battery operated) to be provided by the Competitor.
N.B. DANCE DRAMA is not accepted in these classes. See Class 55.

6. ACTING CLASSES.

a. In all classes a Scene from any Published Play or Dramatisation from a Novel may be used. SKETCHES ARE NOT PERMITTED. (A SKETCH is a scene written in isolation). Solo performers must use the lines of ONE character only. No Competitor may appear in more than one Scene in the same class. Chairs and tables will be provided by the Committee. Minimal hand props essential to the action may be used. eg: fan, bag, handkerchief, but an excessive number will lead to marks being deducted. Sound effects or music may accompany the acting offstage. Tape Recorder or CD player (13 amp or battery operated) to be provided by the competitor.

b. PRIMARY, JUNIOR and SENIOR CLASSES. School uniform or practice skirts may be worn, but NOT Stage Costume or Masks.

c. GROUP ACTING CLASSES. These must consist of three or more speaking parts, and Competitors cannot enter the same scene in more than one class. In School Classes, entrants in each group must be from the same school. Groups must enter under a Collective Title, NOT Individual Names.

7. THEME. See Instruction by Class.

8. TIME LIMITS. All Time Limits must be strictly observed. Competitors will be penalised if exceeded, and marks will be deducted. Introductions are NOT included in the time limit.

9. CONDUCTING or Offstage direction in any class will incur a penalty.

10. SUBSTITUTIONS. Any School or Club entering Competitors in Solo or Duologue Classes must put the name(s) of any entrants on the Entry Form. No substitution will be allowed.

11. YOUTH DEBATING and PUBLIC SPEAKING CLASSES. Speeches must be composed by the Competitor. Minimal notes may be used.

NB: Competitors and teachers are asked to show sensitivity towards their audience in their choice of text and language.