CATEGORY B SPEECH AND DRAMA

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  • The syllabus is available in English , Afrikaans and isiXhosa. 
  • Entrants may only present two (2) items in each session.  However, entrants may present two items in English and another two items PER SESSION in Afrikaans.  Separate entry forms must be completed and the appropriate fee attached to each entry.
  • Teachers are allowed to enter any number of learners per session.
  • Source material such as published novels, poems, plays etc. may be found in school or public libraries.  Use of South African work is encouraged and the use of the internet is allowed.
  • Entrants must not exceed the time limits provided.
  • Entrants should perform in school uniform unless the content of the work allows for other clothing to enhance the work and/or to allow for a better and logical overall performance.
  • See the time limits for each grade.
  • IMPORTANT NOTE:  We urge teachers and parents NOT to annoy adjudicators and audiences by teaching candidates the same poems.  It is terribly frustrating to sit and listen to 10 candidates reciting the same poem.  There is more than enough time for everybody to learn a poem of their own.  Please pay special attention to this matter.

PLEASE NOTE:   It is not expected from teachers/candidates to attach a poem with the entry form.  Poems can be submitted to the adjudicator on the day of performance.

In order to save time, space  and paper, the entry forms are designed in such a way to make it easier to enter for the various sub-sessions per category.  Read and complete them carefully.

SESSIONS TO CHOOSE FROM:

L7  UNDRAMATISED POETRY (OWN CHOICE)

  • The selected poem must be of an appropriate length and standard for the age group.
  • Movement and the use of props will not be permitted, i.e. Only facial and vocal expression may be used.
  • A copy of the poem must be submitted to the adjudicator secretary.

L8  DRAMATISED POETRY (OWN CHOICE)

  • The selected poem must be of an appropriate length and standard for the age group.
  • The limited use of props is permitted.
  • Simple movements and / or gestures may be used but must not detract from the meaning and feeling of the poem being presented, i.e. do not over-dramatize nor use meaningless gestures.
  • A copy of the poem must be submitted to the adjudicator secretary.

L9  SHOW  AND  TELL

  • Any topic of interest can be presented, but it must be kept in mind that this is a speech and not a recitation.
  • Aids, such as posters, charts and objects, must be an integral part of the speech.
  • The use of live animals is not encouraged as they are extremely vulnerable to stress.
  • Electronic equipment will not be allowed.
  • The speech must be memorised and presented solely by the participant.
  • The adjudicator does not require a copy of the speech.

L10  PREPARED PUBLIC  SPEAKING

  • Participants may choose to speak on any topic, appropriate to their age and experience.
  • Any notes used must be in point form, on postcard-sized cards.
  • Simple aids may be used.
  • The speech must be memorised.
  • A public speech should entertain, inform, motivate, persuade or express a point of view.
  • The adjudicator does not require a copy of the speech

L11  INDIVIDUAL STORY TELLING

  • The story, which can either be true or invented, should be told in the participant’s own words
  • Participants are encouraged to draw on imagery, poetry, movement and sound effects.
  • The limited use of songs, other languages, musical and percussion instruments will be allowed.
  • The use of props and costumes is permitted, but must not detract from the story.
  • The adjudicator does not require a copy of the story.

L12

INDIVIDUAL PROSE (PRIMARY SCHOOLS ONLY AND LIMITED TO GRADES 3 – 7)

Spoken prose may consist of a speech, a sermon, a taped report or a radio broadcast scripted in advance and in the form of a monologue.  It may be read or recited almost anywhere, but the speaker may equally be within visual contact of an audience.  The extract needs to be learned and delivery should be spoken rather than acted out as for Dramatic Monologue.  Supply a copy of the extract for the adjudicator.

L13

MONOLOGUE / SOLO DRAMATISATION (OWN CHOICE)

Perform an extract of your choice from any published work.  A workshop set may be used e.g. chairs, rostra, etc. The extract should be dramatized in the first person, i.e. the participant takes on one particular character.  Participants are encouraged to use movement, mime and sound effects, plus limited use of languages.  The piece may be the participant’s own work.  The candidate is also encouraged to introduce and to set the scene for the particular work.  Please supply a copy of the piece for the adjudicator.  School uniform is not compulsory. 

L.14 MIME

This session is NOT OPEN for foundation phase learners.

The act of using movements of your hands and body, and expressions on your face, without speech, to communicate emotions and actions or to tell a story.

HELPFUL GUIDELINE

L15  PROSE  (OWN CHOICE)

  • Any piece chosen from any literary work
  • Advisory that dialogue and descriptive and/or narrative parts form a logical unit

L15.1  DRAMATISED PROSE

L15.2  UNDRAMATISED PROSE

L16  DIALOGUE (DRAMATISED OR UNDRAMATISED) (OWN CHOICE)

TWO (2) PERSONS IN CONVERSATION

CLUES:

  • Characters should pay attention on how they convey the text.
  • Pay attention to the phrasing and intonation of words and sentences.
  • Make use of facial expression to support the contents of the text.
  • The use of different tempi and your tone should suit the contents.
  • Each character should have equal opportunity to speak.
  • Costumes and Props are allowed.

L17  IMPROVISATION / CHARACTERISATION

L18

CONVENTIIONAL (TRADITIONAL) SPEECH CHOIR (OWN CHOICE)

  • This type does not require the use of props, costumes, nor choreography.
  • Do not edit the piece or add additional words.
  • The size of the choir can be determined by the teacher/conductor but may not be less than 10 pupils and NOT more than 40 pupils.
  • Poems etc. must be memorized.
  • Maximum time for ALL grades:  10 minutes
  • A conductor is not necessary if you are sure that your choir members really know their parts well, but most often those who win speech choir contests has a conductor.  A conductor helps the focus of your pupils. 
  • The conductor may stand at the back of the judges.  He/She may conduct in any manner he/she wants as long as he/she guides the participants for an effective speech choir presentation.
  • The choir may be divided into light, medium and dark voices.
  • Solo voices for effect, contrast, etc. are allowed.
  • Languages:  English or Afrikaans.
  • A speech choir may present a work in English and another in Afrikaans.  This must be clearly stipulated on the entry form and accompanied by the appropriated fee.
  • No prescribed works.  Own choice

L19  DYNAMIC (OR THEATRICAL) SPEECH CHOIR (OWN CHOICE)

This type of speech choir makes use of costumes and choreography to help bring the speech to life. 

  • Music may be used, however, we advise limited use. 
  • Should music be used it has to be given to the sound engineer on CD in a recognizable reading format such as mp3 etc.
  • Candidates are allowed to perform one item in English and another in Afrikaans.  It is important to complete the appropriate entry forms as such.  A separated entry form must be used in each case and accompanied by the appropriated fee.
  • Candidates will perform ON STAGE for this session.
  • To enhance their experience, the sound engineer will activate the spotlights towards the stage as well as other colourful lights on the stage to enhance their experience.
  • A minimum of 10 candidates and a maximum of 20 candidates are allowed for this session.
  • Only ONE Diploma will be issued in this session and the Diploma will be issued to the GROUP.

L20  ONE-ACT PLAY

This is a play that has only ONE act, but may consist of several scenes.    Included in this is also the well-known “10-minute” play known as the “flash drama”.  In this session the festival will also allow the so-called MONODRAMA.  With monodrama candidates are also free to perform only ONE SCENE from any act.

Candidates are free to use published works but are encouraged to use their own imagination and to create their own plays. 

Plays may be serious, funny, heroic etc.  It may take ANY FORM and may be about any topic within the rules and regulations of the festival especially the section of child protection policy.

  • Candidates will perform on stage
  • Lighting may be used accordingly
  • Sound may be used at candidate’s discretion
  • A copy of the script of the play must be handed to the Adjudicator Secretary which may not be returned.
  • Candidates are limited to a minimum of 10 minutes and a maximum of 15 minutes.
  • Candidates to design their own props and to take responsibility for the setup thereof.  Candidates are reminded of limited space on stage, so they are encouraged to stay clear of extravagant props and décor.  Rather spent time on your script, acting and other important factors.
  • Costumes may be used.
  • A minimum of 4 characters will be allowed on stage and a maximum of 8.
  • The Festival will allow for short breaks of 10 minutes between acts (if chosen) in order for candidates to prepare the stage and to ready themselves.
  • Plays may either be in English or Afrikaans OR a mixture of both languages depending on the topic and mood of the play.
  • There are NO limits as to age or grades of participants for obvious reasons.
  • A diploma will be awarded to each candidate involved in the play according to their involvement and participation.
  • HINT:  Ensure that all candidates get the opportunity to speak and act enough during the play in order for the adjudicators to form an opinion of each in order to award a diploma.

L21 OPEN SESSION – This session follows the same outlay and rules as all the above but the session is only for candidates aged 19 and above.  It is seen and felt as an ADULT session.