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Speech, Drama and Mime

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Speech, Drama & Mime Syllabus

The 2025 Hastings Musical Festival Syllabus for Speech, Drama and Mime will be published via playandperform on 1st September. Entries open on 1st October and close on 30th November 2024. The dates for the 2025 Festival are February 24th to 27th.

Thank you to all who took part in our 2024 Festival. We were pleased that the number of our entries increased again over the previous year and we enjoyed a very busy Festival with our adjudicator Ann Bauer. We are looking forward to Rebecca Vines coming to adjudicate in 2025. Although highly qualified and experienced, this will be her first visit to us and we'll be delighted to welcome her. We are happy to be able to say, again, that there will be trophies to be won in all classes for those aged under 19 in Speech Solos, Humorous Verse, Dramatic Monologue, Dramatic Duologue and Mime. Read the Syllabus carefully as the two new classes that were introduced last year are back and adjustments have been made to some others in relation to time limits, age limits and School Year groupings.

Most importantly, across the whole Festival, we will be using the new BIFF marking scheme and so there is information in the combined syllabus about the new marking bands with their descriptors and criteria to help you become familiar with them. We hope, very much that the new scheme will greatly enhance your Hastings Musical Festival experience.
Speech, Drama & Mime Syllabus
See Rules
View the Mark Scheme

Online Entries

There are over seventy Speech, Drama and Mime classes to choose from and, as usual, there are some special trophies encompassing all age groups for aggregate marks across two or three of the four genres: Poetry, Prose, Monologue and Mime; so you may wish to consider combinations of entries to give yourself opportunities to achieve these additional awards. There are also two aggregate awards for those aged under 13 for combinations of entries in Speech with Piano or Singing, and Speech with Dance.
View your entries for the 2025 Festival

Our Dates

There are over seventy Speech, Drama and Mime classes to choose from and, as usual, there are some special trophies encompassing all age groups for aggregate marks across two or three of the four genres: Poetry, Prose, Monologue and Mime; so you may wish to consider combinations of entries to give yourself opportunities to achieve these additional awards. There are also two aggregate awards for those aged under 13 for combinations of entries in Speech with Piano or Singing, and Speech with Dance.

If you are aged 19 or over or are a previous Silver Medal winner, do give serious thought to making an entry in the Speech Gold Medal class. Although, in this class, 90 must be achieved to be awarded the medal, there will be a cash prize of £150 for a winning mark of 87 or more. Before looking at the Speech, Drama and Mime Syllabus, please go to the Combined Syllabus where you will find the General Rules, which are applicable to all sections, and information about our Special Trophies.

If you have any queries, contact Deirdre Goodger, the Section Secretary: [email protected]

Shakespeare, in Hamlet, Act lll, Scene 2, has some good advice to those entering this Section:

"Speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you, trippingly on the tongue; but if you mouth it as many of your players do, I had as lief the town-crier spoke my lines. Nor do not saw the air too much with your hand, thus: but use all gently."

2017 Finale - 2

Adjudicators

Rebecca Vines Qualifications: MA,FVCM,LLAM,LALAM,GSMD,ATCL,ANEA. Memberships: FRSA,MSTSD(Adj)

Rebecca read journalism at Cardiff University, during which time she wrote a weekly column for The Guardian newspaper. She continues to work for a range of publications as a features writer, ghost writer, and theatre critic.

Rebecca then studied as an actor at the London Centre for Theatre Studies; and her theatre credits include off-West End, Fringe, tour, educational theatre and voiceover. Favourite roles include Maggie (Dancing at Lughnasa); Elizabeth (The Crucible); Beverley (Abigail’s Party); Madame Arcati (Blithe Spirit); Martha (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?).

Rebecca trained as a specialist drama teacher at The Guildhall. She has taught in a range of primary, secondary and tertiary educational institutions for the last twenty years; and is the Principal of her own drama school, which operates internationally. Rebecca’s pupils have been awarded places at major conservatoires and bodies such as RADA, LAMDA, Central, Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music, Guildhall, Bristol Old Vic, Mountview, East 15, Guildford, AADA, Royal Birmingham, the Oxford School of Drama, National Youth Theatre, and the National Youth Music Theatre. Their work can be seen on the BBC, ITV, Sky, C4, E4, Netflix, Working Title, National Theatre, RSC, and with countless touring theatre companies in the UK and abroad.

Rebecca sits on the Adjudicator’s Council for the British and International Federation of Festivals; on the Awards Panel for the UKPA; and is a LAMDA, GCSE and A Level examiner.

In 2014, Rebecca was awarded the prestigious Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts in recognition of her work in the youth theatre sector. Rebecca is passionate about helping performers take their first professional steps, and helps emerging talents to form and manage their own theatre companies. As such, Close Up Theatre, No Prophet Theatre, and Eleventh Hour Theatre have all played to critical and commercial acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival: kickstarting careers and forging critical industry networking opportunities.

Rebecca’s productions have played to critical acclaim and commercial success at the Edinburgh Fringe since 2023. In addition to directing and producing over thirty sell-out shows at the Fringe; Rebecca has adapted classics such as 1984, Jane Eyre, Emma, and Pride and Prejudice for the stage; and has written the original works More Myself Than I Am, Torn, Coward Conscience, and OTMA.

Rebecca is currently working on a PhD based around Shakespeare’s history plays; and she is passionate about inclusivity and diversity in the Arts, spending her free time ‘making things happen’ for people who would otherwise have no agency within the creative sector.

Alumni of the hastings musical festival

Take a look at why our alumni took park in the festival and why they are up to know.
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Tracy Dennis

Tracy Dennis

Creative director/Choreographer

Lucy Ashenden

Lucy Ashenden

Dancer

Emma Hardy

Emma Hardy

Dancer/Choreographer

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Speech & Drama Rules

  • Dates - The dates for this section are 24th, 25th, 26th, & 27th February 2025.
  • Presentation - Credit will be given for choice of repertoire, presentation, dress and deportment, including a bow at the end of the performance. No Costume allowed, unless specified. Please observe the Hastings Musical Festival dress code (Jeans and/or trainers may be suitable for the Drama classes that allow a suggestion of costume, but are not appropriate for Speech and Mime classes).
  • Age groups - With the exception of Speech Medal classes, class 4016 and those designated 'Any Age', competitors aged under 16 should be entered for the class appropriate to their school year.

    Please also note that, for ALL classes, AGE IS TAKEN AS FROM 31ST AUGUST OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR (2024).

    Please ensure, for entrants under 19, that their date of birth is included in their details on the entry form.
  • Suitability of material - For Own Choice pieces, suitability of content and language must be considered with regard to age group. The suitability of material is decided at the Adjudicator's discretion and must not contain profane or offensive words. "Adult" or offensive material is not acceptable and Adjudicators are advised to take this into account when marking. They also have authority to stop any performance at their discretion. This would lead to automatic disqualification.
  • Test pieces - Test pieces, as indicated, have been taken from anthologies which have been named in the syllabus. All classes, including those for Prose Speaking, should be learnt, with the exception of classes for Original Verse (classes 4148 - 4158) which may be spoken or read.

    'Own Choice' copies of words must be handed in to the Time Keeper or Steward at the Adjudicator's table, either on arrival at the start of the session or as and when requested by the Platform Steward, before the commencement of the class.

    Scripts for the Original Verse and Original Soliloquy classes must be emailed to the Section Secretary by January 24th, 2025.
  • Copyright - The Hastings Musical Festival has entered into an agreement with the Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society. This means that performers do not have to seek permission for any poetry, prose or solo dramatic items performed to a time limit of 10 minutes.

    Dramatic Items must be announced with title and author at the time of performance to qualify for copyright indemnity, and the performer must not change the words or gender of the character.

    Own Choice items - Please be sure to add the following information to the scripts that you hand in to the adjudicator's table for all solo own choice items (printed out or handwritten, on the copy, or firmly attached to it):

    Author's first and last names;

    Title of piece performed;

    Title of book piece taken from;

    ISBN number of book (if available)

    This information is important as it has to be reported to The British and International Federation of Festivals (BIFF) for copyright purposes. Performers and teachers will be delighted to know that their participation in this festival means authors will be directly reimbursed as a consequence of their works being performed at this festival.

    Duologues and group dramatic activity are not covered by this agreement and copyright for these items should be sought by performers at the time of entry.
  • Time Limits - In all classes with a time limit, any extra time taken will be penalised by loss of marks. In Improvisation classes, any performance that does not fall within the range between the stated minimum and maximum time limits will be penalised by loss of marks.
  • All performers are asked to bow at the conclusion of their piece.
  • Should classes be over or under subscribed, the Section Secretary may choose to divide or combine classes.

Instrumental Rules

  • There will be no practising on the stage or the piano before or during sessions.
  • Photocopies may not be used for performances. Performers will have the chance to upload their adjudicator's copies onto Play and Perform. They can still hand in a copy of their music to the adjudicator's table, if they prefer.
  • The following notes on Medals apply to all groups within the Instrumental Section.
    Past prize winners in any Medal Class are not eligible to compete in the same class again.
    Performers may not enter more than one medal class in the same instrumental section.
    Medals will only be awarded if the winner achieves the following minimum marks: Gold Medal 90; Silver and Bronze Medals 85.
    Gold Medal winners are eligible for free entry into Class 3604, Hastings Young Instrumentalist of the Year.
  • Photography and filming are strictly forbidden during a performance and could lead to disqualification of the performer.
  • All performers must be the stated age for their class on 31st August 2024. Some classes are now defined by school years, and performers must be in these school years when they compete.
  • It is important that the General Rules and regulations in this syllabus are read carefully, particularly those which refer to 'pieces'.
  • This year we will be adopting the new BIFF marking scheme which is detailed in our General Rules.
  • The Section Secretary reserves the right to decide classes/close classes or combine classes depending on the number of entries.

Dance Rules

  • New this year: - All dancers will be dropped off before their class into the waiting area and collected at the end of the adjudicating (unless they need to quick change then they can be collected from waiting area after they have danced). No parents, chaperones or teachers to be on the side of the stage. There will be the dance secretary and festival chaperones each side of the stage to ensure everyone is respectful to those performing and keep the side stages clear. There will also be a chaperone in charge of the waiting area taking the children to and from the stage.
  • NEW ***** Acro Class: - Acro dance is a style that combines the techniques of classical dance with acrobatic movements. The form of dance is very athletic and has unique choreography to incorporate gymnastic like element into the dance.
  • Music and Synopsis- Please upload your music and up to a 15-word synopsis to the relevant dance classes (Greek, character, national for solo’s, titles for small and large groups for modern, lyrical, tap, musical theatre and contemporary) Music and synopsis can be uploaded on the homepage of the entry system.
  • Props: - Only props which can be easily carried and quickly set up in place by the performer is allowed. Construction of scenery or props on the side of the stage is prohibited, as are real flowers, leaves, confetti, talcum powder or similar. Props should not exceed 10kgs in weight and should be fully integrated into the performance. They should be flame resistant.
  • Tickets- Every person who is a chaperoning, parent going backstage must have a valid ticket. Dance schools will be given 2 teacher passes each day and will be asked for the names for each day before the festival begins.
  • Chaperones: - All Chaperones must be over 18 yrs old and must always wear their chaperone license.
    All Children aged 16 in year 11 and below must be Chaperoned at all times by a qualified chaperone or own parent. If you are not a chaperone you may not look after any other children other than your own.
  • Ages: -The age of the eldest competitor in duets, trios, quartets and groups determines the correct age group. Age is taken from 31st August of the year prior to the festival year.
  • Footwear, makeup and changing- Footwear must be always worn in all areas of the building. Extreme care should be taken backstage and whenever possible feet should be covered to avoid accidents. Changing and makeup should be in allocated changing rooms. No applying makeup or doing hair front of house, toilets, auditorium or café. Only quick changes side stage when necessary having spoken to the side stage chaperones or Dance Secretary.
  • Re-Dance- Re-dance is only allowed for performers aged 9 and under. Any other times are at the adjudicator’s discretion.
  • Backstage Etiquette: - Movement behind the curtain is not allowed during a performance, please wait either side until the performance is finished.
  • Ballet: - No Pointe work is permitted for competitors under 13 years of age.
  • Narrative: - May be danced in any manner the subject demands and the technique must be appropriate to the character. Classical work only.
  • Global: - Must be authentic and belong to a recognised country.
  • Classical Greek: - Performed barefoot, showing the use of opposition and relaxation through movement. Must be related to Lyric, Athletic, Bacchic, Pyrrhic, Choric, Ritual or Tragic.
  • Contemporary: - Technically, work may reference recognised Contemporary technique and have a strong classical base. Work should shoe a reference to principles of contraction and release, fall and rebound, use of breath, gravity, successive and initiated movement. Only those dancers aged over 13 years and over can enter solos, duets, trio’s and quartets.
  • Acro: - Acro dance is a style that combines the techniques of classical dance with acrobatic movements. The form of dance is very athletic and has unique choreography to incorporate gymnastic like element into the dance.
  • Musical Theatre- All performers using music from shows in current production are subject to copyright law. The Festival Committee accepts entries on the basis that appropriate copyright permission has been sought by the performer or teacher. There will be no microphones in use for Musical Theatre, Cabaret or tap classes. Backing track which include singing are not permitted.
  • Bronze and Silver Medal: - These are qualifying classes. Bronze medal is for dancers aged 9,10 and 11yrs, Silver medal is for dancers aged 12, 13 and 14yrs. The dancers must have danced both a ballet and character. Please see the syllabus for more details and qualifying instructions.
    Gold Medal class, you do not have to qualify. If the winner achieves exceptional and a mark of 87 or more, then the Phyllis Godfrey trophy is presented and a prize of £150, the gold medal will only be awarded if the dancer achieves exceptional plus and a mark of 90 or more in both ballet and character dancers.
  • Groups- 3 Groups per school per class can be entered.
  • Trio/ Quartets- dancers can only dance once in each section.
  • Duets- dancers can only dance once in each section.
  • Late Entries- The dance secretary will only except late entries after 31st December if space allows in the class. Double entrance fee will be charged.
  • Closing/combining/splitting Classes- The Dance Secretary may close classes prior to the closing date if the classes are full, combine or split classes if necessary.

Singing Rules

  • Please read these rules carefully - they may change from year to year. Any variation from these rules may result in disqualification. Also see the General Regulations. Age Limits: we have standardised the date across all the Sections so that all competitors must now be the stated age for their class on 31st August 2024. Some classes now state school years, and performers must be in those schools years when they enter.
  • Dates: Dates for Singing Classes are: Pop Vocals 23rd February; Music Theatre 3rd and 4th March; Classical Singing 5th and 6th March; Schools and Youth Choirs 6th March; Showcase Choirs and Adult Choirs 19th March.
  • Dress/Costume: Appropriate dress for appearing on stage is encouraged!

    No costumes allowed unless otherwise stated. Props are only allowed for certain classes, and this will be shown in the syllabus.
  • Use of copies: Solo Singers are expected to memorise their songs except in Oratorio classes (Classes 2160 and 2162) or in Class 2038 (Seniors age 60 and under 70), and Class 2040 (Seniors age 70 and over) when copies can be used.

    Choirs competing in classes 2204,2206, 2208 and 2210 are permitted to use copies if necessary. Other choirs should sing from memory.

    Copies of the music being used in all classes, apart from Pop Vocals, are to be handed in at the adjudicator's table before the commencement of the relevant class. Copies can also be uploaded onto Play and Perform. Backing tracks for choirs and Pop Vocal classes should also be uploaded onto Play and Perform.
  • Own Choice pieces: The same song may not be sung in different classes by the same performer, unless specifically stated in the syllabus.

    For "Own Choice" pieces, suitability must be considered with regard to age group. "Adult" or offensive material is not acceptable and the Adjudicators will be advised to take this into account when marking. They will also have authority to stop any performance at their discretion which would lead to disqualification.

    In Junior singing classes (age under 18) own choices may be sung in any key, and transpositions are allowed.
    Choirs competing in classes 2204,2206, 2208 and 2210 are permitted to use copies if necessary. Other choirs should sing from memory.

    Copies of the music being used in all classes, apart from Pop Vocals, are to be handed in at the adjudicator's table before the commencement of the relevant class. Copies can also be uploaded onto Play and Perform. Backing tracks for choirs and Pop Vocal classes should also be uploaded onto Play and Perform.
  • Accompaniments: Backing tracks, without any vocals on them, are permitted in Pop Vocals and choir classes. For all other classes, live piano accompaniment is to be used, unless otherwise stated.
  • Non-transferable entries and substitutes: Teachers please note: Solo entries are not transferable, although substitutes are permitted in duet, trio and ensemble classes.
  • The Section Secretary reserves the right to divide classes/close classes or combine classes depending on the number of entries.