CATEGORIES: Drama, Musical Theater

1. All criteria set forth in these pages apply to the Regional, Semi-Finals and Finals Competition, unless otherwise noted.
2. Students should perform their best work. Do not choose works that are more difficult than your current level of proficiency to impress the judges.
3. No parents, teachers or coaches will be allowed in the competition area.
4. At the Semi-Finals and Finals, no flash photography is allowed.
5. It is the responsibility of the competitor to obtain any necessary copyright permission.
6. Performances will be primarily judged on, but not limited to, the following:
   
   • Individual talent, skill and potential
   • Stage Presence
   • Projection
   • Articulation/Pronunciation
   • Interpretation and understanding of text, artistic expression
   • Physical movement and gestures
7. Prepared pieces must run no less than 1.5 minutes but no more than 5 minutes total.
8. For the Regional and Semi-Finals competition, competitors will be stopped at 5 minutes.
9. For the Finals Competition, competitors will not be stopped, however, time is being kept and the judges will deduct points from the competitors score.
10. Competitors need not perform the same piece(s) they perform at Regionals if they advance to the Semi-Finals and Finals Competitions.
11. Characters within the age range of the actor are required.
12. A chair and one table will be provided for use. Simple hand props are permitted if they are an integral part of the scene. They must be provided by the competitor.
13. COSTUMES: Costumes are optional. Audition apparel should enhance the work performed. All competition will occur under basic stage lights, therefore, blacks are discouraged. Dress to be seen.
14. DRAMA CATEGORY (does not apply to Musical Theater): Competitors two selections must consist of one contemporary and one classical monologue.
15. MUSICAL THEATER CATEGORY (does not apply to Drama):
    
    • Competitors two selections will consist of one monologue and one song from the musical theater repertoire.
    • Competitors must be accompanied by piano. Students may use their own accompanist for all rounds of the competition. If you do not have an accompanist and need one, the Overture Awards will supply one for you if; A.) You indicate your need on your application B.) You enclose a copy of your music clearly marked for the accompanist with your application.
    • In order to adhere to time limits, appropriate cuts in the song are acceptable and should be marked on the accompanists copy.
    • Dancing will not be adjudicated. Blocking of your musical number, although not required, is strongly encouraged.