REGULATIONS, FEES AND INFORMATION

1. ELIGIBILITY
This Festival is for amateurs who, for the purposes of this Festival, are considered to be ones who do not receive more than out of pocket expenses for services rendered in that branch of the art with which the competition is concerned. This regulation does not apply to conductors.

2. ENTRIES
a. Entries must be made on an official entry form by post or email and reach the appropriate Secretary by:

Closing Date - Dance 25th  September 2011

Closing Date - Music, Speech, Drama 25th September 2011

Closing Date – Return of Trophies 25th  September 2011

Entries will not be accepted unless accompanied by the correct entry fee, accompanist’s fee and include title of own choice piece plus composer / author if known at time of entry.

b. All classes may be entered non–competitively and will receive adjudication only. This should be clearly stated on the entry form.
c. No person will be allowed to take part more than once in any one class except in a duet/trio or group class where a second entry is permitted with a different partner.
d. Age is reckoned as that of the competitor on 1st September 2011.
e. Own Choice Pieces (does not apply to dance classes).
Titles of selections preferably to be stated on the entry form.
Copies must be provided for the Adjudicator clearly marked with class number, competitors name and number and passed to the Table Steward when requested.
f. Winning performances from 2010 must not be repeated.
g. The Committee reserve the right to refuse any proposed entry, and restrict or divide classes where the maximum number that can be dealt with is reached and will decide on the order of classes, ballot for order of competing and reserve the right to alter classes if necessary.
Only stewards and accompanists may be allowed on the platform with the entrant.

The Festival is bound by copyright law and cannot allow photography, audio or video recordings of any kind including mobile phones all of which are absolutely forbidden. A breach of this rule may lead to disqualification of the competitor being recorded. However, performers may be asked to be photographed for the sole purpose of publicity.

3. FEES
Class entry fees are as follows:

4. MUSIC CLASSES (VOCAL & INSTRUMENTAL)
a. The grading of piano and instrumental classes entered should reflect the competitor’s general capability which may be higher than that achieved at examination. Entry into a grade above this capability as a means of development is encouraged, but entry into a lower grade is not considered to be within the spirit of the Festival Movement.               
b. The prescribed edition of music where specified must be used by all competitors.
c. The use of pre-recorded music / backing tracks for vocal classes is not allowed.
d. Copyright - All performances using music from shows in current production are subject to copyright law. Songs from shows in current production may be sung as a concert item i.e. with no costume or movement. Where movement or costume are included in a performance,
copyright permission is required and the Festival accepts these entries on the basis that it has been sought. Performers or teachers with queries on how to obtain copyright permission should contact Festivals House on 0906 302 1302 before making their entries. usic that is downloaded from the Internet must include a printed permission statement.             

e. Official Accompanist: Susan Steele  01598 710688
A copy of own choice pieces must be sent to the appropriate secretary with the entry form if the service of the Official Accompanists is required.
Entrants may bring their own accompanists, but the official accompanist will be available, subject to a payment of £3.00 per class and must be requested on the entry form.
If prior rehearsal is required, please contact Susan Steele directly regarding time and payment.

f. North Devon Young Musician of the Year Competition – supplementary rules
This competition is run as part of the 2011/2012 North Devon Performing Arts Festival to encourage young musicians at the upper end of the grades to perform and have an opportunity to observe and learn from their peers. It does not preclude entrants from participating in other classes but they must present alternative pieces.
Copies of music must be sent with entry form if the services of the official accompanist are required and Titles and composers of pieces must be completed on the entry form.

5. DANCE CLASSES - supplementary rules
a. No vocal is allowed on taped accompaniment for Song and Dance classes
b. Music to be presented in CD or Cassette tape form only. They must be clearly marked with competitor’s name and number in class then handed to the Steward when backstage prior to the class. One piece of recorded music only per CD/Tape please.
c. No competitor may present more than one dance in any solo class but may appear
twice in duet, trio or group classes.
d. Dance Schools may enter no more than 2 groups in each group section.
e. A group must consist of a minimum of 4 dancers
f. Novice Classes are for competitors who have never been placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in a solo dance
class at any recognised Festival or 1st in a Novice Class at this Festival.
g. Lyrical / Modern Classes – Lyrical dances will not be accepted in the Modern Section
h. No pointe work allowed in any ballet section under 14 yrs or in any Novice Class

6. SPEECH AND DRAMA CLASSES
a. Costume and props: Table and chairs will be provided by the Committee. Minimal hand props essential to action may be used such as scarves, hats, shawls, gloves, fans etc.
Stage costumes or masks must not be worn in any class but in drama classes, long practice skirts may be used. Performers are expected to set their own sets.
b. Copies of all pieces performed must be available for the Adjudicator.
c. Copyright - The North Devon Performing Arts Festival has entered into an agreement with the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society. This means that entrants do not have to
seek copyright permission for any poetry, prose or solo dramatic items performed, to a time limit of 10 minutes and authors will be directly reimbursed as a consequence of their work being performed at this Festival. One act plays, Duologues & Group Dramatic Activity are not covered by this agreement, and copyright for these items should be sought by performers at the time of entry.
The performance of works by Harold Pinter and Dylan Thomas is not permitted.
Performers or teachers with queries on how to obtain copyright permission should contact Festivals House on 0906 302 1302 before making their entries.
d. Creative Writing – all entries must be the original and unpublished work of the competitors. Marks will be subtracted for exceeding the set number of words.
Manuscripts should be sent in with entry forms.

7. CERTIFICATES / ADJUDICATION SHEETS
Marking System Description

Category Mark Descriptor

FAIR 75 – 77 A performance limited in it’s communication.
MODERATE 78 – 80 A performance showing development of technique
and/or communication
MERIT 81 – 83 A capable performance showing some artistic
appreciation and/or technical ability.
COMMENDED 84 – 86 A convincing performance technically and artistically.
DISTINCTION 87 – 89 An excellent performance both technically and artistically.
OUTSTANDING 90 + An exceptional performance both technically and artistically.

All performers will receive an adjudication sheet and certificate, which will be available to competitors as soon as is practicable following the class. They may be posted if a stamped addressed envelope is provided.

8. WINNERS
Selected performers will be invited to perform at the Gala Concert on Saturday 3rd March 2012.  Accompanists should be in attendance but if not possible the Secretary should be informed as soon as possible.

9. TROPHIES
Trophies and cups will be awarded to winners of selected classes gaining a mark of 84 or above or at the discretion of the Adjudicator, are held for 10 months and remain the property of the North Devon Performing Arts Festival. All winners are personally responsible for their safe custody and should return them to the secretary by September 25th 2011.
The committee reserves the right to withhold trophies in classes where in the opinion of the adjudicator a sufficiently high standard has not been attained.

New Cups
We try to ensure that there is a cup for as many classes as possible, but with the growth of our Festival and introduction of new classes, there are still some sections without trophies.
If anyone would like to donate a cup please contact the appropriate section Secretary.

10. ADMISSION CHARGES
The public are welcome and admitted to all competitions for a small charge.

11. THE PROGRAMME and CLASS TIMINGS
The programme will be issued as soon as possible but please note that It is the responsibility of the entrant to find out when their class takes place - if you have not ordered a programme then timings can be obtained by contacting the following:

lucygiddy@btinternet.com for Dance, Speech & Drama
brianbutler@ukonline.co.uk for Instrumental & Vocal

The committee reserves the right to appoint replacement or additional Adjudicators, to alter, modify or cancel any arrangements detailed in the Syllabus and also, if necessary, in the programme.

12. COMPLAINTS / OBJECTIONS
Any complaint/objection relating to the Festival must be submitted in writing to the Festival Secretary for consideration by the committee if necessary. The decision of the committee on all matters arising out of, or not specifically covered in these regulations is final

13. GENERAL INFORMATION
All Teachers /chaperones/helpers accompanying or escorting performers must wear identification badges.

It is expected that all performers will dress appropriately.

This Festival is concerned about the welfare and safety of all its participants and will do everything possible to create an ethos in which children and vulnerable adults can feel secure.

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
Implemented from 1st March 2005, amended 2007

NORTH DEVON PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL
Registered Charity No: 1054406

CHAIRMAN Mr.Andy Waters 01237 471701
SECRETARY Mrs.Lucy Giddy 01237 422603 lucygiddy@btinternet.com
TREASURER Mrs. Nina Down 01271 831151

VENUES 2011/2012 Kingsley School (Bideford), Lovacott Village Hall

The safety of children and vulnerable adults is paramount and all, without exception, have the right to protection from abuse. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately and all the charity’s trustees, staff and volunteers have a responsibility to report concerns.

1. PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF ORGANISATION:
Our Festival provides opportunities for amateur talent only to be developed, and a platform for all those who enjoy performing. It enables competitors to see the work of others and provides stimulation for improvement. This is combined with an educational element from professional musicians / dancers and speakers.
2. THE FESTIVAL ENVIRONMENT
This Festival is run by volunteers and has a policy to inform and involve parents, carers, guardians and teachers in partnership to ensure a safe environment at each venue as far as is practicably possible.
3. TO WHOM DOES THIS POLICY APPLY:
This policy relates to all children under the age of 18 and those vulnerable adults of any age who are competing at the Festival. Any special needs should be identified to organisers prior to arrival by contacting the Festival Secretary on 01237 422603.
4. FESTIVAL PERSONNEL
All volunteers are interviewed and required to provide references, records of which are kept by the Festival Secretary along with names and addresses. Badges with names and positions will identify all Stewards. In case of problem, anyone wearing a badge will be able to direct you to someone who will be able to help. Problems will be taken seriously, documented and dated.
5. PREPARATION FOR ATTENDANCE AT THE FESTIVAL
This policy is sent to you to make it clear that a parent, carer, guardian or teacher should accompany all entrants under 18 years. The Festival cannot be held responsible for the safety of unaccompanied children.
6. PERFORMANCE AND CHANGING AREAS.
Designated changing areas will be provided and practice rooms may be available but these, along with public areas, will not be supervised by Festival Stewards. Rehearsals with accompanists must be organised by those responsible for the entrant.
7. PHOTOGRAPHS, VIDEOTAPES AND PRESS PHOTOGRAPHY
Recording of performances or adjudications by any means is forbidden. An official press photographer may be in attendance to take photographs of certain class winners at the end of a session. Where parents do not wish photos to be taken, then the responsible adult attending with children or vulnerable adult are responsible for ensuring that they are not included in press photos.
8. LEGISLATION AND GUIDANCE SUPPORTING THIS POLICY
The Children Act 1989; The Police Act 1997; The Data Protection Act 1998; The Human Rights Act 1998; The Protection of Children Act 1999; The Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000;
The Children Act 2004, The Protection of Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
9. POLICY REVIEW
The organisers will constantly review their policy, improving and enhancing it as necessary. In doing this they will look to the British & International Federation of Festivals for support and that body, in turn, will look to other agencies for good practice, most notably the NSPCC and Arts Council of England policy for guidelines.