1. ELIGIBILITY

2. ENTRIES

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

Receipts will only be sent if a stamped addressed envelope is provided

All classes may be entered non–competitively and will receive adjudication only. This should be clearly stated on the entry form.      

 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.

 Age is reckoned as that of the competitor on 1st September 2009.

Own Choice Pieces (does not apply to dance classes).
Titles of selections must 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.

Winning performances from 2009 must not be repeated.

 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 representation in the local press in which case prior consent will be obtained.

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 copyright permission 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. Music that is downloaded from the Internet must include a printed permission statement.             

e. Official Accompanists
Vocal: Susan Steele 01598 710688
Instrumentalists: Sylvia Goldspink01409 255686

A copy of own choice pieces must be sent to the appropriate secretary with the entry form if the service of the Official Accompanist is required along with a payment of £2.50 per item.

If prior rehearsal is required, please contact the Official accompanist directly regarding time and payment.

North Devon Young Musician of the Year Competition – supplementary rules

This competition is run as part of the 2009 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.
Adjudication sheets only are awarded for this competition.

The winners and runners up should hold themselves available to perform at the Gala Concert for presentation of awards. 

Any queries and further information please contact the Festival Secretary
 Lucy Giddy on 01237 422603

5. DANCE CLASSES - supplementary rules

a. No vocal is allowed on taped accompaniment for Song and Dance classes

b. Cassette tapes / CDs must be clearly marked with competitor’s name and handed to the  
    Steward at least 15 minutes prior to the class.

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.

h. Choreography classes. If you wish to enter these classes, please send a blank cassette 
    with your entry form plus a stamped addressed envelope to:
Sarah Anne Westcott School of Performing Arts, The Studios, Rope Walk,
Bideford, Devon EX39 2NA.

6 SPEECH AND DRAMA CLASSES

a. Costume and props: costumes must not be worn in any class. In drama classes, long practice skirts may be used together with small items such as scarves, hats, shawls, gloves etc. Table, chairs and hand props only are permitted.

b. Copies of own choice pieces must be handed to the adjudicators steward at least 15 minutes before the start of the class

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 and entry forms must be sent the Speech & Drama Secretary by the 30th September 2009.

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.

8. WINNERS
Selected winners of classes may be invited to perform at the Gala Concert on Saturday 5th December 2009. Details will be included in the programme. Accompanists of class winners should be in attendance but if not 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 11 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 before the end of September 2009. 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 Trophy Secretary

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

 11. THE PROGRAMME

The programme will be issued as soon as possible in October for the dance and early November for all other classes.

Entrants will only be sent admission cards detailing times of classes if a Programme has not been ordered. Please ensure that you have enclosed a S.A.E for your admission card.
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
It is expected that all performers will dress appropriately.

14. TIME LIMITS
Competitors are advised that the time limits specified in the Syllabus will be strictly adhered to.

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.

*****************************************

Gala Concert

Saturday 5th December 2009

Featuring a selection of outstanding acts and presentation of awards.

Tickets in advance obtainable from all Festival Venues or on the door

Adults £6.00            Children £4.00

*****************************************

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
implemented from 1st March 2005

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 2009         West Buckland School and Kingsley School

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.