Listed below are some of the guidelines that Adjudicators follow when attending productions on behalf of the Cornwall Drama Association.
STAGE PRESENTATION
THE SET
- Is it functional and is it stable?
- Does it enhance or overwhelm the production?
- Is it user-friendly for the actors and crew?
- If hired, has it been adapted to suit the venue and the group?
PROPERTIES
- Are they usable?
- Are they of the correct period?
- Can they be seen easily from the back of the auditorium?
- Are they accurate?
- Do they liven up a scene?
LIGHTING
- Does the lighting plot enhance the production?
- Have you ensured no actors are out of light?
- Can faces be clearly seen?
- Are cues/fades/blackouts on time?
- Is the lighting comfortable for the audience? i.e. not flashing or blazing in their eyes?
SOUND AND EFFECTS
- Is the balance right for the audience?
- In Musicals is the balance of amplified instrumental and vocal sound well judged for the audience?
- Are personal mics set at the right level and well controlled?
- Can the singers be heard?
- Are SFX audible, suitable and on time?
MEDIA DESIGN
- Is it appropriate?
- does it contribute?
- is it effective?
COSTUMES AND MAKEUP
- Do the costumes fit?
- Are they appropriate to the period and character?
- Are they well accessorised?
- Is the footwear and headgear suitable for the period?
- Is the level of makeup appropriate for the size of venue?
- Is ‘unusual’ makeup well applied?
- Is hair and/or wigs appropriately dressed for the production?
STAGE DIRECTION
- Has the director interpreted the intentions of the playwright and presented clear development of the plot?
- Has buildup of the plot been achieved?
- Have good climaxes been presented?
- Was there evidence of good teamwork?
- Was there evidence of each cast member having been given good direction?
- Was there sufficient rehearsal – especially of comic stage business?
- Have there been good groupings and levels on stage?
- Was there clear visibility and audibility for the audience?
- Has timing, pace and attack been good?
MUSICAL DIRECTION
- In Musicals, did the choice of music suit the cast and the production?
- Was the accompanying music at a suitable level for the performers and audience?
- Was the chorus work/ensemble/soloists’ music well chosen to ensure good performances?
- For recorded music, was the balance of sound good?
DANCE DIRECTION
- Was the content and variation of dance/movement suitable for the cast and the production?
- Was it well rehearsed?
- Did the overall presentation of dance add value to the production?
- Was there suitable matching of movement to song/music/cast members?
INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE
- Was there good characterisation/body language/facial expression?
- Good projection of speech and song?
- Was there good variety of tone and pace of delivery?
- Did the individual use the stage space well? Did he/she respond well to cueing?
- Was there good teamwork with fellow cast members?
- Was there sincerity and honesty in his/her performance?
ENDEAVOUR, ORIGINALITY and ATTAINMENT
- Was the piece suitable for the group and venue?
- Was there energy and dedication from the team?
- Was the production successful as a whole?
- Did it have a positive impact on the audience
- Was there something about this production that lifted it above the norm?