Dare to Devise Competition Rules
- This competition is about having fun, great performances and originality. We don’t want teams to spend money on expensive props and costumes. Focus on storytelling and creative ways to use whatever is handy. None of the judging criteria will reward excessive spending, so keep it simple and clever.
- AGE RANGE: There are 2 categories this year, 13-18yrs and 18-24yrs. Both Age brackets will be judged on the same criteria but won't be competing against each other.
- TEAM LEADER: Teams must nominate a team leader for competition organisers to liaise with - this may be a student or teacher.
- TEAM SPOKESPERSON: Each team must nominate a member to introduce your performance. How long they take to introduce you is the time you have to set up. So if you need extra time, get a good spokesperson. They can share some amusing anecdotes of the weekend to give you a bit of extra time if needed. The introduction time is included in the 8min stage time allowance.
- TEAM LIGHTING TECHNICIAN: Each team must have a nominated Lighting tech, to sit alongside the Forum North technician to help plot the lighting, if you do not this you may be disqualified.
- TEAM SIZE: Limited to 10 people on stage at any one time. You can have additional actors in the wings.
- For an effective devising team, we strongly recommend you keep your numbers small.
- Competition STARTS @ 4pm FRIDAY 22nd AUGUST 2025. Team leaders will receive a txt message with 2 random elements which must be included in your final performance.
- Your team will all need to be at Forum North at 10am on SUNDAY 24th AUGUST 2025. (The venue will be open from 9am if you wish to arrive earlier)
- All teams have to attend a Health and Safety induction at 10am as well as a briefing on the running of the day.
- Team Leaders need to complete some paperwork and pass onto NYT manager
- Find your dressing room and prepare for your tech run.
- LIGHTING: We have 6 lighting states for your team choose from for your piece. A lighting technician will work with your nominated lighting person to plot the correct states at the correct time. Lighting technicians must be at the lighting desk throughout the performance and tech run. Teams maybe disqualified if they do not follow this rule.
- SOUND: There are no individual mic packs available so make sure to project.
- MUSIC: For licensing reasons no pre-recorded/commercial music is allowed. Live sound only.
- PROPS: No plug in electrical items are allowed. Battery operated items are allowed but won't increase favourability with the judges. We recommend keeping your props simple and utilising performance to tell your story.
- STAGE TIME: The total performance time allowed is 6mins and 8mins overall which includes setting up & packing out. If you exceed this time limit you may be disqualified. We recommend keeping your set as simple as possible so that you don't need to use much of your stage time on it and can spend more time on your performance. There is no minimum time.
- TECH REHEARSAL: Each team will have 20 minutes on the stage during the day on Sunday for a technical rehearsal so that you can get a feel for the space with your set/props, and to plot your lighting states. Use this time wisely.
- HEALTH AND SAFTEY:The stage manager has final say on what is safe to use in the space ie, set, props, tech and what can be done safely in the space. Generally what is considered unsafe is anything unbalanced, too high, too sharp, a trip hazard or anything that puts a performer at risk of injury.
- BANNED ITEMS: any liquids or glitter.
- FILM CREW: The entire competition is filmed. Team Leaders will be sent a link to google folder containing with each individual performance, please download and share with your team. By entering this competition you give consent to be filmed for public and promotional use.
- TEACHER/ADULT INVOLVEMENT: A teacher or adult may be the ‘Team Leader’ and supervise groups in the 13-18yrs category, however they cannot be involved in the competition itself. Not as Directors, Script writers or in any way that influences the final performance- this can affect the judges decisions if this is not adhered to.
- TICKETS: Tickets to watch the performance will be available from Forum North (door sales only) for $10. Make sure to let friends and family know so they don’t miss out on your amazing performance, especially as there is an audience choice award. Teams will have the opportunity to watch the performances from the balcony – but must be ready backstage for their performance cues.
- PRIZES: All team members need to be on stage at the end of the evening for the awards presentation. For teams who win a prize, we will email your TEAM LEADER the following week to collect bank details - TEAM LEADERS are responsible for collecting prizes on behalf of their team.
- JUDGING CRITERIA: Teams will be judged on the following criteria. Judges decisions are final and no discussion will be entered into.
-Clear Intent or Concept
A strong central idea or message. Originality.
-Engaged Performers
Presence, focus, and emotional commitment of the performers. Effective use of space and nonverbal communication to show relationships, status, focus.
-Storytelling and Structure
Story shape - beginning, development, climax, and resolution. Originality
-Connection with the Audience
Eye contact, timing, and responsiveness. Audibility.
-Use of Space
Use of physical space—levels, distance, entrances, and exits.
-Pacing and Rhythm
The timing of scenes, dialogue, transitions, and silences.
-Collaboration and Ensemble Work
Strong ensemble work. Balance of performer focus. Active responsiveness.
-Authenticity and Risk
Creative risks, pushing boundaries, and emotional honesty.