Dare to Devise Competition Whangarei Registrations

Dare to Devise is a 48 hour Drama Competition open to teams aged 14-18 years. Email office@nyt.org.nz to sign up! Spaces are limited
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The pressure cooker environment of 48 hours to write, rehearse and perform is an exciting way to create original performance. There isn't time to second guess, fuss over costume and set - it's raw and honest storytelling - often funny and always sleep deprived. It involves all team members working together cooperatively, in all aspects of theatre production, from concept to performance. In 48 hours you perform to an audience and a panel of expert judges.

This competition is all about having fun, great performances and originality. We don't want teams to spend money on expensive props and costumes. It is more important to 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.
A teacher or adult may supervise a group, however they can not be involved in the competition itself - not as directors, script writers or in any way influence the final performance.

Find a group of dramatic friends to spend the weekend with. Aside from the obvious (ACTORS), you'll also need:

A Lighting Person - This person doesn't need to be a lighting expert, they just need to know the story well enough to be able to sit alongside Tim Bell and explain what your team would like in the way of Lighting. All Lighting techies meet with Tim on Sunday at 11am for a debrief, plus have a 30min tech run before showtime.

A Team Spokesperson - This person introduces your performance. They need to talk a little bit about the weekend and answer a few friendly questions from the MC. Their role is to buy your team some time so they can set up the stage for your performance.

Backstage Crew (optional) - If you have a lot to pack in and pack out (we recommend you keep it simple) make sure you have some help. Listen to the Stage manager, he will help you out with where to place your props/set in the wings so they aren't a hazard in the dark. Too many people backstage will become a hazard, so make sure to keep your crew small and efficient.

Competition Starts - At 5pm on Friday the 13th August TEAM LEADERS will be txt 2 random elements to include in your performance.

These could be a line of Dialogue, a Prop, a Character.

Be creative with your interpretation, we try to choose things that can be interpreted in a number of interesting ways.

Start Devising - As soon as you have you random elements, start creating. Try to get a basic outline on Friday night so you have all Saturday to flesh it out.

Your performance will be a max of 6 mins, but it can be shorter.

The Judges will be looking for great acting and good clear storytelling. You have an amazing stage to perform on, think about how to best use that space.

On Sunday teams need to sign in at Form North at 11am where there will be a compulsory Health and Safety meeting for ALL cast and crew.

Teams will be allocated 30 mins for a tech run, the more prepared and organised you are, the easier it will before your lighting person to use this precious time well.