General Information and Rules.

OVERVIEW

The purpose of the competition is to develop students' understanding of Shakespeare and to help them communicate that understanding to an audience. Participants are encouraged to bring Shakespeare to life in their own way and to express his words with clarity, feeling and full sense of meaning and intent.

One of the objectives of the Antaeus Shakespeare Competition is to provide a stimulus to curriculum-based programs benefiting entire classes in which a few may participate. Candidates should be encouraged to perform in front of classes or general assemblies in preparation and to engender enthusiasm.

TIMETABLE

Opening Rounds on Monday, May 1, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Saturday, May 8, 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

24 Students will proceed to the Semi-Final round on Saturday, May 15, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, during the NoHo Arts Festival.

10 Students will continue to Finals on May 29, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The Final Four winners will also present their monologues during the annual Antaeus Springfest theatre festival in June, 2004, date TBA.

WHAT TO BRING:

Each participant must memorize and present one Shakespearean Sonnet and one monologue. The monologue must not exceed 20-25 lines in verse or 17 lines in prose

ELIGIBILITY

Contestants must be in the 10th, 11th or 12th grades. They cannot be paid to act in professional or semi-professional performances during the school year in which the competition occurs.

RULES AND GUIDELINES

1. No set pieces, hand props or costumes are permitted. General lighting will be provided.

2. Introductions to the monologue should be limited to two sentences.

3. It is strongly recommended that Students be familiar with the play from which the speech is taken.

4. For students with documented hearing, learning, physical and or visual disabilities, please notify us ahead of time so appropriate arrangements can be made for the competition.

5. There will be three rounds of competition. Between the Semi Final and Final Round, candidates will be paired with a mentor from the Antaeus Company to help shape the performances.

6. The panel of judges will be drawn from the corps of professional actors and accredited educators who make up the Antaeus Company.

7. Although not mandatory, it would be helpful to provide a photo/snapshot at the First Round.