What you need to know

What are the restrictions? Plays that cause offence may not be allowed to enter. The performance must last at least 20 minutes and be no longer than 55 minutes. Plays entering the All-England Theatre Festival must have at least 2 speaking parts. The pros arch is only 16ft wide - stage plan How long do we have to set up and strike our set? You have 10 minutes to set and 5 minutes to strike your set. These times are in addition to your playing time. There are penalties awarded for not keeping within times for performance, setting and striking - see how marks are awarded under ‘The Adjudicator’ How do we sort out our technical requirements? You will be sent a technical questionnaire which needs to be completed and returned to the BDTG at least 2 weeks prior to the festival. Please bear in mind that to accommodate all performances, the lighting has to be set up prior to the festival starting, therefore, some compromises will be necessary. Will we be able to operate lights and sound ourselves? No we will provide a lighting technician throughout the weekend so that groups not familiar with the lighting desk are not penalised. You may operate the sound yourself if you wish. Cuing can be done either by standing behind the operator or via headsets from the stage. Do we get any rehearsal time? Very little - you will be allocated 30 minutes on the morning of your performance to do your get-in finalise your technical requirements. During that time the group may use the stage as they wish. Do we get our own dressing room? Yes, you will have your own dressing room, those performing in the afternoon may need to vacate the rooms immediately following the adjudication to make room for the evening groups . Do the cast get complimentary tickets? Yes, a complimentary ticket is available for each member of the cast up to a maximum of 8 for adult groups and 16 for youth groups. Up to four members of each technical team may also get a complimentary ticket. These tickets can be used to view other plays in the same session and to listen to the adjudication. Additional tickets are available at greatly reduced prices for participants to buy for supporters to see their plays. Who will the audience be? The audience comprises members and supporters from other groups together with members of the public who have been attracted by the festival pubicity. You are encouraged to bring your own supporters and watch the other play(s) in your session and the other sessions throughout the weekend. When are the results announced? The winners of the various trophies are announced and presented on the Sunday along with winners of the peripatetic festival. There may be 2 competitive plays prior to the presentation. To secure a seat tickets should be booked in advance. It is desirable that recipients of awards are in the audience to collect their trophy. Trophies are held for one year.