The Master of Ceremonies is the face of the festival and will set the tone of the whole event. This person needs to be well spoken and have good stage presence. The ability to quickly commit a short speech to memory is helpful. There may be a pair of MCs. This is not the place for a stand up comedian.
It is recommended that auditions be held for MC. Script a brief introduction such as, "Now Small-town High School from Some Town presents A Midsummer Night's Dream." Give candidates a few minutes to learn it and then have them present it on stage. Also, toss a random, unscripted announcement request at them. Say something like, "There's going to be a 15 minute delay. The next show should start at 3:45. Go tell the audience." Or hand them the ever popular scribbled note with a license plate number, color and make of car. Tell them someone left their lights on.
At the beginning of each block of shows the MC should set forth the rules of the festival, remind the audience of proper theatre etiquette, and introduce the consultant and adjudicators. An abbreviated version of their bios should be included but please don't simply read the whole thing. The MC also introduces each show. These deliveries should be made in a straightforward professional manor. The MC should not interact with the set in any way. This is not the time for skits or joking around. There is a company about to begin a performance. The purpose of these announcements is to settle the audience, not to incite them.
Every introduction should be rehearsed just before the MC goes on stage. Make sure the MC knows the proper pronunciation of each school name and each show title. Assume nothing.
At the end of a block there is often a need for some special announcement. This announcement may be to explain where forums are located, inform of a delay in the schedule, present lost & found items, or pedal concessions. These announcements are best made as soon as the house lights come up after a show. The MC can be a bit more relaxed in this situation since there is not a show about to begin. Beware, though, audiences easily become conditioned to an entertainer.
Festival Rules and expectation of good theatre etiquette should be clearly defined by the MC at the start of the festival. The audience should be reminded of these rules and expectations at the beginning of each block. Granted, the majority of the audience will hear them several times but realize there are members of the general public newly joining the audience at each block.
Turn off all cell phones and other electronic devices right now. Even the screen is a distraction. Devices turned on during performances will be confiscated. Don't even leave it on vibrate so there will be no temptation to answer it.
Food and drink are not permitted in the theatre (except perhaps water depending on local policies).
Photography and recording of any type is prohibited.
Please do not leave the theatre during a show unless it is an absolute emergency (coughing fit or illness).
No one will be allowed to enter the theatre during a performance or public critique session.
All participants in the festival are expected to attend all performances except the show before theirs if they need to be in the green room.
Please respect the facility by keeping your feet off the furniture.
Please respect the performers by not talking or whispering during the performance.
Applause and laughter are welcome in the theatre. Save "the wave", hoots & hollers for the gym.