Drama Festival
Entry Categories
On-Stage Drama is a traditional one-act play using full costumes, props and sets and must include two or more actors. It has a plot with a conclusion. The play can take up to 30 minutes, including set-up and take-down time. It is suggested that performances be about 20 minutes in length.
Mini-Dramas and Skits can be performed at or in any place (setting). No special lighting will be provided. Performances must include two or more actors. They may be any length up to 15 minutes (including set-up and take-down)
Mini-dramas use costumes and props similar to on-stage drama
Skits use minimal props and costumes (less is better)
Miscellaneous Drama - 10 minute maximum and can involve one to many actors.
Puppetry: your group must provide its own puppet stage (can be presented without).
Pantomime: A story acted out with no spoken words. The art or technique of conveying emotions, actions, feelings, etc. without speech. Props may be used.
Monologue: A memorized piece presented by a single character, most often to express their mental thoughts aloud. Props may be used.
Readers Theater: Readers perform a script adapted from literature. The audience pictures the action from hearing the script read aloud. It requires no sets, costumes, props, or memorized lines. (You may use sound effects.)
Storytelling: Any story told from memory by an exhibitor. No props. (Can be seated or standing)
Drama Festival Rules
All actors must be 4-H members enrolled in 4-H Online. The director(s) may be any 4-H member(s) and/or adult(s) as long as at least one adult is an approved 4-H volunteer.
Stage lighting for on-stage drama will not be available.
Stage curtains can be opened and closed, but your club/group should provide someone to open/close them. (Depending on the venue, this may or may not be possible.)
Drama groups should plan for special props and sound effects equipment as needed. Any props need to have felt on the bottom to avoid scratching the stage.
No hay/straw bales, live animals, candles, real fire or real weapons are allowed.
If a club uses fake weaponry or strobe lights, it must be noted on the registration form.
Clubs may have more than one entry.
4-H members may be involved in up to two entries: one in either On-Stage Drama or Mini Dramas/Skits and one in Miscellaneous Drama
Each performance should choose an emcee. The club’s emcee will be expected to introduce the play and set the scene for their play. Introduction of the cast is at the club’s discretion.
Your presentation must not be the same one your club presented last year.
Musicals where music is used as part of the play, are acceptable. (As opposed to Reviews.)
Evaluation forms and critiques will be given at the end of the performance.
Awards and Recognition
Each drama participant will receive a ribbon and certificate. Clubs will be rated gold or silver.
Each entry will be given an “Award of Merit” for their area of outstanding achievement. See Below
Individual awards for outstanding youth performers will be presented, not to exceed two youth per play.
Two “Best Actor” awards will be selected from each county.
