Platform Guidelines

1. The chief judge will call the name of each contestant from the computer readout. If a name has been marked out, then the contestant has been scratched. The chief judge will check each contestant’s schedule form to determine whether or not the contestant has been registered. If any contestant arrives late, he will be asked to wait for a few minutes, until he can be worked into the schedule, or be rescheduled for another time. Be flexible. The chief judge will confer with the Event Coordinator or call Master Control if assistance is needed. The chief judge should also remind each participant to have the appropriate paperwork completely filled out prior to his performance.

2. Pray with the contestant and allow the contestant a few moments to set up necessary equipment and gain composure before competing. Only allow allotted time for setup as listed in the Student Convention Guidelines.

3. The chief judge will ask for the contestant’s judge’s forms, scripts, outlines, and photographs, as applicable.

4. Smile. Be courteous, friendly, and cordial. Set the contestant at ease.

5. Young people’s choice of song or selection is often a result of adult influence. If you personally do not like the selection, do not allow your preference to be reflected in your countenance or voice. Allow each contestant to complete his entire presentation. Do Not Disqualify for such things as personal dislike of the author of the song, title of selection or arrangement, being late to perform, or exceeding the time limit. Mark off applicable points only as provided on the judge’s form. Music winners should reflect quality musical presentation that meets the criteria set forth in the Student Convention Guidelines rather than showmanship with popular secular-style songs. Evaluate contestants according to ability to perform complex, difficult, or challenging selections. Contestant’s personality should not be major criteria. Remember, first place winners may be asked to perform for the convention. Their selection will set trends for the future.

6. Scripts, sheet music (which may be photocopies*), and/or outlines are to be provided by contestants before competing. Be fair and use common sense. In case of tied scores, adherence to time limits and scripts would be considered to break a tie. Return all copies of original music (unless one copy is needed by the judges for reference) and two copies of outlines and scripts to the contestant.

*Note: The “fair use” doctrine set forth in Section 107, Title 17 of the United States Code says that the fair use of a copyrighted work, including reproduction for purposes such as “criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship or research” is not an infringement of copyright.

7. Do not permit coaching from the audience.

8. Judges should not collaborate during scoring. The chief judge will call for a conference only in cases of breaking ties. A majority vote of judges is necessary to break a tie. No judge’s forms are to be altered by anyone other than the judge who filled out the form, except in cases of mathematical errors in tabulating scores, in which case the chief judge or Master Control will correct computation errors.

9. Complete forms and check addition for each contestant before proceeding to judge the next contestant. Please double-check figures. Your error could eliminate an otherwise winning contestant.

10. Judge’s forms are to remain secret and confidential. Keep forms in your possession whenever you recess for meals, rallies, breaks, etc.

11. Turn all forms in to your chief judge upon completion.

12. Judge’s forms are not to be copied and will be returned to the contestant’s chief sponsor.

PLATFORM

1. Pray for each student, by name, before he performs his event. This will have a calming effect on his spirit.

2. Smile, have a pleasant expression on your face as you judge. Students may misinterpret a serious face to mean that they are not doing well. This can cause anxiety.

3. Applaud and smile after the presentation.

4. When making comments on the judge’s form, use the sandwich philosophy (praise, critique, praise).

5. You are judging how well the student’s performance fits the Student Convention Guidelines. You must set aside personal preferences in order to judge all entries fairly.

Guidelines for Appropriate Dress During Platform Events

Gentlemen: Dress shirts, ties, and jackets should be worn for all Platform Events with the following exceptions:

1. School uniforms may be worn to perform.

2. Jackets are not required for PACE Bowl.

3. Jackets and ties are not required in the following categories:

One Act Play, Dramatic Dialogue, Illustrated Storytelling, Clown Act, Famous Speech

4. Jackets are not required for competition in the Puppets category.

Ladies: Nice church outfits should be worn for all Platform Events with the following exceptions:

1. School uniforms may be worn to perform.

2. Formal attire that meets the modesty requirements for Student Convention may be worn.

3. Formal attire is not required in the following categories:

One Act Play, Dramatic Dialogue, Dramatic Monologue, Illustrated Storytelling, Clown Act

Platform Judging Criteria:

Approach/Departure―The student should always radiate confidence from the time he enters onto the stage until the time he departs from the stage. It is inappropriate for someone to joke, slouch, run, or talk while approaching or departing the stage. All of these actions are evidences of nerves. The piece should be so well rehearsed that the student is confident that he is prepared to perform.

Voice Projection/Inflection―The voice level should be loud enough to be heard in the back of the room, but should not be forced. Inflections can alter the meaning in the presentation. Note how the student colors words to bring the meaning of the piece alive. The voice should match the feeling of the piece. There should be variety in pitch―not monotone.

Diction/Enunciation―Can you clearly understand what the student is saying? Is he beginning and ending his words properly, without slurring them together? The goal is to be natural in the presentation, but the student must pace himself and speak clearly.

Poise/Self-Confidence―Many aspects contribute to the overall air of confidence. Does the student look the judges in the eye when addressing them? Are the hands and body relaxed during the presentation? Is there a natural flow to the piece, or does it sound as though there is a struggle to remember the lines? Poise means being comfortable on stage. The key to confidence is adequate preparation.

Memory―Does the student need prompting during the presentation? Is there a natural, comfortable flow that comes from really knowing the script? Judges may prompt a student who loses his place during the presentation, but this should be reflected in the score. Always encourage the student to continue and finish the presentation.

Posture, Movement, and Gestures―An actor’s body is a tool of his craft. Every movement and gesture should be natural, flowing from the meaning of the piece. Jerky, choppy, unrelated movements are an evidence of nerves. Be sure that the posture and movements fit the character being portrayed. For example: An old man would be hunched over and move slowly and haltingly. A young child would be loose, moving freely with great energy. A regal woman would stand stiffly erect, using very crisp and precise gestures.

Facial Expression―During the introduction, the student should have a pleasant, relaxed look and tone. Be sure that the facial expressions used match the words that are being spoken. A raised eyebrow or the wink of an eye can alter the entire meaning of a word. The face muscles should not be pulled or strained, but appear natural and relaxed. The student should not stare at the floor or fix on one spot visually. His eyes should scan the room, making a connection with the entire audience.

Costumes―Costumes can add or detract greatly from a presentation. Costumes do not need to be professional, but should be of good quality. A well-thought-out costume can enhance a character by adding color and bringing him to life or by adding a drab dreary mood to an entry. In any category, where costumes are suggested, the student should have some kind of costume. If he does not, do not give any points for this section.

Variety of Dramatic Skills Displayed―This would include variety of motion, gestures (is the same action used over and over again?), volume, pitch, mood, facial expressions, and the use of the available space. The “V” should be used, first establishing a focal point on stage and then fanning out in both directions to utilize the entire space.

Overall Quality of Characterization―How do the characters play? Do they come across as real and believable, or are they forced and plastic? This is the total presentation package. Were they convincing in the role?

Audience Rapport―How did the audience react to the presentation? Did it move them emotionally? Did it cause them to think? Was there a challenge? A good dramatic presentation will affect those watching it and cause them to react. The point of drama is to change lives, not merely mimic reality.

Originality/Creativity―If the students wrote the work themselves, and it is good, they should receive points for creativity. Is it an original work written by someone else in the school, or did they pull an old piece out that everyone has heard before? Students should be rewarded for going the extra mile to present a fresh piece, which will grab the interest of their audience.

Worthwhile Message―You can have the best actors in the world, but it means nothing if the presentation doesn’t have a moral, Biblical basis. There should be a clear message or challenge to the audience. The most important thing to ask is “Does it bring glory to God?”

Lighting―Professional lights do not have to be used for convention. Creative uses of lights within the scenery and props can add depth and life to the presentation. Blackouts, strip lights, and even flashlights can be used effectively to create a mood. All One Act Plays should have some kind of lighting. If they do not, they should not receive any points in this section.

Sound―Any recorded speaking or singing is not permitted, but instrumental music and sound effects add depth to a production. Music should be utilized during blackouts and scene changes to fill the void. It also covers the noise of moving props and scenery. Doorbells, telephones, sirens, rain, and other sound effects help bring scenes to life. The audience experiences the presentation through sound as well as sight.