Adjudicators will give live responses.
a. Three Respondents, selected by the Regional Chair and knowledgeable in the field of dramatic production,
shall share a 30-minute oral critique following all of the performances. Critiques shall be open to the
audience.
b. Criteria to be considered:
i. Writing
» Are the characters well developed?
» Does the dialogue reflect thoughtfulness?
» Is the material appropriate for the group?
» Is the material worthy of the time and effort?
ii. Directing
» Is the concept appropriate for the material? » How well has the structure of the play been
controlled?
» How effective are movement and stage pictures? » Was attention given to pacing, tempo, variety, and
subtle nuances?
iii. Acting
» Is the acting believable?
» Is the acting technically skillful?
» Are the characters well interpreted?
iv. Technical
» Do the technical elements support the production?
» Set Props
» Sound (if applicable) Lighting
» Costuming
» Make-up.
v. Overall Production
» Does the company display ensemble work?
» How well is the concept realized by the group?
» How effective was the total impact?
Rules
Time Limit is Ten (10) Minutes.
The 10- Minute / Devised Play Festival is open to any school or organization in the State of Mississippi.
a. This includes public and private high schools, performing arts schools, dual enrollment institutions, charter
schools, and home school groups.
b. Participants must be enrolled in a school program and must be accompanied by a sponsor.
Electronic devices (e.g. laptops, tablets, etc.) are acceptable and recommended for the writing portion of this event.
Each individual team must pay a registration fee of $100.
a. Schools are also encouraged to be, or to become, organizational members of MTA.
b. Registration payment must be received prior to, or at, the festival check-in.
Each group will have one adult who will help to guide the students through the devised process. Participating schools must provide a sponsor/chaperone/volunteer to help supervise and fulfill other duties as assigned by the division chair.
a. This individual will also determine their group’s break times.
b. This individual will need to keep the Regional Chair always advised of their group’s locations.
A floor plan of the performance area will be distributed to the directors and ADs when scripts are distributed.
General furnishing, lighting, and a sound system will be supplied by the festival.
a. These aspects may be limited.
b. Any other aspects (music, costumes, make-up, props…etc.) will be the responsibility of the director,
assistant director, and actors.