Speech and Drama

Subcategories

• Duologue Poems

  Choose a poem to learn by heart. Recite it with a friend. Some movement is permitted, provided that it does not interfere with the flow of the poem -

  Performance time not exceeding 3:00 mins.

• Duologue Acting

  The Rapsey Cup is awarded to the best in SS 344-345.

  The Regester Cup is for the highest mark in classes SS 346-348.

  The Palmer Thomas Trophy is awarded for the best performance in classes SS 349 - SS 350

  In all classes - an acted scene from any play. Costumes and hand properties may be used, however no extra marks are awarded for these.

  Performance time not exceeding 4:00 mins for 13yrs and under, 5:00 mins for 14yrs and over and for all ages in the Shakespeare Duologues.

• Group Devised Drama

  A devised drama of your choice.  This is an opportunity for students preparing for GCSE and A level Drama to showcase their work.

  Costumes and hand properties may be used, however no extra marks are awarded for these.

  Performance time not exceeding 10mins, to include setting and removing your scene.

• Group Drama

  Choose a sketch, play or excerpt, or write your own play. In each class the minimum cast is three players. Five minutes is the maximum time allowed to set up the performing area, which must be left as the players found it. Costumes and hand properties may be used, however no extra marks are awarded for these.

  Performance time not exceeding 15:00 mins.

• Solo Acting

  The Anne Harris-Norman Award is for the best performance in solo acting.  A dramatic extract, from a play or scene. In all classes - One own choice piece. Costumes and hand properties may be used, however no extra marks are awarded for these.

  Performance time not exceeding 4:00 mins.

• Original Monologue

  Write your own monologue and perform it.

  Performance time not exceeding 4:00mins

• Own Verse

  Own-Verse classes: write your own poem to be read at the Festival by you or someone you choose. All Poems must reach the Speech Secretary without fail by 1st February 2025.

• Prose Reading

  The Jean Gillies Cup is awarded for the highest marks in all solo Prose Reading classes. One own choice prepared passage, which must be read from a book.

  Marks count towards the championships, see "Suffolk Festival Championships & Awards". 

  Time limits are 2.5 minutes for 7-11 years and 3 minutes for 12 years and over

• Solo Shakespeare Speech

  The Skerritt Trophy is awarded for the highest mark in classes SS 341-343. Junior Shakespeare Trophy for best in SS 339 & SS 340. In all classes - an acted solo extract from any Shakespeare play.

  Marks count towards the championships, see "Suffolk Festival Championships & Awards"

  Performance time not exceeding 3:00 mins for 9 - 11 yrs, 4:00 mins for 12- 15 yrs and 5:00 mins for 16 yrs and over.

• Solo Verse Speaking

  The Norman Kenyon cup is awarded for the highest mark in classes SS 301–SS 303.

  The Ironside Wood Cup is awarded for he highest mark in classes SS 304 - SS 306.

  Marks count towards the championships, see "Suffolk Festival Championships & Awards".

  Performance time not exceeding 2.5 mins for 7–11 years and 3 mins for 12 years and above.

• Speech Repertoire

  The Randall Bevan Cup is awarded for the highest mark in classes SS 353–355. In all classes: One own choice poem and an acting piece.

  Performance time not exceeding  4:30 mins for 9 – 11 yrs, 6:00 mins for 12 – 15 yrs and 8:00 mins for 16 yrs & over.

• Public Speaking

  Prepare and deliver a speech on a subject of your choice. 

  The speech must not be read; note cards may be used.

  Non-technical visual aids may be used to enhance the speech.

  If required you may state the imagined audience to whom the speech is to be given. 

  Performance time not to exceed 4 mins.

• Duologue Prose Reading

  All classes are own choice. Choose your own favourite extract and read with a friend.

  Performance time not exceeding 2.5 mins for 8–11
  years and 3 mins for 12 years and above.