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Official Competition and Challenges Rules
Skit Competitions.
This competition is divided into two categories:
- Single Skit (limited to one person on stage).
- Group Skit (two or more persons on stage). If a member or members of the audience are needed for the skit or performance, it will be considered a group skit or performance.
If members of the audience are used during single skits, the skit will be disqualified.
Contestants must register during the competition registration times as posted.
Contestants may register in both Single and Group Skits.
You may NOT use any incendiary device-even flash paper.
SPECIFIC RULES
Skits/Performances must be suitable for all ages and in keeping with the spirit of clowning. They must be kept appropriate for children in word and suggestion. Skits should not cause injury to any person, performer, or member of the audience. Violation of these principles will result in disqualification.
Any use of smoke and/or pyrotechnics and live animals will not be permitted and will result in disqualification.
Competition Procedures
Contestants will have up to one minute to set up props/scenery on stage, and one (1) minute to remove all props/scenery from the stage after their performance. It is the contestant’s responsibility to set up the stage. However, stagehands will be available to assist. Any set-up time or breakdown time, exceeding this limit, will automatically be penalized five (5) points for every 15 seconds over the time limit.
Performance Time
Contestants in single competition will have a maximum of four (4) minutes to perform.
Contestants in group competition will have a maximum of five (5) minutes to perform.
Official Time will start when the Contestants step on stage or the sound starts.
- (A yellow flag on stage will wave as a warning when you have 1 minute remaining.)
- ( A red flag will be waved when your time is up.) Any skitthat exceeds the time limit will automatically be penalized one (1) point per judge per second.
Official timing ends when all contestant(s) leave the stage.
Contestants using pies, water, confetti, etc., must clean up the stage during the one (1) minute break down time. If something falls or is thrown from the stage and lands on the floor and/or into the audience, it is the contestant’s responsibility to clean it up within the one (1) minute time period (nothing should ever be thrown from the stage purposely). The time will continue to run until cleanup is completed to the Competition Chairman’s or Assistant Competition Chairman’s satisfaction. Failure to do so will result in a ten (10) point penalty, plus the time penalty and disqualification from next year’s Skit Competition.
A member of the Competition Committee will serve as the official time keeper.
Contestants must supply their music and/or sound effects in an email or jump drive to the audio person at least a week before competition. These devises must be preset and properly cued.
The Sound Operator will not be allowed to stop or restart the device once the skit/performance has begun. No other cuing will be allowed..
Stagehands will be available to help contestants with props and scenery. However, it is the responsibility of the contestant to ensure it is done within the allotted time. While it is the responsibility of the contestant to provide all necessary props and equipment.
Performance Procedures
Skits will be in the sequential order established after close of registration. Contestants and all members of groups are responsible to be in the holding area at least 15 minutes before their performance.
Contestants will be disqualified if not in the holding area when prior contestant(s) take the stage.
A Master of Ceremonies will introduce the skit/performance in accordance with directions given by the contestant/group. The emcee should not make any remarks, during the competition, which may influence the judges.
A contestant in single skit competition may not have any assistance from anyone off stage during the skit, other than a sound technician starting music/sound effects.
A member or members of a group skit may leave and reenter the stage as long as there is at least one (1) clown on stage at all times.
A contestant(s), having won First Place with a particular skit, may not reuse that skit or part of that skit for three (3) consecutive years.
You/They may enter a new performance the next year.
Contestants/groups will be judged on the following (maximum score of 25 points per judge):
1. The parts of a skit: A clear beginning, middle and an end. (5 pts)
2. Characterization – how well are the characters developed. (5 pts)
3. Quality and use of props are they visible, are they appropriate to the skit? (5 pts)
4. Costume/Makeup Facial & Body Movements are all congruent with the skit. (5 pts)
5. Overall presentation/Audience Reaction (5 pts)
Paradeability
Paradeability competition or people’s choice, is designed to judge a clown’s or a group’s ability to perform, entertain or bring laughter during a parade. Contestants may use a sight gag, an object or prop, using signs or vocal expression. Parade gimmicks may be carried, pushed, pulled or driven, and do not require a setup or teardown time. Objects used are those that can be “reloaded” on the move. Clowns wearing novelty type costumes (sight gags) are only allowed to participate in paradeability competition.
Competition Procedures: Registration- Contestant(s) must register for paradeability competition at the times posted.
COMPETITION CATEGORIES AND SPECIFIC RULES.
Two (2) separate categories, individual and group, will be judged. A contestant can register in both categories, but no special consideration will be given for timing. Placement will be by random drawing. 3. A contestant that wins First Place, with a particular parade sight gag, may not reuse that gag or any part of it for the next three (3) consecutive years but may use a new gag the next year.
Parade Procedures: A simulated, designated parade route will be provided inside the hotel, space permitting, approximately 117 feet. The option remains to hold it outside. Appropriate parade music may play.
At a time designated, contestants must assemble and line up in numerical order in designated assembly area.
A member of the Competition Committee will serve as the official time keeper.
One by one, each contestant/group will travel down the “parade route” and must demonstrate their parade prop or entertain the spectators at least three (3) times within a 90 second time frame.
A one (1) point penalty per second per judge will be given for failure to cross the finish line within the 90 seconds.
Judges will be placed along the “parade route” and will judge on the following (maximum score of 25points per judge) Judging is by contestants’ choice
1. Bit/Gag and or Prop Appropriate for family entertainment
2. Prop(s) or Big/Gag
3. Quality of Parade Prop(s) and Practicality
4. Costume/Makeup
5. Audience & Crowd Appeal
BALLOON AND FACE PAINTING CHALLENGES
These challenges are meant to be fun. They are not official competitions but more of a real life, “What happens if…?”
Face Painting
The challenge premise is : “Some evil, nasty person stole all of your sponges and fancy brushes, and, left you only your face paints!
But the show must go on! Guests collected a strange bag of tools for you to use”. These random objects were collected for you to use. You only have to do one design, but bigger is always better. Remember these are the only tools you may use!
You need to work it like you would at a gig. All challengers will be given the same bag of tools. You will know what they are when you receive your bag. You have only your talent, paints and the odd bag of tools.
Your challenge is to make it work. You may use whatever is in the bag any way you like.
No gems, glitter, feathers, no embellishments at all! Nothing will harm your paints and you have the option of bowing out if you don’t want to try the tools, no harm no foul.
Balloon Challenge
Here’s the scenario that we propose for the ballon challenge. Some evil person stole all your balloons from your bag.
They left you a very random assortment of balloons. But the show must go on.
It’s ok! You got this!
You only have to create two balloons to wow the crowd! One single balloon sculpture and a multiple balloon sculpture. The single balloon sculpture uses only one (1) balloon.
You have to use at least 3 balloons for the multiple balloon sculpture.
How you use them is up to you. The only real rules are that only (1) 260 can be used on the multiple balloon creation.
You don’t know the brands, quality, or age of the stuff in your bag. They could be fresh or years old. Some may be scraps or pieces.
***If a balloon breaks you may replace the pieces for a new one. No splitting to get an extra balloon.
**We will then move to a fan-based vote. Prizes will be awarded for Top Three in the two categories.