Syllabus 2024

for the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts

9th May to 18th May – we look forward to seeing you!

The Festival is an opportunity for performers to try out their skills in the wonderful setting of Cheltenham Town Hall.  There are classes for all ages and abilities.  Please browse through the syllabus and enter online.  The on-line entry system will be operational in December.  

School teachers who have a number of performers to enter can use the Multiple Entries Form – please email multipleentries@cfpa.org.uk to ask for the Form to be sent to you.  

Festival Contacts

Music

Secretary – David Terry, tel: 07921 549191, music@cfpa.org.uk

Additional Music Contacts

String, Woodwind and Brass – Helen McNaught, strings-wind-brass@cfpa.org.uk

Choirs – Julie Goodfellow, choirs@cfpa.org.uk

Piano – Penny Liddiard and Pippa Harrison, piano@cfpa.org.uk

Dance

Secretary – Carol McDowall, tel: 01242 514582, dance@cfpa.org.uk

Speech & Drama

Secretary – Rebecca Vines, tel: 07891 795586, speech-drama@cfpa.org.uk    

Entries

Entry fees for each class are shown in the Syllabus. Spectators should note that the class entry fee is for the performer only. Tickets for admission for those who wish to watch performances are £5 and will be available from the Town Hall Box Office beforehand and at any time during the Festival.

Friends of the Festival are entitled to free entry on any day. (click here for details of how to become a Friend).

The on-line entry system will be operating from 1st December 2023 and the Closing Date for all entries, including Own Composition, is 1st February 2024.  Own Compositions (Poems and Stories, see Devised and Improvised Work) must then be uploaded onto the website on or before 1st April 2024.

Entries received after the closing date will only be accepted at the discretion of the Section Secretary.

Conditions of Entry – see here

Festival Timetable

This timetable is for provisional informational only and cannot be finalised until all the entries have been received and the classes planned in detail.  The final version of the timetable will be published on the website in March 2024.

Syllabus Contents:

Music

	Music Rules	Recorders	Strings
	Choral	Music Making	Chamber Music & Ensembles
	Vocal	Junior Ensemble	Woodwind & Brass
	School Choirs	Piano	Nutland Memorial Award Class

Dance

Dance Rules

Dance Classes

Speech & Drama

	Speech & Drama Rules	Acting	Group Work
	Verse & Poetry	Musical Theatre	Accessible Classes
	Reading at Sight	Mime	Original Work Classes
	Prose Speaking	Communications	Digital Classes
	Prose Reading	Devised & Improvised Work

General Information

	Valerie Walsh Award	Child Protection Policy	Accessibility
	Copyright Rules	Creating a Safe Festival	Friends of the Festival
	General Rules	Equal Opportunities	Donations
	Accompanists	Privacy Statement

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Mark Schemes for 2024

for Dance, Speech & Drama, and Music, with the exception of Open Piano

	90 and over	Outstanding
	85 – 89	Honours
	80 – 84	Distinction
	75 – 79	Merit

for Open Piano

	90 and over	An exceptional performance, both technically and artistically
	87 – 89	An excellent performance technically and artistically
	84 – 86	A convincing performance technically and artistically
	81 – 83	A capable performance showing some artistic appreciation and/or technical ability
	78 – 80	A performance showing development of technique and/or communication
	75 – 77	A performance limited in its communication

 

GENERAL RULES

General Rules 

G1	The Competition shall be known as the “Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts”.
G2	There is no geographical restriction for any of the Performers, except for the Keith Nutland Award. See special rules for Keith Nutland competition.
G3	No persons gaining all or a principal part of their livelihood by music, speech, drama or dancing may compete, except in the classes marked “Open” (This Rule does not apply to Conductors of Choirs). The Committee reserve the right to refuse entry to an Open Class where the performer’s experience may be insufficient.
G4	The management of these competitions and all matters relating thereto shall be in the hands of a Chairman and a Committee with a Secretary and Treasurer, whose decision on any matter shall be final.
G5	In the event of there not being a sufficient number of entries in any Class, or in the opinion of the judges the competitors do not show sufficient merit, the Committee reserves to itself the power to withdraw all or any of the awards.
G6	Time limits must be strictly adhered to and competitors who over-run will be penalised with the loss of one mark per minute or part of a minute, and will run the risk of not receiving a mark. Time limits do not include any introduction to the piece (extra bits taken from Speech and Drama).
G7	In the event of there being fewer than 5 entries in a Class, the Committee reserves to itself the power to cancel that Class. In that event, a refund of the fees will be given.
G8	(a) All performers attending a state school which is not an academy and who are entered into classes that take place during the school day must have a child licence (applied for by the parents), otherwise they will be denied entry to the class on the day. (b) All performers attending any kind of school and who enter classes that take place during the school day must have approval from the head teacher, otherwise they will be denied entry to the class on the day. For more information, see the Child Licensing Information and Headteacher Approval Information pages.
G9	Performers should ensure that they are dressed appropriately. The well-groomed personal appearance of competitors will be taken into account when adjudicating performance and awarding marks.
G10	Certificates with the Adjudicator’s comments will be available at the completion of each class. For two months after the end of the Festival, certificates not collected during the Festival may be requested from the relevant Section Secretary and will be sent by post on receipt of a payment of £4.
G11	(a) No cup or trophy will be awarded under 85 marks. (b) In the event of more than one person being awarded a cup or trophy, they shall hold it for a proportionate time in alphabetical order of surname. (c) All cup and trophy winners must provide a name and contact details before taking the cup away. (d) Medals will be awarded on the following basis: Where there are 5 or fewer in a class only a gold medal will be awarded. In a class of fewer than 10 participants a gold and silver medal will be awarded. In classes of 10 or more, a gold, a silver and a bronze medal will be awarded. NO medals will be awarded in any “Open” class. (e) No medal will be awarded under 80 marks. (f) In classes other than “Open” classes, where there is a cup, the cup winner, on production of the cup winner’s certificate, may purchase a gold medal from the Festival Office for the sum of £7.00.
G12	The adjudicator’s decision is final.
G13	All entries must be entered online or be sent to the respective Section Secretary on or before 1st February. Entries received after the closing date will only be accepted at the discretion of the Section Secretary.
G14	(a) In the case of numerous entries, the Committee reserves the right to divide any class which may be considered too large for adjudication. (b) For classes split into ‘A’ and ‘B’ sets, each set will be adjudicated with 1st, 2nd, 3rd places and medals. Only one cup will be awarded overall. (c) Small classes may be combined if the numbers are too low.
G15	Age limit is reckoned as on 31st August in the year preceding the Festival and this will be strictly observed. All ages under 19 years must be on the Entry Form. Entry Forms without the competitor’s age (under 19 years) will not be accepted.
G16	The Committee regrets that Fees cannot be refunded under any circumstances other than Rule G7.
G17	Performers are urged to ensure they have entered the correct Class on the entry form as transferring Classes cannot be permitted after the commencement of the Festival.
G18	No photography, sound recording or video recording of any kind is permitted within the Town Hall, except by personnel approved by the Festival Committee. This is in line with our Child Protection Policy, copyright law and the licence under which we hire the Town Hall.
G19	Performers in “Own Choice” Classes may not offer items with which they have already won prizes in past Cheltenham Festivals.
G20	Performers may not enter more than once in the same Class unless specified, nor may they enter the same piece in more than one Class.
G21	Performers should perform in the order given in the programme unless involved elsewhere, in which case they must notify the steward. Those not answering to their names when called will be recalled at the end of the Class, however the adjudication will not be delayed.
G22	The Festival reserves the right to commence any class up to 15 minutes earlier than the published time.
G23	Performers who have entered classes which overlap, should first attend the class in which they appear earliest in the order. In the event of any difficulty, the Adjudicator’s Steward should be consulted.
G24	The Use of Recorded Music at the Festival. This Festival is affiliated to the British Federation of Festivals and participates in its Group Licence to cover payment of fees for the use of recorded music at its event. Teachers using tracks created from commercial recordings are advised that they should themselves seek permission to re-record from the record companies concerned as the Festival cannot take responsibility for this.
G25	Cups and trophies must be returned clean and in good condition to Don Browning Trophies, 4 St George’s Street, Cheltenham GL50 4AF, no later than the end of March prior to the next Festival.

 

MUSIC

Rules for Music Classes

M1	All General Rules apply to the Music Classes. Click here to view
M2	‘Own Choice’ titles do not need to be notified on the entry form. ‘Own Choice’ pieces must conform to the standard of tests set at the Festival and the Committee reserves the right to refuse a piece, in the class, that is not of the required standard.  Titles of ‘Own Choice’ music must be announced.
M3	An original score of music, not a photocopy, of an own choice piece must be in the room. A copy of own choice music must be handed to the adjudicator at the beginning of the class, and in the ‘Set Piece’ classes, the prescribed edition and key, where specified, must be used. Failure to do either of these will mean that the Performer will receive an adjudication but no mark. See also copyright rules on the following page.
M4	Entrants are advised that the Festival no longer engages official accompanists.
M5	Performers in ‘Own Choice’ classes may not offer items with which they have already won prizes in Cheltenham Festivals in the past 3 years, nor may they enter the same piece in more than one class.
M6	Backing Tracks whether CD, Tape or other media are not permitted except where specified.
M7	Songs from the Shows:  Performers are reminded that, due to Performing Rights, no costume or scenery may be used. Movement is, however, allowed.
M8	Coaching: No instructions, mouthing of words or gestures by a teacher, tutor, or parent is allowed during a performance.  This, and/or any other off-stage direction, may result in a loss of marks.

 

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Choral

Adjudicator – Ben Costello  BMus,  PGDip, MA, FRSA, FISM

Ben is a freelance musician, and is also Artistic Director of Thames Concerts, Chorus Master for the Leith Hill Musical Festival, Founding Director of Kingston Chamber Singers, and a generalist music adjudicator for the British and International Federation of Festivals.  Specialising in musical theatre, he has been musical director on numerous productions, and a reflective product of this has been his continuing work in most of the major London performing-arts colleges.  Countless of his former students enjoy successful careers in the West End and beyond, and he remains busy as a private singing tutor and teaches singing at Tiffin Girls’ School.

Born and based in London, Ben trained initially as a flautist, and subsequently majored in piano, singing and conducting.  He works a great deal as an accompanist in musical theatre repertoire but collaborates in a variety of genres with countless singers and instrumentalists in concerts and other performing environments. 

Ben is a Liveryman and Court Member of the Worshipful Company of Musicians, organising and chairing the Company’s annual musical direction scholarship.  He also chairs the Company’s Jazz Committee.

Outside of music, Ben is a keen motorcyclist.

 

C01	Choral Societies or Mixed Voice Choirs – minimum 20 voices – adult choirs. The Programme must contain at least one unaccompanied item. Minimum of three pieces. The choice of programme will be considered in the adjudication. (12 mins).  Please note the new time limit and see rule M3 as time limits must be adhered to or marks deducted which may affect placings.	£30.00
C02	Male Voice Choirs – minimum 20 voices – adult choirs. As C01.	£30.00
C03	Female Voice Choirs – minimum 20 voices – adult choirs. As C01.	£30.00
C04	Sacred Music – Any combination of voices. Two contrasting items with a minimum of two parts and containing at least one unaccompanied item. Choice of programme will be considered in adjudication. (8 mins)	£30.00
C05	Folk Song – Any combination of voices. A programme of two contrasting folk song arrangements, not necessarily British, with a minimum of two parts and containing at least one unaccompanied item. Choice of programme will be considered in adjudication. (8 mins)	£30.00
C06	Youth Choirs – Any combination of voices. Own choice. Two contrasting songs, one in at least three parts. (8 mins)	£30.00
C07	Youth Choirs – Any combination of voices. Own choice. Two contrasting songs, one in at least two parts. Non-competitive class with adjudication comments. (8 mins)	£30.00
C08	Community Choirs or Rock Choirs – Any combination of voices. Own choice. Two contrasting pieces. Non-competitive class with adjudication comments. (8 mins)	£30.00
C09	Songs from the Shows – Any combination of voices. Own choice. Can be separate items or a medley. (10 mins)	£30.00

THE GOLD CUP (Classes C01, C02, C03), originally donated by the late Mr A N Price, will be awarded to the choir from the Adult Choir Classes which, in the opinion of the adjudicator, gave the most memorable performance.

THE SILVER PLATE will be awarded to the Youth Choir which, in the opinion of the adjudicator, gave the most memorable performance.

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Vocal

The festival need a Vocals Secretary to organise these events. If you are interested in helping please contact music@cfpa.org.uk.

 

Adult Vocal

Masterclass Tutor and Adjudicator – Janet Shell

Janet is a highly experienced professional mezzo soprano with a considerable gift for communication. She has performed for many opera companies and is a prize winning recitalist, however it is as an oratorio singer that her consummate musicianship has been most widely recognised and admired.  Janet is passionate about promoting her art. She teaches at Eton College and St. Paul’s Girls’ school, and has an extensive private teaching practice. She works with children and adults, and runs masterclasses and singing workshops.

 

Open to ages 17 years and over.

 Masterclasses:    Will be taken by Janet Shell on Thursday 9th May 2024 to improve performance through tips on technique, interpretation and presentation followed by the opportunity to compete in the Vocal Championships.  Each participant will be allocated 30 minutes work with Janet on one (or two pieces) to gain expert advice on how they could improve their singing. Places are limited to 12 participants, allocated to those who book first.

Championship competition classes:   Open to everyone not just Masterclass participants, to sing for one or both of the awards selecting one qualifying piece that fits into the following categories.

Gertrude Mace Memorial Shield: Music must be from one of the following genres:
Oratorio, Operatic or Dramatic Aria, Lieder, Chanson, 20^th/21^st Century English or American Art Song

Cleeve Vale Rotary Club Trophy:  Music must be from one of the following genres:
Operetta, Gilbert and Sullivan, Spiritual, Folk (with or without accompaniment), Songs from the Shows

In addition, the adjudicator will also present the Foxwell Rose Bowl (best voice in competition) and the David Johnson Memorial Cup (most promising Baritone).

How to enter:  When booking opens, enter online into one of the classes below

MCB	Masterclass, with entry into both Gertrude Mace and Cleeve Vale Championships.	£65.00
MCGM	Masterclass, with entry into Gertrude Mace Championship.	£55.00
MSCV	Masterclass, with entry into Cleeve Vale Championship.	£55.00
MSB	Entry to both Gertrude Mace and Cleeve Vale Championships. Entrants also have free entry to observe the Masterclasses	£30.00
MSGM	Entry to Gertrude Mace Championship. Entrants also have free entry to observe the Masterclasses	£20.00
MSCV	Entry to Cleeve Vale Championship. Entrants also have free entry to observe the Masterclasses	£20.00

Accompanists

Masterclass entry includes a professional accompanist who will accompany the singer throughout. For the Championships you may alternatively have your own accompanist. There will be rehearsal time with the official accompanist before the Championships.    If you choose to enter only the Championships you must provide your own accompanist.

Junior Vocal

Adjudicator – Gaynor Keeble  BEd(Hons), ARAM, ARCM, ALCM

Mezzo Soprano, Gaynor won scholarships to the University of Warwick and Royal Academy of Music. She combines a busy performing career with teaching both privately and at the University of Warwick; recent operatic engagements having included Rome and the USA.

A member of Welsh National Opera for three years, she has worked for the Royal Opera, Opera North, D’Oyly Carte Mid-Wales and English Touring Opera. Concerts have included the London Mozart Players, London Bach Orchestra, CBSO Royal Philharmonic and The Philharmonia. In 2001 she won the London Lieder Prize.

In 2009 she was made an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music. 

Please note: all set pieces must use the prescribed edition and key. Failure to do either of these will mean that the performer will receive an adjudication but no mark.

All classes are non-gender specific.

V01	Set Solo – Any Voice – 10 years and under. ‘Callers’ by Arthur Benjamin. Boosey & Hawkes.	£7.00
V02	Songs from the Shows – Any Voice – 10 years and under. Any song from ‘Kids’ Musical Theatre Collection – Volume 1, published by Hal Leonard. No costume or scenery may be used but movement is allowed. (4 mins)	£7.00
V03	Set Solo – Any Voice – 11 and 12 years. ‘Butterfly’ by Lin Marsh Key D Major. No 4 from Serendipity Solos.	£7.00
V04	Songs from the Shows – Any Voice – 11 to 12 years. Solo song from any Musical Show or Musical Film. Suitability of text and subject matter for the age group will be considered in the adjudication. No costume or scenery may be used but movement is allowed. (4 mins)	£7.00
V05	Vocal Duet or Trio – 13 years and under. One song, own choice (predominance of harmony singing required). No Performer may enter this class more than once unless it is with a different partner performing a different work. (4 mins)	£12.00
V06	Set Solo – Any Voice – 13 and 14 years. ‘He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven’ by Karl Jenkins. Boosey & Hawkes.	£7.00
V07	Songs from the Shows – Any Voice – 13 to 14 years. Solo song from any Musical Show or Musical Film. Suitability of text and subject matter for the age group will be considered in the adjudication. No costume or scenery may be used but movement is allowed. (4 mins)	£7.00
V08	Folk Song from around the World – Any Voice – 10 to 14 years. Own choice. With or without accompaniment. (4 mins)	£7.00
V10	Solo – 16 years and under (Changing Voices). Own choice. No pop, songs from shows or films. (4 mins)	£7.00
V11	Vocal Duet or Trio – 15 years and under.   One song, own choice (predominance of harmony singing required). No performer may enter this class more than once unless it is with a different partner performing a different work. (4 mins)	£12.00
V12	Set Solo – 15 and 16 years. ‘Sweet Chance That Led My Steps’ by Michael Head F Major or D Major. Boosey & Hawkes.	£7.00
V13	Songs from the Shows – Any Voice – 15 to 18 years. Solo song from any Musical Show or Musical Film. Suitability of text and subject matter for the age group will be considered in the adjudication. No costume or scenery may be used but movement is allowed. (4 mins)	£7.00
V14	Folk Song from around the World – Any Voice – 15 to 18 years. Own choice. With or without accompaniment. (4 mins)	£7.00
V15	Solo – Any Voice – 17 to 19 years. Own choice. No pop, songs from shows or films. (4 mins)	£7.00
V16	Vocal Duet or Trio – 19 years and under. One song, own choice (predominance of harmony singing required). No performer may enter this class more than once unless it is with a different partner performing a different work. (4 mins)	£12.00
V17	Recital Class Grade 6+ – Any voice – 19 years and under. Three contrasting songs from different genres of Gr 6+ standard (ABRSM or equivalent). No rock or pop. Programme choice will be taken into consideration in the adjudication. (10 mins)	£15.00

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School Choirs

All School Choirs must be composed of members from one school. For own choice, contrasting songs, a copy must be provided for the adjudicator. Please note: parents and friends must pay the usual spectator entry fee.

Details of the adjudicator will be published later.

X10	Infants – 7 years and under. ‘Pirates’ by Lin Marsh from Junior Songscape: Earth, Sea and Sky AND one piece of similar difficulty. (6 mins)	£18.00
X20	Girls, Boys or Mixed – 11 years and under – Novice entries. ‘Earth, Sea and Sky’ by Lin Marsh from Junior Songscape: Earth, Sea and Sky AND one contrasting piece, own choice. (7 mins)	£18.00
X25	Girls, Boys or Mixed – 11 years and under – Open entries. ‘The Ash Grove’ by Ruth Elaine Schram (two part) AND one contrasting piece, own choice. (7 mins)	£18.00
X26	Local Authority School, with under 100 pupils on roll – 11 years and under. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. The Festival may be able to help with transport costs. If help is needed, the headteacher should write to the Music Secretary giving details.	£18.00
X27	Any Village Primary School with under 100 pupils on roll – 11 years and under. Own choice. Two contrasting songs. The Festival may be able to help with transport costs. If help is needed, the headteacher should write to the Music Secretary giving details.	£18.00
X30	Girls, Boys or Mixed – 13 years and under. ‘The Heavenly Aeroplane’ by John Rutter OUP AND one contrasting piece, own choice. (7 mins)	£18.00
X40	Girls, Boys or Mixed – 16 years and under. Own choice. Two contrasting songs.	£18.00
X50	Girls, Boys or Mixed – 19 years and under. Own choice. Two contrasting songs.	£18.00

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Music Making, Recorders and Junior Ensembles

 Music stands will be available.

X60	Infant School Music Making – 7 years and under. Own choice. Any form of music making except choirs.	£18.00
X61	Recorder Solo – 7 years and under. Own choice. Piano accompaniment optional. Any recorder. (1 min)	£7.00
X90	Junior Ensemble – 12 years and under. Own choice. Any number and combination of instruments. Piano optional but pianist must be within class age range. (7 mins)	£18.00
X91	Junior Ensemble – 12 years and under – Novice entries. Own choice. Any number and combination of instruments. Any school which has won X90 in the last 3 years may not enter this class. Piano optional but pianist must be within class age range. Non-competitive class with adjudication comments. (7 mins)	£15.00

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Piano

Adjudicator – Havilland Willshire  FRCS 

Passionate about his beliefs in the value of a wide variety of music-making, Havilland Willshire is regularly invited to speak about the role of music in the lives of young people. He has worked extensively with young musicians as conductor and pianist and is highly sought after as adjudicator and competition jury member. An experienced examiner, he has served on numerous validation and review panels. 

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Please Note: No repeats in Set Pieces. For own choice classes, pieces should be the standard of the grade but not necessarily from a current existing syllabus. No candidate may enter more than one grade class in the same age group. The adjudicator reserves the right to award adjudication with no mark. Performers must bring an original copy of the music to the class. Failure to do this will mean that the performer will receive adjudication but no mark. See also copyright rules.

P01NC	Solo Pre-Grade 1 Open. This is a non-competitive class with adjudication and certificate. Own choice. (3 mins)	£7.00
P02NC	Solo Grades 1-3 Open.This is a non-competitive class with adjudication and certificate. Own choice. (3mins)	£7.00
P03NC	Solo Grades 4-6 Open. This is a non-competitive class with adjudication and certificate. Own choice. (5 mins)	£7.00
P04NC	Solo Grades 7-8 Open. This is a non-competitive class with adjudication and certificate. Own choice. (10 mins)	£7.00
P05PC	Solo Performance Class Grades 6-8. 18 years and under. Masterclass workshop with adjudicator. This is a non-competitive class. Own choice (10 mins)	£7.00
P06PC	Solo Performance Class Open. Post Grade 8. Masterclass workshop with adjudicator. This is a non-competitive class. Own choice (10 mins)	£7.00
P07	Solo 7 years and under. Own choice. (2 mins)	£7.00
P08	Solo 8 years and under, Grade 1 and under. Own choice. (2 mins)	£7.00
P09	Solo 8 years and under, Grade 1 and over. Own choice. (2 mins)	£7.00
P10	Solo 9 years and under. Own choice on the Theme of ‘Nature’ (2 mins)	£7.00
P12	Solo 9 years and under, Grade 1 & under. Own choice. No Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (3 mins)	£7.00
P13	Solo 9 years and under, Grade 2 & under. Own choice. No Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (3 mins)	£7.00
P14	Solo 9 years and under, Grade 3 & over. Own choice. No Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (3 mins)	£7.00
P15	Solo Jazz, Popular Music, Musical Theatre & Film, 9 years and under. Own choice. (3 mins)	£7.00
P17	Duet 10 years and under. Own choice. (3 mins)	£12.00
P21	Solo Jazz, Popular Music, Musical Theatre & Film, 11 years and under. Own choice. (3 mins)	£7.00
P24	Solo 11 years and under, Grade 3 & 4. Own choice. No Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film.  (3 mins)	£7.00
P25	Solo 11 years and under, Grade 5 & over. Own choice. No Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (3 mins)	£7.00
P37	Duet or Trio 12 years and under. Own choice. (3 mins)	£12.00
P42	Solo Jazz, Popular Music, Musical Theatre & Film, 13 years and under. Own choice. (4 mins)	£7.00
P43	Solo 13 years and under, Grade 3 and under. Own choice. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (3 mins)	£7.00
P44	Solo 13 years and under, Grade 4 & 5. Own choice. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (4 mins)	£7.00
P45	Solo 13 years and under, Grade 6 & over. Own choice. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (5 mins)	£7.00
P52	Solo Jazz, Popular Music, Musical Theatre & Film, 15 years and under. Own choice. (5 mins)	£7.00
P53	Solo 15 years and under, Grade 5 and under. Own choice. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (5 mins)	£7.00
P54	Solo 15 years and under, Grade 6 & 7. Own choice. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (5 mins)	£7.00
P55	Solo 15 years and under, Grade 8 and above. Own choice. No Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, Pop, Musical Theatre, Film. (5 mins)	£7.00
P56NC	Duet Adult and Child. This is a non-competitive class with adjudication and certificate. Own choice. (3 mins)	£12.00
P57	Duet or Trio 15 years and under. Own choice. (4 mins)	£12.00
P81	Piano Solo, Open. Own choice. Excluding P82 & P83. (10 mins)	£15.00
P83	Piano Solo, Sonata, Open. First movement of any Sonata. (10 mins). Longer pieces may be played but the Piano Secretary must be notified at the time of entry.	£15.00
P84	Duet, Open. Own choice. (7 mins)	£15.00
P86	Piano Recital, Open. Own choice. Two or more contrasting pieces by different composers. (15 mins)	£18.00
P90	Piano Solo, 35 years and over. Own choice. (10 mins)	£15.00

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Strings (including plucked instruments, e.g. harp and guitar)

Adjudicator – Lorraine Deacon GRSM (Hons), LRAM

At the Royal Academy of Music Lorraine studied the ’cello with Douglas Cummings and chamber music with Sidney Griller, and whilst there was awarded the Manson Prize for the Performance of Contemporary Music by Sir Michael Tippett. She subsequently undertook further studies with David Smith of the Alberni Quartet.

Her performing career ranges from West End theatre to the Orchestra of Scottish Opera, whilst recordings range from the haunting cello solo on Katie Melua’s cover of “Turn to Tell” to the string chamber works of David Osbon with the Anglo American duo for Albany Records

She is now principal ’cellist with the Chameleon Arts Orchestra and gives regular chamber music recitals at South Hill Park. Concerto performances include Bernstein’s Three Meditations and the concertos of Elgar and Walton under conductor Philip Ellis.

Based in Berkshire she teaches ’cello at Wellington College and is passionate about passing on her joy of music-making to the next generation. Many former and existing pupils have been awarded music scholarships to prestigious public schools including Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Wellington, and Charterhouse, or have gained places at specialist centres such as Chethams and The Purcell School, and many have gone on to further study at the country’s leading conservatoires.

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Performers may not enter a class more than once unless they are playing different instruments.

Performers may play accompanied or unaccompanied. A piano is provided but performers are expected to find their own accompanist. In the event of a large number of entries in any class these will be divided according to instrument.

A performer cannot enter 2 grade related classes (S02 S03 S04 S05) unless they are playing different instruments, e.g. violin and harp.

S01	Any Stringed Instrument – 9 years and under. Own choice. (3 mins)	£7.00
S02	Any Stringed Instrument – Grades 2 and 3. Own choice from any of the major examining boards’ set pieces or publications appropriate to the grade set for the class.	£7.00
S03	Any Stringed Instrument – Grades 4 and 5. As S02.	£7.00
S04	Any Stringed Instrument – Grades 6 and 7. As S02.	£7.00
S05	Any Stringed Instrument – Grade 8 and over. Own choice. (8 mins)	£7.00
S06	The Barbara Roberts Memorial Prize – Viola under 18 years. Own choice. (7 mins)	£7.00
S07	Recital – 19 years and under. Any stringed or wind instrument. Own choice of programme. (12 mins)	£7.00
S08	Any Stringed Instrument – 11 years and under. Own choice. (3 mins)	£7.00
S09	Any Stringed Instrument – 14 years and under. Own choice. (4 mins)	£7.00
S10	Any Stringed Instrument – 16 years and under. Own choice. (4 mins)	£7.00
S11	Any Stringed Instrument – 18 years and under. Own choice. (5 mins)	£7.00
S15	Solo Harp –  Grade 5 and under. Own choice from any of the major examining boards’ set pieces or publications appropriate to the grade set for the class. (3 mins)	£7.00
S16	Solo Harp – Grade 6 and above. As S15. (5 mins)	£7.00

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Chamber Music & Ensembles

Performers may not enter a class more than once, unless playing different instruments. Music stands will be available for groups and ensembles.

S27	Group – 11 years and under. Any combination of string, woodwind or brass instruments from 3 to 9 players. Own choice. (6 mins)	£12.00
S28	Group – 14 years and under. Any combination of string, woodwind or brass instruments from 3 to 9 players. Own choice. (10 mins)	£12.00
S29	Chamber Instrumental Ensemble Open Age – Any group of solo instruments (strings, woodwind and brass). 3-9 Players playing independent lines. Piano is acceptable provided it is an integral part of the group and not just an accompaniment, e.g. a piano trio (violin, cello and piano). Own choice of pieces. (10 mins)	£12.00
S30	Duo – 14 years and under. Any two solo string, woodwind or brass instruments other than piano, piano accompaniment optional. Own choice. (5 mins)	£12.00
S31	Duo – 18 years and under. Any two solo string, woodwind or brass instruments other than piano, piano accompaniment optional. Own choice. (8 mins)	£12.00
S32	Duo – Open. Piano and any string, woodwind or brass instrument. Own choice. (8 mins)	£12.00

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Woodwind & Brass

W03	Solo Woodwind or Brass Instrument – Grades 2 and 3. Own choice from any of the major examining boards’ set pieces or publications appropriate to the grade.	£7.00
W04	Solo Woodwind or Brass Instrument – Grades 4 and 5. As W3.	£7.00
W05	Solo Woodwind or Brass Instrument – Grades 6 and 7. As W3.	£7.00
W06	Solo Woodwind or Brass Instrument – Grades 8 and over. Own choice. (8 mins)	£7.00
W07	Any Woodwind or Brass Instrument – 11 years and under. Own choice. (3 mins)	£7.00
W08	Any Woodwind or Brass Instrument – 14 years and under. Own choice. (4 mins)	£7.00
W09	Any Woodwind or Brass Instrument – 16 years and under. Own choice. (4 mins)	£7.00
W10	Any Woodwind or Brass Instrument – 18 years and under. Own choice. (5 mins)	£7.00
S07	String, Woodwind or Brass Recital – 19 years and under. (any stringed or wind instrument). Own choice of programme. (12 mins)	£12.00
S29	Chamber Instrumental Ensemble  Open Age. Any group of solo instruments (strings, woodwind and brass). 3-9 Players playing independent lines. Piano is acceptable provided it is an integral part of the group and not just an accompaniment, e.g. a piano trio (violin, cello and piano). Own choice of pieces. (10 mins)	£12.00

Wind and Brass Jazz Classes special rules

Performers for these classes may bring a recognised backing track sold for performance purposes for these classes but must provide the equipment.  Ideally Bluetooth speakers plus a phone would work well. If the speaker needs to be connected to the Town Hall electrics it is the responsibility of the performer to have it checked by a member of the Town Hall in advance of the class. They will not be able to use such a speaker without this. As it is not a large room, a well charged Bluetooth wi-fi speaker should be sufficient. Again, ensuring sufficient charge is up to the performer. The piano will also be available. A copy of the music must still be available for the adjudicator (see music class rules).

W20	Any Woodwind or Brass Instrument, Jazz – 14 years and under. Own choice of any Jazz piece (4 mins).  Improvisation in the performance is acceptable but the time limit must be adhered to.	£7.00
W21	Any Woodwind or Brass Instrument, Jazz – 16 years and under. Own choice. As W20 (4 mins)	£7.00
W22	Any Woodwind or Brass Instrument, Jazz – 18 years and under. Own choice. As W20 (5 mins)	£7.00

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KEITH NUTLAND AWARD FOR FESTIVAL YOUNG MUSICIAN

NEW RULES TO WIDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR ENTRY

Founded in 1995, this award is in memory of Keith Nutland, a former President of the Festival. The aim is to recognise the skills and talents of the student and the hope is that the prize will be used to help with any future musical training. Young musicians (the ‘students’) are invited to give a recital in front of a panel of judges and an audience.

Award:

The winner will receive a Trophy and a cheque for £500 and may be invited to give a recital at the Cheltenham Music Festival in the following year. Recital students may be given free admission to the Cheltenham Music Festival, of which Keith Nutland was Treasurer for many years.

PERFORMANCE DATE: Saturday 2nd March, 2024.

Venue: Bethesda Church, Great Norwood Street, Cheltenham

RULES FOR ENTRY:

1. The student must be living in a family home in Gloucestershire OR be at school in Gloucestershire.
2. The student must be post Grade 8 standard (ABRSM or equivalent) in their chosen instrument or voice. They must give a recital of at least two contrasting works and demonstrate skills appropriate to a recital.
3. The student must be in Year 13 or Gap year. Not in first year at University/Music College.
4. Students must provide their own accompanist if one is needed.
5. Students are allowed only one entry into this competition.
6. In the event of more than eight entries there will be an ‘in camera’ audition on Saturday 24th February to select six musicians for the Nutland evening.

Entries:

For Nutland Award Entry forms and any queries, contact

David Terry: 07921 549191 or email nutland@cfpa.org.uk

Entries must come through the School’s Head of Music or a Music Teacher. Closing date for entries is 1st Feb. 2023.  There is an entry fee of £20 per competitor.
In the event of a large number of entries, a preliminary round may be held earlier on the same day as the competition.
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DANCE

Rules for Dance Classes

D1	All General Rules apply to the Dance Classes. Click here to view
D2	The Festival is not liable for any copyright infringement caused by CD recordings supplied by the performer.
D3	The Festival requires music on CD. There should be a single recording on the media. Music to be played by officials only. The quality of recording will be taken into account. It is advisable to have a backup CD.
D4	A Performer may not perform the same Dance in more than one Class.
D5	In the Group classes, all performers must be on the stage and active during the major portion of the dance.
D6	Performers may not dance more than once in any Solo Class. In Duets a performer may only enter one Classical Class and one Cabaret Class, and likewise in Trio classes.
D7	No School may enter more than 3 groups in the Group Classes, and a group must consist of at least 5 persons.
D8	Performers may not transfer to another Class without prior permission from the Festival Office.
D9	Cabaret Duets, Trios and Group classes may include song but should not include vocal on the backing track.
D10	In Tap Classes ‘standard’ taps (single sound) only must be used.
D11	Pointe work is not permitted for any performer under 13 years of age.
D12	Performers will be allowed to re-dance but will not be eligible for first, second or third place.
D13	Individuals shall not be eligible to perform at the Festival if they have changed dancing schools since 1st September in the year prior to the Festival.  Note:  This rule is in place to allow sufficient time, after an individual has moved to a new dance school, for the dancer’s performance to be appropriately developed by the new teacher, thereby safeguarding the dancer’s physical and psychological wellbeing.
D14	Individuals attending full time vocational dance schools are not eligible to enter.
D15	A Novice is a performer who has not gained 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in any solo section at a comparable Festival. Song is not allowed in the Novice Section.
D16	Titles for National and Character dances must be brief and succinct.
D17	Competitors will not be allowed to dance out of section under any circumstances
D18	In the interest of safeguarding, no watching of performances from the Town Hall balconies will be allowed.

 

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Dance Classes

Adjudicator – Carrie Ellis BA (Hons), FIDTA (Dis), LIDTA, CertEd, DipArtsEd, SACDip

A former West End professional, Carrie was trained by her Mother Noeleen Ellis-Balshaw at the Carlotta School Blackburn Lancashire, where she was tutored in ISTD and BBO exams, she then went on to finish her training at Arts Educational School London on the Musical Theatre course.
Having had more than 38 years of a career performing in London’s West End, National UK Tours, Repertory Theatre, Television, Radio, Concerts and Films.
Some of her favourite professional roles include Velma Kelly, ‘Chicago’, Carlotta, ‘Phantom of the Opera’ Peaches/Baby Jane, ’Jerry Springer the Opera’, Jellylorum & Grizabella, ’Cats’, Lady Jacqueline, ‘Me and My Girl’, Golde, ‘Fiddler on The Roof’, Lesley Pynchon, ‘The Fix’, Ida, ’Honk’, Consuela, ‘West Side Story’, Val, ‘Chorus Line’, Lianne Dexhleman’s, ‘Gigi’, Mavis, ‘Stepping Out’, Mrs. Molloy, ’The Matchmaker’. As well as numerous pantomimes including playing principal boys, baddies, and fairies. Carrie has also been lucky enough to perform in concerts in Britain, Europe and onboard the QE2.
TV works includes: ‘Cutting It’,’ Highly Sprung’ ‘Tonight at 8.30’ ‘Coronation Street’ and ‘Jerry Springer the Opera’.
On Radio: Lead roles in ‘Chorus Line’ ‘Follies’ ‘Sweet Charity’ and ‘Take It up the Octave’.
After residing in London for many years, Carrie now lives in beautiful Lytham St. Annes where she continues to pass on her passion and knowledge for performing to her students. Focusing most of her time choreographing competition work, master classes, audition technique, drama, and musical theatre, choreographing and directing shows in various colleges all over the country.
As well as being a Federation, All England, TDCI Championship, and Miss Dance Adjudicator. She has worked at colleges such as, The Hammond, (MT tutor) Northern Ballet School, (MT tutor) LCPA (head of drama), LTS, (audition technique and MT tutor) Shockout Arts (head of musical theatre), Theatre Works (head of drama and MT tutor) and Arts Educational. (Audition technique)

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PM	Raymond Wood & Patricia Mace Memorial & Prize PAS de DEUX Class – 18 years and under. (3 mins) The duet can be a classical, contemporary or modern based boy/girl partnership but must include Pas De Deux work. The winners will receive the trophy and a £100 cash prize. Performers who enter the Pas De Deux may still enter Classical and Cabaret sections.	£11.00
D01	Solo – 4 years and under. (1 min 30)	£7.00
D02	Ballet Solo 5 and 6 years. (1 min 30)	£7.00
D03	Ballet Solo 7 and 8 years. (1 min 30)	£7.00
D04	Ballet Solo 9 and 10 years. (1 min 30)	£7.00
D05	Ballet Solo 11 and 12 years. (2 mins)	£7.00
D06	Ballet Solo 13 and 14 years. (2 mins)	£7.00
D07	Ballet Solo 15 – 18 years. (2 mins)	£7.00
D08	Classical Solo 5 and 6 years. (To include Character or National) (1 min 30)	£7.00
D09	Character Solo 7 and 8 years. (1 min 30)	£7.00
D10	Character Solo 9 and 10 years. (1 min 30)	£7.00
D11	Character Solo 11 and 12 years. (2 mins)	£7.00
D12	Character Solo 13 and 14 years. (2 mins)	£7.00
D13	Character Solo 15 – 18 years. (2 mins)	£7.00
D15	National Solo 7 and 8 years. (1 min 30)	£7.00
D16	National Solo 9 and 10 years. (1 min 30)	£7.00
D17	National Solo 11 and 12 years. (2 mins)	£7.00
D18	National Solo 13 and 14 years. (2 mins)	£7.00
D19	National Solo 15 – 18 years. (2 mins)	£7.00
D20	Classical Duet under 9 years. (2 mins 30)	£11.00
D21	Classical Duet 9 and 10 years. (2 mins 30)	£11.00
D22	Classical Duet 11 and 12 years. (2 mins 30)	£11.00
D23	Classical Duet 13 and 14 years. (2 mins 30)	£11.00
D24	Classical Duet 15 – 18 years. (2 mins 30)	£11.00
D25	Cabaret Duet under 9 years. (2 mins 30)	£11.00
D26	Cabaret Duet 9 and 10 years. (2 mins 30)	£11.00
D27	Cabaret Duet 11 and 12 years. (2 mins 30)	£11.00
D28	Cabaret Duet 13 and 14 years. (2 mins 30)	£11.00
D29	Cabaret Duet 15 – 18 years. (2 mins 30)	£11.00
D30	Classical Group 10 years and under. (4 mins)	£15.00
D31	Classical Group 14 years and under. (4 mins)	£15.00
D32	Classical Group 18 years and under. (4 mins)	£15.00
D33	Cabaret Group 10 years and under. (4 mins)	£15.00
D34	Cabaret Group 14 years and under. (4 mins)	£15.00
D35	Cabaret Group 18 years and under. (4 mins)	£15.00
D36	Cabaret Solo 5 and 6 years. (To include Tap, Modern or Lyrical. Song not allowed). (1 min 30)	£7.00
D37	Tap Solo 7 and 8 years. (1 min 30)	£7.00
D38	Tap Solo 9 and 10 years. (1 min 30)	£7.00
D39	Tap Solo 11 and 12 years. (2 mins)	£7.00
D40	Tap Solo 13 and 14 years. (2 mins)	£7.00
D41	Tap Solo 15 – 18 years. (2 mins)	£7.00
D42	Ballet Group 10 years and under. (4 mins)	£15.00
D43	Ballet Group 14 years and under. (4 mins)	£15.00
D44	Ballet Group 18 years and under.(4 mins)	£15.00
D46	Modern Solo 7 and 8 years. (1 min 30)	£7.00
D47	Modern Solo 9 and 10 years. (1 min 30)	£7.00
D48	Modern Solo 11 and 12 years. (2 mins)	£7.00
D49	Modern Solo 13 and 14 years. (2 mins)	£7.00
D50	Modern Solo 15 – 18 years. (2 mins)	£7.00
D51	Lyrical Modern Solo 9 and 10 years. (1 min 30)	£7.00
D52	Lyrical Modern Solo under 9 years. (1 min 30)	£7.00
D53	Lyrical Modern Solo 11 and 12 years. (2 mins)	£7.00
D54	Lyrical Modern Solo 13 and 14 years. (2 mins)	£7.00
D55	Lyrical Modern Solo 15 – 18 years. (2 mins)	£7.00
D56	Song and Dance Solo 10 years and under (2 mins)	£7.00
D57	Song and Dance Solo 11 and 12 years. (2 mins 30)	£7.00
D58	Song and Dance Solo 13 and 14 years. (2 mins 30)	£7.00
D59	Song and Dance Solo 15 – 18 years. (2 mins 30)	£7.00
D60	Improvisation 11 – 13 years. Music for the Improvisation classes will be set by the adjudicator and each performer will hear the music twice before dancing.	£7.00
D61	Improvisation 14 – 18 years. As D60	£7.00
D62	Classical Trio 10 years and under. (2 mins 30)	£15.00
D63	Classical Trio 14 years and under. (2 mins 30)	£15.00
D64	Classical Trio 18 years and under. (2 mins 30)	£15.00
D65	Cabaret Trio 10 years and under. (2 mins 30)	£15.00
D66	Cabaret Trio 14 years and under. (2 mins 30)	£15.00
D67	Cabaret Trio 18 years and under. (2 mins 30)	£15.00
D68	Street Dance Group 10 years and under. (4 mins)	£15.00
D69	Street Dance Group 14 years and under. (4 mins)	£15.00
D70	Street Dance Group 18 years and under. (4 mins)	£15.00
D71	Own Choreography solo 10 years and under. (1 min 30)	£7.00
D72	Own Choreography solo 11 to 14 years. (2 mins)	£7.00
D73	Own Choreography solo 15 to 18 years. (2 mins)	£7.00
D74	Own Choreography Duet/Trio 10 years and under – performers may only dance once in this section. (2 mins 30)	£15.00
D75	Own Choreography Duet/Trio 14 years and under – performers may only dance once in this section. (2 mins 30)	£15.00
D76	Own Choreography Duet/Trio 18 years and under – performers may only dance once in this section. (2½ mins)	£15.00
D77	Novice Solo 10 years and under – performers may only dance once in this section. (1 min 30)	£7.00
D78	Primary School Group – any style or theme. Maximum number of performers per group, 35. A school can enter more than one group, but children can only take part in one group. No adult participation allowed on stage during performance. (5 mins). Teachers are asked to indicate whether the group is infants or juniors or mixed, as two trophies will be awarded i.e. juniors and infants. This class will be timetabled for the afternoon of Friday 5th May.	£15.00

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SPEECH & DRAMA

Rules for Speech & Drama

SD1	All General Rules apply to the Speech & Drama Classes. Click here to view
SD2	Coaching. No instruction, mouthing of words or gestures by a teacher, tutor or parent is allowed during a performance. This and/or any other off-stage direction may result in a loss of marks.
SD3	Prompting.  The adjudicator and steward must not be expected to prompt if words are forgotten; performers are advised to provide their own prompter who must not be their teacher; in case of difficulty, performers may ask for help from the office.
SD4	Performers entering “Own Choice” classes must ensure that the selected pieces are of a suitable standard for the age group. Teachers and students are requested to be aware of the sensitivity of the audience regarding the content of the scenes. Language likely to cause offence must not be included.
SD5	None but hand properties (e.g. a fan, handkerchief, scarf etc.) will be permitted.
SD6	In ‘Own Choice’ classes, a script must be given to the adjudicator before performing in the class.
SD7	Full stage costume must not be used, but limited items to suggest character are permitted. See also General Rule G9.
SD8	Alterations. Performers wishing to request an alteration to their published performance time must inform the Speech and Drama Secretary a minimum of one week before the Speech and Drama Section begins. Requests may not be accepted after this time except in exceptional circumstances.

 

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Adjudicators

Adjudicator – Julie McLoughlin BA(Hons), RBTCDip

Adjudicator – Vivienne Cunningham  LGSM

Adjudicator – Arthur Webb  MA, B.Ed, LRAM, GGSM

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Verse & Poetry

The set poems for classes SD01-SD11 can be downloaded by clicking here.

SD00	A ‘Welcome’ class for performers of School Year Reception and under. Performers will receive feedback but this is a non-competitive class, designed to build skills and confidence. Performers should prepare a short poem or rhyme for performance. Performers should prepare to perform alone, but if parental (or similar) presence onstage is needed, this is permitted. If guidance is required on material, please contact the Speech & Drama Secretary.	£7.00
SD01	Verse Speaking – School Year 1.  Performers are invited to perform the set text: ‘My Baby Sister’ by Marian Swinger, or any other poem on the theme of ‘families’. Performances should be memorised.  Time limit: 1 min.	£5.00
SD02	Verse Speaking – School Year 2.  Performers are invited to perform the set text ‘The Christening’ by AA Milne, or any other poem on the theme of ‘animals’. Performances should be memorised.  Time limit: 1 min.	£5.00
SD03	Verse Speaking – School Year 3.  Performers are invited to perform the set text ‘Imagine the World’ by Moria Andrew, or any other poem on the theme of ‘thoughts’. Performances should be memorised.  Time limit: 2 mins.	£7.00
SD04	Verse Speaking – School Year 4.  Performers are invited to perform the set text ‘How Was School’ by Lindsay Macrae, or any other poem on the theme of ‘learning’. Performances should be memorised.  Time limit: 2 mins.	£7.00
SD05	Verse Speaking – School Year 5.  Performers are invited to perform the set text ‘My Dog Likes to Disco’ by Kenn Nesbitt, or any other poem on the theme of ‘technology’. Performances should be memorised.  Time limit: 2 mins.	£7.00
SD06	Verse Speaking – School Year 6.  Performers are invited to perform the set text ‘Sky in the Pie’ by Roger McGough, or any other poem on the theme of ‘food’. Performances should be memorised.  Time limit: 2 mins.	£7.00
SD07	Verse Speaking – School Year 7.  Performers are invited to perform the set text ‘Cargoes’ by John Masefield, or any other poem on the theme of ‘the world’. Performances should be memorised.  Time limit: 3 mins.	£7.00
SD08	Verse Speaking – School Year 8.  Performers are invited to perform the set text ‘Piano Lessons’ by Roderick Benzinger, or any other poem on the theme of ‘memories’. Performances should be memorised.  Time limit: 3 mins.	£7.00
SD09	Verse Speaking – School Years 9 and 10.  Performers are invited to perform the set text ‘Tiananmen’ by James Fenton, or any other poem on the theme of ‘time’. Performances should be memorised.  Time limit: 3 mins.	£7.00
SD10	Verse Speaking – School Years 11 to 13.  Performers are invited to perform the set text ‘Ms Tilscher’s Class’ by Carol Ann Duffy, or any other poem on the theme of ‘childhood’. Performances should be memorised.  Time limit: 3 mins.	£7.00
SD11	Verse Speaking – Open – 18 years and over.  Performers are invited to perform the set text ‘At the Theatre, To the Lady Behind Me’ by AP Herbert, or any other poem on the theme of ‘manners’. Performances should be memorised.  Time limit: 3 mins.	£15.00
JC	The Junior Lyric Championship – for the twelve highest scoring performers from SD05 and SD06.  Competitors are invited to recite their medal-winning poem in this class
LC	The Lyric Championship – the top four placings in each of Classes SD07, SD08 and SD09 and SD10 will be invited to perform a lyric poem or sonnet in this prestigious ‘final’ class.  Competitors are to recite a poem of lyrical merit in this class. This can be the poem that they qualified with, or a new poem of their own choice.
SD12	Share a Poem – School Years 3 and 4 – a poem for 2 to 4 voices. Movement is permitted. Own choice. It is recommended that performers explore the techniques of unison as well as solo speaking in this class. Entrants will receive one group certificate per entry. Medals will be awarded to the winners of the class. Time limit: 3 mins.	£15.00
SD13	Share a Poem – School Years 5 and 6.  As SD12.	£15.00
SD14	Share a Poem – School Years 7 and 8. As SD12.  Time limit: 4 mins.	£15.00
SD15	Share a Poem – School Years 9 to 13.  As SD12.	£15.00
SD16	Sonnet Class – School Years 10 to 13.  Any sonnet of the performer’s choice.	£7.00
SD17	Sonnet Class – Open – 18 years and over.  As SD16.	£15.00
SD18	Verse Speaking to a Musical Backing – School Years 6 and under.  Any Own Choice poem or extract from a poem spoken with a recorded musical backing. Performers will be required to provide their own playback equipment and are advised to ensure copyright laws are observed with regard to the musical backing. Competitors should be aware that the Festival cannot supply a keyboard or piano in situ. Minimal movement and gesture permitted. Time limit: 3 mins.	£7.00
SD19	Verse Speaking to a Musical Backing – School Years 7 to 9.  As SD18	£7.00
SD20	Verse Speaking to a Musical Backing – School Years 10 to 13.  As SD18	£7.00
SD21	Slam Poetry – School Years 7 – 9. Poems can be about any subject but must be the original work of the performer. No props may be used when performing the poem. No musical accompaniment or musical instruments may be used when performing, but the poet is allowed to sing. clap, hum, or make noise with the mouth or other body parts. Poets may perform on their own or in groups but the entry is classified as one performance. Composition and performance are considered holistically by the adjudicator: poems need not be submitted in advance of the class.  Time limit 3 mins.	£7.00
SD22	Slam Poetry – School Years 10 – 13.  As SD21	£7.00
SD23	Slam Poetry – Open.  As SD21	£15.00

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Reading at Sight

 

SD24	Reading at Sight – School Year 4 and under.  The performer will be given time to read through the passage, set by the adjudicator, before his/her performance.	£7.00
SD25	Reading at Sight – School Year 5.  As SD24	£7.00
SD26	Reading at Sight – School Year 6.  As SD24	£7.00
SD27	Reading at Sight – School Years 7 and 8.  As SD24	£7.00
SD28	Reading at Sight – School Years 9 and 10.  As SD24	£7.00
SD29	Reading at Sight – School Years 11 to 13.  As SD24	£7.00
SD30	Dramatic Sight Reading – School Years 7 to 9.  As SD24	£7.00
SD31	Dramatic Sight Reading – School Years 10 to 13.  As SD24	£7.00

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Prose Speaking

 

SD32	Prose Speaking – School Years 4 and under – a memorised extract from any book of the performer’s own choice. Performers must provide a copy of the extract for the adjudicator. Time limit: 2 mins	£7.00
SD33	Prose Speaking – School Years 5 and 6.  As SD32	£7.00
SD34	Prose Speaking – School Years 7 and 8.  As SD32	£7.00
SD35	Prose Speaking – School Years 9 to 13.  As SD32	£7.00

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Prose Reading

In all prepared Prose Reading classes performers must provide a copy of the selected reading for the adjudicator.  *Performers are reminded that these are reading classes, not a memorised test.  Extracts should include both narrative and dialogue.

SD36	Prose Reading – School Year 4 and under.  A prepared reading from any book of fiction of the performer’s own choice on the theme of ‘Weird, wacky or wonderful’. Time limit: 2 mins.	£7.00
SD37	Prose Reading – School Years 5 and 6.  A prepared reading from any book of fiction of the performer’s own choice on the theme of ‘Tricks or treats’. Time limit: 2 mins.	£7.00
SD38	Prose Reading – School Years 7 and 8.   A prepared reading from any book of fiction of the performer’s own choice on the theme of ‘Change’. Time limit: 2 mins.	£7.00
SD39	Prose Reading – School Years 9 to 13.  A prepared reading from any book of the performers own choice on the theme of ‘Dystopia’, preceded by a recommendation and personal appreciation which must be spoken freely and without notes. See asterisk above. Time limit: 3 mins.	£7.00
SD40	Prose Reading – Open – 18 years and over.  A prepared reading from any book of the performers own choice, preceded by a recommendation and personal appreciation which must be spoken freely and without notes. See asterisk above. Time limit: 3 mins.	£15.00
SD41	Reading to an Audience – Open.  Open to novice speakers of any age for whom English is an acquired language to give an opportunity to gain confidence and experience at speaking in public. Performers are asked to announce the title and author of their selection and to bring a copy for the adjudicator. Test piece: Any poem or prose extract of the speaker’s own choice. Time limit: 2 mins.	Free of charge
SD42	Prepared Reading from the Bible – School Years 7 to 13 – Own choice. Authorised Version only because of the challenge of the vivid and historical language. Performers are reminded that this is a reading class, not an acting class, and are asked to perform accordingly. Time limit: 2 mins.	£7.00
SD43	Prepared Reading from the Bible – Open – 18 years and over.  As SD42. Time limit: 3 mins.	£15.00
SD44	Prepared Reading from a Holy Book – School Year 6 and under. The reading may be from a Holy Book from any faith, to be read in English. This can include modern versions of the English Bible. Performers are reminded that this is a reading and not an acting class and are asked to perform accordingly. Time limit: 2 mins.	£7.00
SD45	Prepared Reading from a Holy Book – School Years 7 to 13. AS SD44. Time limit: 3 mins.	£7.00
SD46	Recital on a Theme – School Years 6 and under.  The performer will present at least one prose selection and one verse reading supported by an introduction to the theme, linking of the selections and a conclusion. Dramatic extracts will be accepted if time allows. Introduction, links and conclusion must be spoken freely and without notes. Time limit: 5 mins.	£7.00
SD47	Recital on a Theme – School Years 7 to 13.  As SD46. Time limit: 5 mins.	£7.00
SD48	Duet Recital – School Years 7 to 13. The performers will present at least one prose selection and one verse reading supported by an introduction to the theme, linking of the selections and a conclusion. Dramatic extracts will be accepted if time allows. Introduction, links and conclusion must be spoken freely and without notes. Time limit: 5 mins.	£12.00

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Acting

Attention is drawn to the revised time limits which must be strictly adhered to. Performers who overrun may be penalised. See rules G6 and SD3. In Duologue classes a younger performer may partner an older one provided he/she does not enter any other age group. Performers may enter in only one duologue class. Multiple entries including one performer will not be processed. Performers are requested to be aware of the sensitivity of the audience regarding the content of the scenes. Language likely to cause offence must not be included. Please refer to Rule SD6.

SD49	Duologue – School Years 4 and under. A scene taken from a published play or novel, or an Examination Board syllabus. Shakespeare scenes are acceptable. Television sketches and improvised scripts are not allowed. Own choice. Time limit: 5 mins.	£12.00
SD50	Duologue – School Years 5 and 6.  As SD41. Time limit: 5 mins.	£12.00
SD51	Duologue – School Years 7 and 8.  As SD41. Time limit: 6 mins.	£12.00
SD52	Duologue – School Years 9 and 10.  As SD41. Time limit: 6 mins.	£12.00
SD53	Duologue – School Years 11 to 13.  As SD41. Time limit: 7 mins.	£12.00
SD54	Solo Acting – School Year 4 and under. A scene taken from a published play or novel, or an Examination Board syllabus. Shakespeare scenes are acceptable. Television sketches, monologues and improvised scripts are not allowed. Own choice. Time limit: 4 mins.	£7.00
SD55	Solo Acting – School Years 5 and 6.  As SD54.	£7.00
SD56	Solo Acting – School Years 7 and 8.  As SD54.  Time limit: 5 mins.	£7.00
SD57	Solo Acting – School Years 9 and 10.  As SD54 but Shakespeare scenes are not permitted. Time limit: 5 mins.	£7.00
SD58	Solo Acting – School Years 11 to 13.  As SD54 but Shakespeare scenes are not permitted. Time limit: 6 mins.	£7.00
SD59	Solo Acting – Open – 19 years and over.  As SD47 but Shakespeare scenes are not permitted. Time limit: 6 mins.	£15.00
SD60	Masterclass – School Years 6 to 9.  Performers should be prepared to share a short audition speech in this session.	£7.00
SD61	Masterclass – School Years 10 to 13.  As SD60
SD62	Shakespeare Scene by one person – School Years 6 and under. Own choice. Time limit: 3 mins.	£7.00
SD63	Shakespeare Scene by one person – School Years 7 to 10. Own choice. Time limit: 4 mins.	£7.00
SD64	Shakespeare Scene by one person – School Years 11 to 13. Own choice. Time limit: 5 mins.	£7.00
SD65	Shakespeare Scene by one person – Open – 18 years and over. Own choice. Time limit: 6 mins.	£15.00

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Musical Theatre

 

SD66	Scene from Musical Theatre played by one person – School Years 5 and under. Own choice. An improvised scene of the performer’s own devising creating a situation and character which will reflect the original mood and intention of the song. There should be a balance between time given to improvised dialogue and time given to acting through song. For copyright reasons the use of the original storyline and character is strictly prohibited. Performers must provide their own accompaniment and playback and should be aware that the Festival cannot supply a keyboard or piano in situ. It is the responsibility of the performer to ensure that copyright laws are observed. Time limit: 4 mins.	£7.00
SD67	Scene from Musical Theatre played by one person – School Years 6, 7 and 8. As SD66	£7.00
SD68	Scene from Musical Theatre played by one person – School Years 9 to 13. As SD66.  Time limit: 5mins.	£7.00
SD69	Scene from Musical Theatre played by one person – Open – 18 years and over. As SD68	£15.00
SD70	Share-a-Scene from Musical Theatre – School Years 5 and under. A scene for 2 – 4 performers. Own choice. An improvised scene of the performer’s own devising creating a situation and character which will reflect the original mood and intention of the song. There should be a balance between time given to improvised dialogue and time given to acting through song. For copyright reasons the use of the original storyline and character is strictly prohibited. Performers must provide their own accompaniment and playback and should be aware that the Festival cannot supply a keyboard or piano in situ. It is the responsibility of the performers to ensure that copyright laws are observed. Entrants will receive one group certificate per entry. Medals will be awarded to the winners of the class. Time limit: 5 mins.	£12.00
SD71	Share-a-Scene from Musical Theatre – School Years 6, 7 and 8. As SD70.	£7.00
SD72	Share-a-Scene from Musical Theatre – School Years 9 to 13. As SD70. Time limit: 7 mins.	£7.00
SD73	Share-a-Scene from Musical Theatre – Open – 18 years and over. As SD70. Time limit: 8 mins.	£15.00

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Mime

 

SD74	Solo Mime – School Year 6 and under. Own choice. Title to be chosen and announced by the performer. The use of music is permitted. The use of stage or hand properties is not allowed. Time limit: 4 mins.	£7.00
SD75	Solo Mime – School Years 7 to 13.  As SD74	£7.00
SD76	Duo Mime – School Years 6 and under.  As SD74	£12.00
SD77	Duo Mime – School Years 7 to 13.  As SD74	£12.00

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Communications

 

SD78	Informative Speech – School Years 6 and under. A talk about an object of special significance. The performer must engage with his/her object during the talk. Time limit: 4 mins.	£7.00
SD79	Public Speaking – Individual – School Years 7, 8 and 9. A prepared speech on any subject of the speaker’s own choice. Performers should be aware that the Festival does not provide technological elements or support. Any technical requirements must be supplied and operated by the performer and should not take a disproportionate amount of time to set up. Time limit: 5 mins.	£7.00
SD80	Public Speaking – Individual – School Years 10 to 13. As SD79	£7.00
SD81	Business Pitch – School Year 6 and under. Performers should prepare and deliver a short business pitch centre based on a toy of their choice. Credit will be given for use of facts and figures, basic business language, interaction with the chosen object, and charismatic delivery.  Time limit: 2 mins.	£7.00
SD82	Business Pitch – School Years 7 to 9.  As SD81, but centring on a domestic product of their choice.  Time limit: 3 mins.	£7.00
SD83	Business Pitch – School Years 10 to 13.  As SD81	£7.00
SD84	Public Speaking – Team of three, School Years 7, 8 and 9. A team of three: a Chairman to introduce the Speaker, a Speaker to give a prepared speech on any subject of the Team’s own choice, and a Proposer of a vote of thanks. Overall time limit: 10 mins.	£15.00
SD85	Public Speaking – Team of three, School Years 10 to 13.  As SD84	£15.00

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Devised & Improvised Work

 

SD86	Solo Devised Scene – School Years 6 and under.  Performers can devise the scene based on any stimulus of their choice. Time limit: 2 mins.	£7.00
SD87	Solo Devised Scene – School Years 7 to 9.  As SD86 Time limit: 3 mins.	£7.00
SD88	Solo Devised Scene – School Years 10 to 13.  As SD86 Time limit: 4 mins.	£7.00
SD89	Duo Devised Scene – School Years 6 and under.  As SD86 Time limit: 3 mins.	£12.00
SD90	Duo Devised Scene -School Years 7 to 9.  As SD86 Time limit: 4 mins.	£12.00
SD91	Duo Devised Scene -School Years 10 to 13.  As SD86 Time limit: 5 mins.	£12.00
SD92	Solo Improvisation – School Years 6 and under.  Performers will be given a stimulus 5 minutes ahead of their performance. Time limit: 2 mins.	£7.00
SD93	Solo Improvisation – School Years 7 to 9.  As SD92  Time limit: 3 mins.	£7.00
SD94	Solo Improvisation – School Years 10 to 13.  As SD92  Time limit: 4 mins.	£7.00

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Group Work

 

SD95	Choral Speaking – Novice – School years 3 and under.  Own choice. Group size between 5 and 35 performers. Credit will be given for the exploration of varying dynamics within the delivery.  Time limit: 4 mins.	£18.00
SD96	Choral Speaking – Junior – School years 6 and under.  As SD 95	£18.00
SD97	Choral Speaking – Senior – School years 7 to 13.  As SD 95	£18.00
SD98	Junior Devised Drama – School Year 6 and under. A performance by a group of between 5 and 35 performers and based on a stimulus of their own choice. Please note this is not just an improvisation class. The programme should be linked together smoothly and should include at least 3 of the following skills Solo Verse, Prose, Choral Speaking, Live Music using instruments, Recorded Music, Mime, Dance and Movement. Time limit: 10 mins.	£18.00
SD99	Intermediate Devised Drama – School Years 7, 8 and 9.  As SD98. Time limit: 12 mins.	£18.00
SD100	Senior Devised Drama – School Years 10 to 13.  As SD98. Time limit: 15 mins.	£18.00
SD101	Junior Dramatic Drama – School Year 6 and under.  Own choice of text. Group size between 3 and 35 performers. Time limit 10 mins.	£18.00
SD102	Intermediate Dramatic Drama -School Years 7, 8 and 9.  As SD101. Time limit: 12 mins.	£18.00
SD103	Senior Dramatic Drama -School Years 10 to 13.  As SD101. Time limit: 15 mins.	£18.00
SD104	Junior Group Mime – School Years 6 and under.  Own choice of story / plot. Group size between 5 and 35 performers. Recorded or live music / sound effects can be used.  Time limit: 5 mins.	£18.00

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Accessible Classes

 

SD105	Theme – Open Age Group – 3 to 35 performers.  This class is restricted to children and adults with Special Educational Needs. The group consisting of between 3 and 35 performers – and including support assistants – will present a programme based on a stimulus of their own choice and which includes a variety of skills linked together smoothly. Time limit: 15 mins.	£18.00
SD106	Individual or Duo Performance of Performer’s Own Choice.  This class is restricted to children and adults with Special Educational Needs. A dramatic performance piece of the performer’s own choice. In the case of a large number of entries, the Festival reserves the right to split classes according to age or dramatic discipline.  Time limit: 3 mins.	£7.00

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Original Work Classes – Own Composition

Own Composition classes will be adjudicated digitally and attendance at the Festival is not required. Competitors will each receive a digital feedback sheet to their registered email address and the results will be posted on the CFPA social media channels during the Festival. Medals will not be awarded as standard for these classes: but if a placed competitor wishes to purchase the relevant medal at the Festival Office, they may do so on presentation of the appropriate feedback sheet.  

Own Composition entries must be received on-line by 1st February 2023 and uploaded either as a Word or pdf file to CFPA’s website, typed, but must not include the writer’s name, by 1st April 2023. Trophies will be awarded at the Lyric Championship event.

POETRY: Not to exceed 3 minutes reading time each. Limit: 3 poems per person. The fee per poem is shown here.

SD107	Poetry Own Composition – School Year 6 and under.	£7.00
SD108	Poetry Own Composition – School Years 7 to 11.	£7.00
SD109	Poetry Own Composition – Open.	£15.00

STORYWRITING: Limit: 3 stories per person. The fee per story is shown here.

SD110	Original Storywriting – School Year 6 and under. Maximum 500 words	£7.00
SD111	Original Storywriting – School Years 7 to 11. Maximum 750 words.	£7.00
SD112	Original Storywriting – Open. Maximum 1000 words.	£15.00

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Digital Classes

Film and TikTok classes: as Own Composition (see above).   

Entries must be received on-line by 1st February 2023 and submitted to CFPA by 1st April 2023. 

SD113	Short Film – School Year 3 and under.  To be based on a Nursery Rhyme & Fairytale. The film will be adjudicated based on all the composite elements of storytelling, filming and editing inherent in the film. Acting, performing, costume, lighting, sound will be credited on their appropriateness for the subject. The film can be live action, stop motion, cartoon… absolutely anything the film maker chooses. It can adhere to or deviate from the original – your decision. There are no limits, other than the time limit of 1 minute – let your imagination fly.  The entry fee is per film and can be created by any number of people within the age range.	£7.00
SD114	Short Film – School Years 4 to 6.  To be based on a scene from a book, poem or piece of art. As SD113. Time limit: 1 min 30 secs.	£7.00
SD115	Short Film – School Years 7 to 9.  An original advert for a product of your choice. As SD113. Time limit: 2 mins.	£7.00
SD116	Short Film – School Years 10 to 13.  A movie trailer for an existing or imaginary film. As SD113. Time limit: 2 mins 30 secs.	£7.00
SD117	TikTok – Years 6 to 8.  Solo, Duo or Group. Create a TikTok routine from a poem or section of a poem of your choice. Credit will be given from the way in which moves reflect the meaning of the words. Time limit: 1 min.	£12.00
SD118	TikTok – Years 9 to 13.  As SD117, time limit: 2 mins	£12.00

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THE VALERIE WALSH AWARD

Any performer who completes classes in all three disciplines will automatically be entered for the Valerie Walsh Award. The winner will be chosen from those performers who achieve the highest marks across the three disciplines.   Only solo and duet classes will qualify. The Award of £100 will be presented by Valerie to the winner at the Festival’s next AGM.

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COPYRIGHT RULES

Music Publishers Association (MPA)

We are pleased to announce that we are now a signatory to the MPA Code of Fair Practice (revised for 2012) agreed between composers, publishers and users of printed music. As such, a specific permission has been granted regarding photocopying as follows:

Important: This permission only applies to the adjudicator’s copy and all other copies used for the performance (e.g. by the performer and/or accompanist), including any copy made by electronic means, must be legally purchased originals.

Adjudicator’s copy: a person performing a work at the Festival in front of an adjudicator may make one copy for the adjudicator provided that the performer has an original copy and that the copy made is retained and destroyed by the adjudicator immediately after the performance. The copy must be marked with the following ‘Adjudicator’s copy – destroy after use’.

This only applies to the music publishers who have agreed to adhere to the standards set out in the MPA’s Code of Fair Practice – see full list: http//.mpaonline.org.uk/associated_companies)

Author’s Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS)

Our group licence agreement with ALCS allows for permission for:

Poetry, Prose and Solo Monologue Performances as follows:

• Speech and Drama Festivals to include spoken performances of poetry and prose to a limit of 10 minutes duration.
• Solo Dramatic items may also qualify for copyright indemnity provided that the item is announced with title and author at the time of the performance and the performer must not change the words or gender of the character.

Important: For duologues and all other group dramatic works (including Musical Theatre), in the absence of any other licensing arrangement, the onus on gaining copyright permission, and paying any royalty fees due, rests with the performer.

Performing Rights Society (PRS)

Our group licence agreement with PRS allows permission for Instrument and Vocal classes to:

• Perform music compositions
• Play recorded music as an accompaniment/backing track if required.

and for Songs from the Shows or Song and Dance classes to perform excerpts from musical plays provided that:

• the excerpt does not exceed 25 minutes duration,
• it is not a complete act of the musical play,
• it does not constitute a” potted version” of the musical play,
• it is performed without any change to either music or lyrics and using only the published or authorised musical arrangements,
• there is no use made of any form of scenery, costume, choreography, staging, character representation or special lighting which gives a visual impression or other portrayal of the writer’s original conception of the work from which the excerpt is taken.

PPL – Music licensing for recorded music played in public

We have obtained the necessary licences from PPL to play recorded music at our Festival as an accompaniment / backing track if required.

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General Rules: Please read these carefully before entering

G1.	The Competition shall be known as the ‘Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts’.
G2.	There is no geographical restriction for any of the Performers. See special rules for Keith Nutland competition.
G3.	No persons gaining all or a principal part of their livelihood by music, speech, drama or dancing may compete, except in the classes marked ‘Open’ (This rule does not apply to conductors of choirs). The Committee reserves the right to refuse entry to an Open class where the performer’s experience may be insufficient.
G4.	The management of these competitions and all matters relating thereto shall be in the hands of a Chairman and a Committee with a Secretary and Treasurer, whose decision on any matter shall be final.
G5.	In the event of there not being a sufficient number of entries in any class, or in the opinion of the judges the performers do not show sufficient merit, the Committee reserves to itself the power to withdraw all or any of the awards.
G6.	Time limits must be strictly adhered to and performers who over-run will be penalised with the loss of one mark per minute or part of a minute.
G7.	In the event of there being fewer than 5 entries in a class, the committee reserves the right to cancel that class. In that event, a refund of the fees will be given.
G8.	Performers should ensure that they are dressed appropriately. The well-groomed personal appearance of performers will be taken into account when adjudicating performance and awarding marks.
G9.	Certificates with the Adjudicator’s comments will be available 30 minutes after each class. Certificates will not be given to any adult, group or open classes. For two months after the end of the Festival, certificates not collected during the Festival may be requested from the relevant Section Secretary and will be sent by post on receipt of a payment of £5.00.
G10	(a) No trophy or challenge cup will be awarded under 85 marks (b) In the event of more than one person being awarded a Challenge Cup, they shall hold it for a proportionate time in alphabetical order of surname. (c) Medals will be awarded on the following basis: Where there are 5 or fewer in a class only a gold medal will be awarded. In a class of fewer than 10 participants a gold and silver medal will be awarded. In classes of 10 or more, a gold, a silver and a bronze medal will be awarded. No medals will be awarded in any ‘Open’ class. (d) Cup winners can purchase a gold medal from the Festival Office.
G11.	All entries must be entered online or be sent to the respective Section Secretary on or before 1st February. Entries received after the closing date will only be accepted at the discretion of the Section Secretary.
G12.	In the case of numerous entries the committee reserves the right to divide any class which may be considered too large for adjudication.
G13.	Age limit is reckoned as on 31st August in the year preceding the Festival and this will be strictly observed. All ages under 18 years must be on the entry form. Entries without the performer’s age (under 18 years) will not be accepted.
G14.	The Committee regrets that fees cannot be refunded under any circumstances other than rule G7.
G15.	Performers are urged to ensure they have entered the correct class on the entry form as transferring classes cannot be permitted after the commencement of the Festival.
G16.	The Festival is bound by copyright law and cannot allow any type of photography, sound or video recording during a performance or adjudication.
G17.	Performers in ‘Own Choice’ Classes may not offer items with which they have already won prizes in past years at the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts.
G18.	Performers may not enter more than once in the same class unless specified, nor may they enter the same piece in more than one class.
G19.	Performers should perform in the order given in the programme unless involved elsewhere, in which case they must notify the steward. Those not answering to their names when called will be recalled at the end of the class, however the adjudication will not be delayed.

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ACCOMPANISTS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Entrants are advised that the Festival no longer offers official accompanists. It is the responsibility of performers who require an accompanist to make their own arrangements in good time before the Festival. Performers must expect to pay their accompanist a fee for both the Festival performance and any rehearsals. Accompanists’ rates are not set by the Festival.

The following accompanists have agreed to their names being published in this syllabus.

Fiona Brown	01242 576069	fmbsoundmatters@gmail.com
Sara Harris	07906 339835	sejet@hotmail.co.uk   (vocal, strings, wind)
Helen Marcus	01452 855890	helenmarcus@blueyonder.co.uk  (wind)
Michael Castle	07896 624715	mccastlemusic@gmail.com
James Quinn	07732 179221	jamesquinnpiano@gmail.com

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CHILD PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENT

Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts believes that no child or young person should ever experience abuse of any kind.  We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and practise in a way that protects them.

CFPA recognises that the welfare of children is paramount and that, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, they have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.  Furthermore, CFPA believes that some children and young people are additionally vulnerable because of their level of dependency or their communication needs and that working in partnership with their parents, teachers and carers is essential in guaranteeing their welfare.

CFPA will seek to keep children and young people safe by practising a range of measures to ensure a safe environment at its Festivals for children and young people.  These measures are fully set out in CFPA’s Child Protection Policy which can be seen in full on CFPA’s website.

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CREATING A SAFE FESTIVAL 

The Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts implements the following procedures to create a safe Festival for everyone:

1. A designated Festival Safeguarding Officer (FSO) is appointed to oversee all aspects of safeguarding.
2. Best practice advice, support and training is given to all Festival staff and volunteers, including clear reporting procedures for anyone with a concern about a child.
3. Appropriate recruitment and/or induction procedures are applied for all Festival staff and volunteers.
4. All Festival stewards wear an official identification lanyard and teachers/parents/guardians/carers are asked to report all incidents of any nature to anyone wearing a lanyard. All reported incidents will be handled in accordance with child protection best practice advice and, if appropriate, in a quiet area/room where concerns can be expressed in private.
5. For the duration of the Festival all teachers/parents/guardians/carers are responsible for the continuous care and supervision of their own children/pupils/vulnerable adults. If they are unable to attend personally, they must delegate their responsibilities to an identified adult and ensure that their children/pupils/vulnerable adults are aware of the identity and name of the person responsible for their care. This includes supervision throughout all Festival venues, performance, rehearsal and changing areas.
6. No unauthorised photography or video, digital or tape recording of any performance is allowed. If parents/guardians/carers do not wish photos or video recording to be taken of any child in their care, then the responsible adult attending should ensure that their child/pupil is not included in officially authorised photos.
7. If any child or vulnerable adult has a specific need in order to take part in the Festival, we ask the responsible teacher/parent/guardian/carer to contact the Festival prior to arrival. The Festival will seek, wherever possible, to meet the identified need, but must be informed beforehand in order to prepare support – or to advise that help cannot be provided on this occasion.
8. By completing and submitting the entry form all parents / guardians / carers and teachers of entrants under 18 (or vulnerable adults of any age) confirm that they give (or have obtained, or will obtain) all necessary consents for the entrants to take part in the Festival.

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EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY STATEMENT

The Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts is committed to provide equal opportunity for everyone to participate in its affairs and contribute to its objectives.  The Festival does not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other unlawful reason.

This commitment extends to every aspect of the Festival’s operation and applies to all performers, volunteers, sponsors, and suppliers.

The principles of non-discrimination and equal opportunities also apply to the way in which the Festival treats visitors and members of the public.

CPA’s Equal Opportunities Policy can be found on our website and a copy can be requested, either by email, or by sending a stamped and addressed envelope to the Hon. Secretary.

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PRIVACY STATEMENT

The Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts (CFPA) needs to collect and use certain information about individuals in order to run the Festival successfully. To protect individuals’ privacy CFPA ensures that personal information is treated lawfully and correctly. CFPA complies fully with current data protection legislation (General Data Protection Regulations – May 2018).

Data collected is processed fairly and lawfully; is used only for specific and lawful purposes; is accurate, adequate, relevant and not excessive; is kept for no longer than is necessary; is collected and processed in accordance with the rights of individuals; is kept secure, and is not transferred to countries that do not offer adequate data protection.

The only personal data that CFPA publishes in the Festival programme and on its website are the names of Festival performers (and the contact details of CFPA trustees and officers). All other personal data is kept secure. Personal data will not be given to any third party without the prior consent of the individual (or their parent, guardian, or teacher, in the case of a child), but will be disclosed to law enforcement agencies if requested. All Festival personnel are made aware of their duties and responsibilities in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations.

CFPA’s Data Protection Policy can be found on our website.
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ACCESSIBILITY

The ground floor of the Town Hall is accessible from street level without encountering any steps by using the ramps. The entrance on the right-hand side has automatic doors. There is an induction loop system on the ground floor of the Town Hall and accessible toilets at the rear of the main hall. The Town Hall has a lift to assist performers on to the stage if required.

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Friends of the Festival

Become a Friend of the Festival for 2023 and get free spectator entry to all Festival classes and a free souvenir programme.

This year we are asking for a minimum donation of £30, which will cover the cost of your spectator’s ticket and a souvenir programme which you will be able to collect from the Festival desk at the Town Hall.

Please download and complete the Friends’ form.

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Don’t Hesitate to Donate!

Your donations are part of keeping the Festival running from year to year. It is surprising how much it costs to stage this 12-day event, from professional adjudication to the certificates and medals and many more ‘behind the scenes’ expenses – and unfortunately we don’t always break even!

If you have a few minutes we would be extremely grateful for any donation you would like to give to help secure the future of the Festival.

There are several ways you can donate:

Internet Banking to Set up a Standing Order or for a Single Donation.

Give as much or as little as you want each month, or as a one-off donation.

Account Name: The Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts

Account Number:  76919363

Sort Code:  30-98-97

Send a Cheque or Postal Order in the post.

If you would prefer to send a donation in the post, please send cheques or postal orders made out to Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts to:

The Treasurer, 8 Battle Road, Tewkesbury, GL20 5TZ (Do not send cash in the post.)

Leave us a legacy in your Will

Legacy gifts can provide important support to the Festival. We suggest that you discuss your intentions with your solicitor who can advise on the best way to leave a gift.

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