General Guidance and Rules 

Performers and Awards 

The Festival is open to any performer aged 21 and under. 

The age of all performers is reckoned as on 1st September of the year of the festival. Infringement of this regulation will result in disqualification. 

Open Classes

Any one may enter the ‘Open’ category. Performances will be awarded grades as recommended by the British & International Federation of Festivals. Mark sheets with the adjudicators’ comments will be given to each entrant and the adjudicator will verbally feed back before placing each class. Cups and trophies are normally presented during the Festival. Some overall awards will be presented at the final concert. 

Novice Classes

Performers taking part for the first time in a Festival or in a new category are classed as a novice. These classes are non-competitive. This allows and encourages any performer/Artist to perform without pressure of marks and placement. 

The adjudicator will verbally feedback after live performances and a comment sheet will be given. 

However, the adjudicator will award the ‘Adjudicators Choice’ Cup to one outstanding performer across all Novice classes. 

The Adjudicators marks and placement in any class is final and may not be challenged. 

Art and Creative Writing Entries

All Art entries will be displayed throughout the festival digitally. All finalists will have their entries displayed in a gallery. The adjudicator will only provide marks and feedback for the finalists in each category. An overall winner will be chosen for each section. 

There will be a bursary awarded to the Overall Winner.

Performance Material Rules 

Items chosen for ‘own choice’ classes are subject to the approval of the committee and suitability will be taken into account by the adjudicator in awarding grades. No piece from a set piece class may be performed in an ‘own choice’ class. No ‘own choice’ piece may be performed in more than one class. 

Changes  

Any change to ‘own choice’ music, poetry and prose must be notified to the section secretary at least two weeks before the festival. 

Time limits   

These are shown beside each class. Please check the timing of your performance very carefully. Performers exceeding their allotted time may be stopped. Please note that this rule will be enforced to ensure fairness to all performers and to allow time for good adjudication. 

Privacy Policy 

The Surrey Festival of Musical Theatre and Performing Arts processes and stores data solely for the purpose of running the Festival. The Privacy Policy can be viewed here. -[LINK TO FOLLOW]

Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy 

The SFMT Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy is available to view here.[ LINK TO FOLLOW]

It is necessary for teachers and parents to be aware of their responsibilities in entering any performer with limited physical capabilities or special needs, bearing in mind the limitations imposed by stage and surrounding environment. It is also necessary for the teacher or parent to pass on to the adjudicator, via the organiser, any such information that would affect the adjudicator’s work. 

The Festival committee reserves the right to: 

A) Move any entry to a more suitable class if considered necessary

B) Cancel any class for logistical or economical reasons

C) Sub-divide any class if considered necessary

D) Disqualify or take other appropriate action if any regulation is contravened

E) Refuse entry to the Festival if it so decides 

Complaints  

Anyone wishing to lodge a complaint can do so by phoning any Committee Member whose number is in the programme or Syllabus, or by e-mailing SurreyFestivalMT@gmail.com / admin@broadwater.surrey.hants.sch.uk FAO Mrs Lizzi Matthews.

Alternatively, they can discuss with Committee Members or Volunteer Stewards at any of our events or activities. 

Surrey Festival of Musical Theatre and the Arts (SFMT), organised by Theatre Rocket and in collaboration with Broadwater School, is committed to the Safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of Children and Young People who take part, and expects the SFMT Committee, paid employees, Adjudicators, Volunteers, and their representatives to share this commitment. SFMT will therefore ensure the Safeguarding of any Children, Young People and staff involved in the Festival, and of those sharing any hired premises during a period of letting for the event.

SFMT recognise that the welfare of each child or young person is paramount, and is committed to creating a comfortable environment that enables children and young people to perform, learn and develop in a safe, understanding and encouraging atmosphere. SFMT believe that all children, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or identity, have the right to equal protection from all forms of harm or abuse. 

SFMT will take appropriate steps to ensure that children and young people are not exposed to reasonably unforeseeable risk of injury, whether to their physical or mental health and wellbeing.  SFMT is committed to the protection from harm and the safeguarding of all children and young people who attend its Festivals and Performances.

SFMT will ensure that the Committee, paid employees, adjudicators and volunteers respond appropriately should abuse be discovered or disclosed and that any reported incidents of abuse are fully recorded and passed on to Social Care. 

The Sex Discrimination Act 1986 and Race Relations Act 1976 will apply and will be adhered to throughout all stages of our engagement in any given setting.

The Theatre Rocket has valid Insurance to cover SFMT with Public Liability of £5 million and will issue any venue hired with proof of cover.

SFMT require that all adults involved in working with children and young people at this Festival have obtained an appropriate Certificate of Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Where a DBS Disclosure includes convictions, or other relevant information, The SFMT Committee are required to undertake an assessment of risk to determine whether that individual is suitable to work with children and young people.

At least two members of the SFMT Committee present at the Festival shall be First Aid trained. 

Where car parking is required, SFMT will undertake the proper stewarding and control of the parking area in collaboration with the police, where necessary. SFMT will ensure the safe entry and exit from the premises and encourage those attending Performances at the Festival to maintain clear access for emergency vehicles and service vehicles. 

Any Safeguarding concerns should be recorded and reported immediately to the SFMT Safeguarding Officers, Hannah Mott (07794 515158) and Rae Baker-Wisbey (07956 305889). 

Policy Approved: June 2021

Policy Review Date: June 2022