FOR THE ATTENTION OF EVERY AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY ELIGIBLE FOR ANY OF THE CAPE AMATEUR THEATRE AWARDS INFORMATION RELATING TO THE AWARDS PANEL
MISSION STATEMENT
The aim of the panel is to acknowledge excellence in all aspects of amateur theatre productions within the greater Cape Town area, thereby to inspire, encourage and reward continued excellence for the overall benefit of theatre in general.
COMPOSITION
Between 7 and 9 members, selected and appointed by the panel on invitation and/or nominated by a dramatic society and approved by the panel. This allows for individual absences and ensures that each production is adequately viewed and judged.
CREDENTIALS (as well as CRITERIA for potential Panel Members.)
Substantial experience in a variety of theatrical skills, drama teaching, involvement in educational and community drama activities. Regular exposure to amateur and professional theatre other than the prescribed selection. Potential Panel Members may be asked to supply a CV.
OBLIGATION
Subject to timely invitation, to view every theatrical production presented by an amateur dramatic society or similar amateur body, unless genuinely prevented. Panel members commit themselves to total impartiality and independence from any influence arising from press reviews, personal relationships or dramatic societies with whom they may have association.
PERKS
Two complimentary tickets and a programme for all productions viewed.
JUDGING PROCEDURE AND PROCESS
As a first procedure all panel members will utilise an ‘ADJUDICATION CHECK LIST’ as designed by the British Drama League Guild of Drama Adjudicators, to ensure that all aspects of the production have been covered.
Phase One: Nominations (Done at intervals during the year)
Panel members directly involved in any aspect of the production under discussion, are recused and leave the room.
a) Secretary records name and number of judges who saw the production. Each member in turn comments in detail on every aspect of the production and motivates the nominations made.
b) The secretary records these nominations and notes relevant comments for Phase Two. A total of 50% or more in any one category confirms the nomination
Phase Two: Selection of final Nominees and Winners (Done at the end of the season)
a) For every production staged that year, the Secretary re-iterates nominations scores and comments recorded in Phase One.
b) Given an overall view of the annual productions, and general standard reached, each panel member is given the opportunity to retract a previous vote, or make another motivated nomination
c) For every category, votes are again totalled. 50% or more confirms the nomination, while lower percentages may be discussed and a nomination accepted by the Panel
d) The secretary records accepted nominations in each category.
e) When nominations in every category have been recorded, a vote is taken for every category in turn to decide a winner. If the vote is evenly split, further discussions ensues and another vote is taken. If the vote is still split, the award in question will be shared.
NB All members of the Panel are present for Phase Two, but restraints apply as follows
a) Only Panel members who have seen a production may vote for any nominations relating thereto
b) Panel members directly involved in any aspect of the production under discussion are recused and leave the room
ELIGIBILITY FOR AWARDS
Any member involved in any aspect of an amateur production during the year – with the following proviso:
Professional engagements during the year will not preclude anyone from being nominated – provided that no remuneration was received for the performance or function in question
NOMINATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP OF THE AWARDS PANEL
The Secretary of the Panel will remind Societies early in the year when new nominations are required. These nominations must reach the Panel no later than July of that year so that new appointments can be discussed and voted on by the serving Panel members, and announced at the next Awards Ceremony.
Nominations 2009