DRAMA COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

RULES AND GUIDELINES

1.0 Introduction

The Drama Competition serves as a platform for students and teachers to

promote and demonstrate creative ideas in their work. Drama motivates students
to use English and therefore improves their command of the language.

It is hoped that drama themes such as peace, prosperity, love, sacrifice,

dynamism, integration and / or historical events can instill values amongst
students to be more sensitive and appreciative towards local arts.

2.0 Objectives

2.1 To support the nations efforts to encourage the use of the English
language amongst students

2.2 To encourage students to appreciate drama as it promotes integration and

inculcates moral values

2.3 To provide the opportunity for students and teachers to show their talents
and creativity in the art of dramatization; the usage of English which
incorporates script writing, directing, stage management and other
technical aspects

3.0 General Rules

3.1 This competition is open to all students

3.1.1 with a maximum of 3 from Form 6 (optional)
3.1.2 from government-aided schools except fully residential schools.

3.2 Each team comprises a maximum of 15 participants (including the

technical crew: stage manager, technical coordinator, set and prop
assistant, prompter) and two teachers-in-charge.
3.2.1 A minimum of 7 members of the team should act and speak.

3.3 All team members must be from the same school.

3.4 The winning team will represent the state at the national level.

3.5 Duration of stage performance is limited to 20 minutes.

3.6 The drama should incorporate at least one of the following themes:
 3.6.1 Patriotism
3.6.2 Love
3.6.3 Socio-cultural
3.6.4 Dynamism
3.6.5 Harmony
3.6.6 Historical Events
3.6.7 Myths / Legends

3.7 Participating teams are encouraged to produce their own scripts. Scripts
or translated scripts of established plays must be adapted.

3.8 Drama scripts and synopsis should be typed using Font 12 Times New
Roman on A4 paper and sent to the Organising Committee two weeks
before the competition proper. School names and states should not be
written on the scripts and synopsis. Synopsis and cast list should be
included in the script.

3.9 Judging is based on these criteria:-

3.9.1 Creativity of Drama 35 %

3.9.2 Language 30 %

3.9.3 Overall Coordination & Presentation 25 %

3.9.4 Positive Values / Message 10 %

Total 100%

3.10 Teams which do not abide by the rules will be penalized.

4.0 Guidelines

4.1 Language

4.1.1 It is compulsory to use English language throughout the drama

presentation. Nevertheless, limited use of certain local Malaysian
registers is allowed.
4.1.2 Use of vulgar words is strictly prohibited.
4.1.3 Scripts must not touch on sensitive issues such as race, religion,
politics, colour, personalities, etc.

4.2 Theme

4.2.1 The drama must portray the selected theme(s). This criterion will be
evaluated through the script and presentation.
4.2.2 Themes must not touch on sensitive issues such as race, religion,
politics, colour, personalities, etc.
 4.2.3 Positive values should be prominently portrayed throughout the
drama.

4.3 Costumes

4.3.1 Participants should wear appropriate and decent clothes that suit
the characters they portray.

4.4 Set and Props

4.4.1 Minimise the use of set and props. All equipment and its operation
is the responsibility of every participating team.
4.4.2 Sets and props should not hinder the movement of the team
members on stage.
4.4.3 Use of sharp objects (such as knives, keris, etc.), fire, inflammable
and dangerous chemical substances is strictly prohibited.
4.4.4 Each team is responsible for the setting up (5 minutes) and clearing
of sets and props (5 minutes). Only the 15 participants are allowed
on / behind the stage throughout the drama.
4.4.5 Safety of sets and props should be ensured at all times.
4.4.6 Drawing of curtains is not allowed at all times.

4.5 Music

4.5.1 Each team should have technical assistant(s) only from the team
members to coordinate music and recordings.
4.5.2 All equipment and its operation is the responsibility of every
participating team.

4.6 Lighting and Additional Equipment for Special Effects

4.6.1 Participants can utilise their own additional equipment. However,

the equipment used must be suitable on stage and should not
disrupt the flow of the drama presentation.
4.6.2 Each team is responsible to coordinate lighting and special effects.

4.7 Demeanour

4.7.1 Participants should not portray indecent actions, excessive

movements that are provocative.
4.7.2 The presentation should take into account the comfort and safety of
the audience and actors.
 4.8 Duration of Time

4.8.1 Time allocated for each presentation is 20 minutes. The timing of

the presentation starts with the first movement, first word uttered by
the actor(s) or any sound effects.

4.9 Adjudication

4.9.1 There will be a panel of five judges at the state and national levels.
4.9.2 The team with the majority of votes will be declared the winner.
4.9.3 The decision of the judges is final.

4.10 Prizes

Prizes are awarded as follows:-

4.10.1 Champion
4.10.2 Second
4.10.3 Third
4.10.4 Two Consolation Prizes
4.10.5 Best Script
4.10.6 Best Performer

Co-curriculum and Arts Division

Ministry of Education
 DRAMA COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS
NATIONAL LEVEL YEAR _______

OVERALL POSITIVE
CREATIVITY OF LANGUAGE COORDINATION VALUES / PENALTY
DRAMA AND MESSAGE (max.
PRESENTATION 5 marks)
(35 marks) (30 marks) (25 marks) (10 marks)

Creative / Words clearly Flow of Drama Positive Values

Innovative ideas articulated; between Cast, emphasised /
P
in presentation comprehensible Delivery; Interplay projected
(20 marks) (30 marks) and cooperation (10 marks) T T L
emphasised; I O A
T C
within the M T
E I
Storyline & allocated time E A
A NG
development of (20 marks) L
M
ideas, dramatic
structure in plot
(10 marks)

Props Effective
(5 marks) utilisation of
space
(5 marks)

8
 DRAMA COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS
NATIONAL LEVEL YEAR _______

OVERALL POSITIVE
CREATIVITY OF LANGUAGE COORDINATION VALUES / PENALTY
DRAMA AND MESSAGE (max.
PRESENTATION 5 marks)
(35 marks) (30 marks) (25 marks) (10 marks)

Creative / Words clearly Flow of Drama Positive Values

Innovative ideas articulated; between Cast, emphasised /
P
in presentation comprehensible Delivery; Interplay projected
(20 marks) (30 marks) and cooperation (10 marks) T T L
emphasised; I O A
T C
within the M T
E I
Storyline & allocated time E A
A NG
development of (20 marks) L
M
ideas, dramatic
structure in plot
(10 marks)

Props Effective
(5 marks) utilisation of
space
(5 marks)

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Name of Adjudicator: ______________________

Signature: ______________________
Date: ______________________
 FREQUENCY COUNT

DRAMA COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

NATIONAL LEVEL YEAR _______

ADJUDICATOR

PLACING TIME 1 2 3 4 5
RESULT
TEAM NUMBER

Name of Chief Judge: _________________ Signature: ____________

Name and Signature:

Adjudicator 2: ________________________________

Adjudicator 3: ________________________________

Adjudicator 4: ________________________________

Adjudicator 5: ________________________________
 DRAMA COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS
NATIONAL LEVEL YEAR _______

BEST SCRIPT

TITLE SYNOPSIS LANGUAGE FLOW OF THEME, POSITIVE

CAST, DIALOGUE VALUES /
MESSAGE

(30 marks) (40 marks) (20 marks) (10 marks)

P
T
O L
T Storyline Language Thematization Positive A
T
E development sequence, clarity, Dialogues values C
A
A creativity and / or usage of correct Character dev. emphasised / I
L
M originality grammar, and Flow projected N
(20 marks) error-free script Cohesion (10 marks) G
(40 marks) (20 marks)

Plot Impact
(10 marks)

Name of Adjudicator: ______________________________

Signature: ______________________________

Date: ______________________________
 DRAMA COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS
NATIONAL LEVEL YEAR _______

BEST SCRIPT

TITLE SYNOPSIS LANGUAGE FLOW OF THEME, POSITIVE

CAST, DIALOGUE VALUES /
MESSAGE

(30 marks) (40 marks) (20 marks) (10 marks)

P
T
O L
T Storyline Language Thematization Positive A
T
E development sequence, clarity, Dialogues values C
A
A creativity and / or usage of correct Character dev. emphasised / I
L
M originality grammar, and Flow projected N
(20 marks) error-free script Cohesion (10 marks) G
(40 marks) (20 marks)

Plot Impact
(10 marks)

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Name of Adjudicator: ______________________________

Signature: ______________________________

Date: ______________________________
 RESULT

DRAMA COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

NATIONAL LEVEL YEAR _________

PLACING TEAM NUMBER STATE / SCHOOL

CHAMPION

SECOND

THIRD

BEST SCRIPT

BEST PERFORMER

Name of Chief Adjudicator : ________________________

Signature : ________________________

Date : ________________________
 DRAMA COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

SCOPE OF ADJUDICATION: A GUIDE

CREATIVITY OF DRAMA LANGUAGE OVERALL POSITIVE

COORDINATION & VALUES /
PRESENTATION MESSAGE
Freshness or Dialogues Emphasise Well
uniqueness of the content Overall interplay & projected
New / unusual / different pronunciation / cooperation
perspective comprehensible Team members
Storyline Words work well together
Development properly Many characters
Plot projected have significant
Coordination: scenes & Voice roles in the play
timing consistent with Enjoyable
(Music and theme) the character presentation &
(Music and scenes) Lines & cues pleasing to the
Dialogues memorised well audience
Costumes Language Choreography
Suitable props spread Music effect
 FREQUENCY COUNT

DRAMA COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

NATIONAL LEVEL YEAR ________________

BEST PERFORMER / ACTOR

Team No. Role in Play and Name Overall Best Performer

Name of Chief Adjudicator : ________________________

Signature : ________________________

Date : ________________________

FREQUENCY COUNT
 DRAMA COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS
NATIONAL LEVEL YEAR _______
BEST SCRIPT

ADJUDICATOR

PLACING 1 2 3 4 5
RESULT
TEAM NUMBER

Name of Chief Adjudicator: _________________ Signature: ____________

Name and Signature:

Adjudicator 2: ________________________________

Adjudicator 3: ________________________________

Adjudicator 4: ________________________________

Adjudicator 5: ________________________________