Maintaining the “level playing field” philosophy.

1. Total maximum length of each production is 60 minutes. This includes introductions, mood music, lighting effects, sound effects or any action that may be used to initiate the action of the production. The complete cessation of action (as previously described) will complete the timing period. Curtain calls are considered part of the 60 minute performing time.

2. Each company will approach the performing space as a “blank stage.” Each company is allowed a maximum of ten minutes set-up time to transform the “blank stage” into the performance space. During the ten-minute strike following the performance, the performing space must be returned to the “blank stage” – just as it was found (this includes the backstage and light/sound booth areas). Set-up and strike times are separate and apart from the 60-minute production time.

a. Each production must have its set, props, costumes, special lighting equipment, printed material, sound equipment, recorded medium, musical instruments, etc. start and finish inside “the box” which is approximately 100 sq ft. This includes all production elements AND personal items (i.e. water bottles, throat lozenges, towels, make-up applied during the show, scripts, food, etc.).

b. Actors, company stage manager, lighting and sound technicians or anyone helping with the set-up must be in or immediately adjacent to “the box”. This does not include house technicians.

c. The 10-minute setup period begins with the “GO” command from the company spokesperson.

d. Checking sound and/or lighting cues are a function of the technical rehearsal time and may not be done during the set up time; however, a sound and/or light check to ensure that equipment is working is allowed during the set-up.

e. After completing the set-up the company returns to the box. The company sound and light technicians can remain in the “booth”. The set-up period ends on the “STOP” command from the company spokesperson. NOTHING may be added to the set once the set up time is completed until the start of the performance.

f. After the set-up, the company need not immediately begin their production. They may take time to get to their preset positions. They may not, however, significantly delay the start of the competition piece.

g. After the production is concluded, the company proceeds to the box. NOTHING may be removed from the set between the end of the production and the start of the strike timing. The strike begins on the “GO” command from the company spokesperson. Strike includes removing all production elements and any debris left on the stage after the production (this does not include the spike tape which will be removed at a time designated by the CCTC Festival Stage Manager.) The strike ends on the stop command from the company spokesperson.

3. During the technical rehearsal time, each company will be allotted 80 minutes to use at their discretion to tech, rehearse, and spike their show. Each company must be loaded out or to an appropriate staging or holding area by the end of their tech time.

4. Competing companies will remove their set from the facility after their performance round or at a time appointed.

5. Questions concerning interpretation of the rules will not be answered once the set-up has begun. Theater technicians will answer only questions concerning operation of the technical aspects of the theater and safety concerns. All rule questions should be directed to the AACT Commission Representative.

FAQ's

What may be presented?

A production entered in the festival process may be a cutting of a full-length play or musical, a one-act play, or any other performance of a theatrical nature.

Who may not perform?

Persons who receive more than 25 percent of an annual "living wage" as income from work as actors in live performances, or are active members of Actors Equity at any time during the festival cycle in which they are to appear. All performers are required to sign the Affidavit of AACTFest Actor Eligibility.

What theatre companies are eligble to enter?

Any amateur theatre organized for at least one year prior to the state festival, which has produced at least two shows prior to the state festival entry, and is governed by a board from the community, is eligible to enter the festival process. Companies from city or county recreational departments, universities, colleges, military bases, etc. must have a governing board from the community, separate from the umbrella organization. The CCTC Board of Directors will consider any interested theatre companies for entry into the festival on a case-by-case basis.

What kind of special effects can we use and can we use simulated weapons?

Rules and laws dealing with the use, handling and possession of special effects materials pyrotechnics and weapons vary greatly between facilities and locales. Please contact CCTC for information on the restrictions placed on any types of weapons, flame devices, or special effects equipment.

Why are there so many rules?

The concept behind the Festival process is to provide a level playing field for all participants.

If you have questions concerning the rules for Main Stage Productions, contact CCTC at info@cctcfestival.com