FOR

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

RULES AND GUIDELINES

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 can also instill values amongst students to be more
sensitive and appreciative towards local arts.

2.0

3.0

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 dramatisation; the usage of English which
incorporates script writing, directing, stage management and other
technical aspects.

Competition 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 under the purview of the Ministry of
Education.

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 It is encouraged that the majority of the team members act and
speak. This will work in favour of the team.
3.2.2 Performance should be confined to the stage only.

3.3

All team members must be from the same school.

3.4

The duration of performance is limited to 20 minutes.

3.5

The selection of theme is open but should not touch on sensitive issues
for instance, race, religion, stereotyping, politics etc.

3.6

Participating teams are encouraged to produce their own scripts. Scripts

or translated scripts of established plays must be adapted and cited.

3.7

Drama scripts must include synopses and cast lists and be typed using
Font 12 Times New Roman on A4 paper. Scripts should be sent to the
Organising Committee two weeks before the competition proper.

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 & Performance

25 %

3.9.4 Positive Values / Message(s)

10 %

Total
3.10
4.0

100%

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

Guidelines
4.1

Language
4.1.1 It is compulsory to use English language throughout the drama
performance. Nevertheless, limited use of certain local Malaysian
registers is allowed.
4.1.2 Use of vulgar words and gestures and gruesome scenes are strictly
prohibited.
4.1.3 Scripts must not touch on sensitive issues for instance, race,
religion, politics, etc.

4.2

Theme
4.2.1 Themes reflecting positive messages and values should be
predominant in the drama.

4.3

Costumes
4.3.1 Participants should wear appropriate costumes in line with the
characters they portray.
2

4.4

Set and Props

4.4.1 The use of sets and props should be minimised. The management
and use of all equipment is the direct responsibility of each
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 (for instance 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 or 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 between scenes.
4.5

Music
4.5.1 Each team should have technical assistant(s) from the team
members to coordinate music and recordings.

4.6

Lighting and Additional Equipment for Special Effects

4.6.1 Participants may bring 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 for managing lighting and special effects.

4.7

Demeanour
4.7.1 Participants should not portray indecent actions or 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

uttered by
thereafter.

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
the actor(s) or any sound effects. Marks will be deducted
3

4.8.2 Each team is responsible for the setting up (5 minutes) and clearing
of sets and props (5 minutes).
4.9

Adjudication
4.9.1 There will be a panel of five judges at the state and national levels.
4.9.1.1

The judges for the national level will be appointed by

the Division of Co-curriculum and Arts, Ministry of
Education.

4.9.2 Penalty: A total of 5 marks will be deducted if:

4.9.2.1

sensitive issues are touched

4.9.2.2

performance is below or above stipulated time

4.9.2.3

stipulated exclusions under competition guidelines are

infringed

4.9.2.4

use of vulgar words and gestures as well as gruesome

scenes are present.

4.9.3 Points will be awarded according to the scoresheet.

4.9.4 The team with the majority of votes will be declared the winner.
4.9.5 Individual team marks will not be disclosed.
4.9.6 The decision of the judges is final.
4.9.7 Leaflets are not to be distributed to the judges.
4.9 Prizes
Prizes are awarded as follows:4.10.1 Champion
4.10.2 Second Prize winner
4.10.3 Third Prize winner
4.10.4 Two Consolation Prize winners
4.10.5 Best Performer

4.10.6 Plaques and certificates of achievement will be awarded to the

winning teams. Certificates of participation will be awarded to all
participating teams.
Note:

The winning teams from the previous year may participate in the current year but
the text and performance must not be an exact replica.

This concept paper is valid until further notification or revision from the Ministry of
Education and can be used at all levels for competitions organized by the
Ministry.

Division of Co-curriculum and Arts

Ministry of Education, Malaysia

FOR
SECONDARY SCHOOLS

ADJUDICATION FORMS

DRAMA COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

SCOPE OF ADJUDICATION: A GUIDE

CREATIVITY OF DRAMA

Freshness or
uniqueness of the content
New / unusual / different
perspective
Storyline
Development
Plot
Coordination: scenes &
timing
(Music and theme)
(Music and scenes)
Dialogues
Costumes
Suitable props

LANGUAGE

Dialogues
Overall
pronunciation /
comprehensible
Words
properly
projected
Voice
consistent with
the character
Lines & cues
memorised well
Language
spread

OVERALL
COORDINATION &
PERFORMANCE

Emphasise
interplay &
cooperation
Team members
work well together
Many characters
have significant
roles in the play
Enjoyable
performance &
pleasing to the
audience
Choreography
Music effect

POSITIVE
VALUES /
MESSAGE

Well
projected

TIME SHEET

DRAMA COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

NATIONAL LEVEL YEAR ___________

Team No.

Setting up of
Sets & Props
(5 minutes)

Stage Performance
(20 minutes)

Clearing of
Sets & Props
(5 minutes)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

Timekeeper's
Name
Signature
Date
7

DRAMA COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

NATIONAL LEVEL YEAR _______

T
E
A
M

CREATIVITY OF
DRAMA

LANGUAGE

(35 marks)

(30 marks)

Creative /
Innovative ideas
in performance
(20 marks)

Words clearly
articulated;
comprehensible
(30 marks)

Storyline &
development of
ideas, dramatic
structure in plot
(10 marks)
Props
(5 marks)

OVERALL
COORDINATION
AND
PERFORMANCE
(25 marks)

POSITIVE
VALUES /
MESSAGE

PENALTY
(max.
5 marks)

(10 marks)

Flow of Drama
between Cast,
Delivery; Interplay
and cooperation
emphasised;
within the
allocated time
(20 marks)

Positive Values
emphasised /
projected
(10 marks)

Sensitive
issues
touched,
below or
above
stipulated
time,
stipulated
exclusions
under
competition
guidelines
infringed,
use of
vulgar
words and
gestures
and
gruesome
scenes

Effective
utilisation of
space
(5 marks)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
8

T
I
M
E

T
O
T
A
L

P
L
A
C
I
NG

DRAMA COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

NATIONAL LEVEL YEAR _______

T
E
A
M

CREATIVITY OF
DRAMA

LANGUAGE

(35 marks)

(30 marks)

Creative /
Innovative ideas
in presentation
(20 marks)

Words clearly
articulated;
comprehensible
(30 marks)

Storyline &
development of
ideas, dramatic
structure in plot
(10 marks)
Props
(5 marks)

OVERALL
COORDINATION
AND
PERFORMANCE
(25 marks)
Flow of Drama
between Cast,
Delivery; Interplay
and cooperation
emphasised;
within the
allocated time
(20 marks)

POSITIVE
VALUES /
MESSAGE

PENALTY
(max.
5 marks)

(10 marks)
Positive Values
emphasised /
projected
(10 marks)

Effective
utilisation of
space
(5 marks)

Sensitive
issues
touched,
below or
above
stipulated
time,
stipulated
exclusions
under
competition
guidelines
infringed,
use of
vulgar
words and
gestures
and
gruesome
scenes

T
I
M
E

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

Judges Name:
Signature:

______________________
______________________
9

Date: ________________

T
O
T
A
L

P
L
A
C
I
NG

FREQUENCY COUNT

DRAMA COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

NATIONAL LEVEL YEAR _______
JUDGE
PLACING

TIME

RESULT

TEAM NUMBER
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Position

Name

Judge 1
Judge 2
Judge 3
Judge 4
Judge 5
Date
10

Signature

FREQUENCY COUNT

DRAMA COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

NATIONAL LEVEL YEAR ________________
BEST PERFORMER

Team No.

Position
Judge 1

Role in Play and Name

Name

Judge 2
Judge 3
Judge 4
Judge 5
Date

11

Overall Best Performer

Signature

FOR
SECONDARY SCHOOLS

RESULTS

RESULT

DRAMA COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

NATIONAL LEVEL YEAR _________
PLACING

TEAM NUMBER

STATE / SCHOOL

CHAMPION
SECOND
THIRD
FIRST CONSOLATION
SECOND CONSOLATION
BEST SCRIPT
BEST PERFORMER

Position
Chief Judge

Name

Judge 1
Judge 2
Judge 3
Judge 4
Date
12

Signature