Competition Entry (Optional)
The competitions are open to everyone! They are not about winning or losing, but about ability, encouragement, progression, and passing on ideas to each other. There is a panel of judges, who use a set criteria to evaluate your presentation and to give you the feedback to encourage you to excel even further in your ministry. Due to time restraint, there are a limited number of places for the competitions and these are often fully booked,so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Purposes of Competition
Participants in the Festival Competition are reminded that the overall purpose of performing is to minister and to share their ministry with others.
Teams benefit from receiving written feedback from qualified judges.
Competition allows ministry teams to share material they have been working on.
Observers can gain many new ideas from watching others perform.
The challenge of competition encourages participants to work hard and do their best.
Types of Competition:
Please review the Judging Criteria below to help you choose the correct type of competition you wish to be entered as. You may also enter in the Competition as a Showcase (un-judged) piece if you do not want the judges feedback or your piece does not fit into the types listed below.
Puppet Song
Puppet Skits or Ventriloquism
Clown Skits or Mime Routines
Stick Ministry or Human Videos
Hand Mime
Entry Limitations
Each church/organization may enter once in the competition. The number of entries will be limited due to time constraints, so register early to be sure you're included in the competition. Entries are taken on a first come/first served basis.
Time Limits
The time limit for your presentation is five minutes. One point will be deducted from each judge's score sheet for each 30 seconds overtime. Any entry going more than two minutes overtime will be disqualified. You need not try to fill the entire time allotment. It is better to strive for QUALITY not quantity.
Set-Up Time
Plan to be ready to perform within three minutes after you enter the stage. One point will be deducted from each judge's score sheet for each minute of delay beyond the three-minute allotment for setup. All props, scenery, or other equipment should be quickly put in place and removed immediately after the performance.
Competition Evaluation
Entries in the competitions will each receive Gold, Silver, or Bronze awards based on the judges' evaluations of each performing group. The judges may present additional awards for outstanding puppetry technique, exceptional use of props and scenery, originality, and best portrayal of our festival theme. In addition to the judges' awards, each group attending the festival will vote for one group to receive the "People's Choice" award.
Bonus/Penalty Information
Bonus points may be awarded for originality of material, special effects, outstanding live voices, or overall excellence of the presentation. One point will be deducted from each judge sheet for each 30 seconds of "overtime" beyond the time limit. Teams will be disqualified if time exceeds limit by two minutes or more.
Be ready to perform within three minutes after you enter the stage. One point will be deducted from each judge's score sheet for each minute of delay beyond the three minute allotment for setup. (See above section on Time Limits for more information.)
Puppet Stage Set-Up
Due to time and space limitations, groups who enter the competition are not allowed to use their own puppet stages. A stage and sound system will be provided for all groups to use. The stage will have two levels. Puppeteers on the lower level perform from a kneeling position, while those performing on the upper level stand. Please bring your own kneeling pads or benches. Props need to be hand-held, free-standing, or draped over the curtain.
Sound, Props, Scenery & Tech
All performance media must be in CD format. We are unable to accept cassettes, DVDs, MP3s, or other types. You will need to supply whatever kneeling pads or other materials you need for your shorter puppeteers to kneel or stand on.
NO pyrotechnics or fog - This means that the use of electric flash pots, electric confetti cannon, and flash paper is prohibited in any competition piece. Fog machines, smoke-in-a-can and similar smoke effects are also not allowed. Violaters will be disqualified.
C02 confetti cannon loaded with streamers only (no confetti) and similar non-flame effects are allowable. However, any residue from streamers or other "messy" special effects should be cleaned up immediately by the team causing the residue. Failure to do so will result in penalty points.
All props should be either "freestanding" or hand-held. Do not assume that there will be any type of prop rack available. All scenery should be of a lightweight type that can be draped over the stage or hung from the stage pipes or bars.
If you have any queries regarding the festival or the competitions-please email; events@creativemin.com or call our events department on 303-567-8800 or 800-569-4537
