The Plays

To Be Advised​

The Rules

The competition is open to all amateur theatrical companies, or groups of amateur players,

who are required to perform a one-act play or an excerpt from a full-length play.

An amateur player is one who does not derive his/her principal source of income from the performing arts.

• Duration between 20 minutes minimum, and 45 minutes maximum

• Any entry that does not adhere to this rule will be penalised

• The play can be a drama, a comedy, a farce, or a musical play

• Minimum of two speaking parts

• Basic set and props requirements

The Adjudicator

The Theatre Festival Adjudicator for 2025 is to be advised.

​The Prizes

The Best Production of the Festival will win the Trans-Tasman Trophy

and a prize of $2,000 generously sponsored by The Bounty Centre.

Cash prizes and trophies are offered for Runner up to Best Production, Best Male Actor, Best Female Actor, and Best Director. Cash prizes will also be awarded to Runner Up Best Male Actor and Runner Up Best Female Actor. If there are sufficient entries, prizes will be awarded to the Best Original Script, Best Youth Entry and the Best Musical Play. Other prizes will be awarded at the discretion of the adjudicator. Written adjudication reports will be provided following the competition.   The adjudicator’s decision is final.

The Venue

The plays will be performed in The Ferny Lane Theatre. The stage measures approximately 12 metres wide by 4.5 metres deep and the performance area is about 10 x 4.5 metres. Seating capacity is 140. The stage is not amplified but the acoustics are excellent. Lighting facilities include coloured LEDs. Please enquire for details. There are no traverse tabs. The stage is carpeted. 

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​​Registration

A registration fee of AUS$100.00 is payable for each entry. This is non-refundable.

Any group may enter up to two plays. A fee is payable for each entry.

​Clean copies of the script are required by 31 May 2025. Emailed copies are preferred. NATS reserves the right to accept or reject entries and to vary conditions for the benefit of the Festival. Profanity in context is permitted.  

​You are responsible for the payment of performance rights for your entry. 

​Although Medicare now extends to Norfolk Island, travel insurance is strongly recommended. NATS cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage to participants or their property occasioned in connection with the Festival.

​Workshops
Two workshops on different areas of theatre craft will be offered. Details will be advised later.

The Program
Each group will be allotted rehearsal time on stage on the day of their performance and a brief technical rehearsal at the discretion of the Stage Manager.
The proposed program for the week is :

• Sunday evening Welcome to competitors

• Monday evening Free evening

• Tuesday evening Performances

• Wednesday evening Performances

• Thursday evening Performances

• Friday evening Presentation dinner and announcement of winners

​Times for the workshops and technical rehearsals will be decided when the number of entries is known. The program for the week may be modified depending on the number of entries and is subject to any change in airline schedules.

Youth Section
We encourage participation by younger actors and offer a “Youth Trophy”. For an entry to be considered for this trophy no performer shall have attained his/her 20th birthday on 31 May 2025. The trophy will not be awarded if there are fewer than three Youth entries. Youth entries are eligible for all other prizes.
Musical Plays
A prize will be awarded to the Best Musical play, provided there are at least three entries in this category.
These entries are eligible for all other prizes.
Best Original Script
A prize will be awarded to the Best Original Script, being one which has not been published, provided there are at least three entries in this category.
Tickets
Individual tickets will be available for all performances and functions:

SAVE MONEY AND PURCHASE A SEASON PASS!!!

We offer special Performers’ Season tickets for performers and crew taking active part in the competition.

Season tickets and those for the Welcome and Presentation dinner must be pre-purchased.

Individual tickets must also be pre-purchased.

How to Enter
To register for the Theatre Festival, please complete the online application form including payment of the $100 fee.
 

Please let us have your entry details as soon as you have finalised them, but no later than 31 May 2025.
This information is required for inclusion in the printed programme.

Theatre in Paradise offer you stiff competition, an opportunity to learn from an experienced teacher, a chance to make new friends who share your love of theatre, plenty of fun, and of course the pleasure of visiting Norfolk Island.
We look forward to seeing you in 2025.