Rules and Regulations

Rules and Regulations

• Round No 1, you have the opportunity to supply us with video clips of your performances. If approved, you will be selected as a Black Star on Team New Zealand.
• A Boot Camp and showcase will be held in Auckland. This event is not mandatory but performers are encouraged to attend this event as the experience will be well worth it in preparation for WCOPA.
• Upon a successful audition you will be supplied with a WCOPA pack with all the relevant information regarding participation at WCOPA.
• You will receive a letter to support you in your fundraising efforts.
• Round No 2 is the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles.
• The time limit for performances is 60 seconds.
• The competition is open for amateurs and professional performers.
• All travel and accommodation cost, entry fees and expenses will be for the contestant’s own account as stipulated in WCOPA pack.
• The judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
• An official contestant must be a citizen/resident/work permit holder in good standing of NZ, may be an amateur or professional, must have been qualified and invited, and must comply with the rules and regulations established by the WCOPA. In the event of a qualifying contestant not able to travel to LA, the organizers will have additional auditions to find a suitable replacement. An “Official Contestant’s Handbook” will be handed to each qualifying contestant describing details of and codes for the global competition.

Judging Criteria

Judging Criteria for WCOPA (World Championships of Performing Arts)

Overall Judging Criteria: Special emphasis will be placed on the entertainment and marketing value during judging. This in no way takes away from the technical aspect of the performances. Judges are looking for that special charisma and stage presence that top entertainers have, and who is marketable? Keep in mind as important as it is to have your performance technically correct, it is even more important to keep it entertaining. PERFORMANCE TIMES OF ONE MINUTE (60 SECONDS) ARE STICTLY ENFORCED, Contestants with the highest scores by panels of judges in respective events are the winners. Contestant may only enter a style in a category once. Open Categories may be used for second performance of the same style.

Music Rules

All music must be “compact disc”. CDs are required to ensure the quality of the competitions and final show. Each performance must be on a separate CD. Each CD must have a label with contestants (or group’s) name, event, style, and age category. Example: John Doe, Dance, Jazz and 16-17 years. Please bring at least two (2) back-up CDs for each performance. Completed Original music is always encouraged for all styles, categories and competitions in which music is used.

Time Limits: The time limit for all performances is sixty (60) seconds. All rounds and the finals are sixty (60) seconds. A 25% deduction will be taken for any performance going over the time limit. Time will begin when the music starts and will stop when the music stops. Remember, you may go under the time limit but not over!

Performance Prompting: Parents, family, friends, agents, hairdressers, dressers, teachers or make-up artist are not allowed behind the stage before or during competitions.

Dance Rules:

Judging Categories: Stage Presence, Originality of Material, Technique, Style, and Entertainment Value are all considered during the scoring process.

Acrobatic & Gymnastic Moves - Acrobatic moves and tumbling passes are allowed in Acro/Gymnastic and Production numbers. Dance should be incorporated throughout the routine.

Lip Syncs and Vocalizations - Small isolated lip syncs and vocalizations are allowed in all categories. Total song lip syncs should go in Open, and dance with total song vocalizations in the form of singing should go in Song & Dance.

Ballet  - a classical and character work performed in ballet slippers or pointe shoes showing ballet technique whether classical, neo-classical or contemporary.

Jazz  - a routine where dancers execute free form movement and styling characteristic of jazz dance whether in jazz or character shoes of any kind, half-soles or bare feet.

Tap  - a routine where dancers wear tap shoes and execute tap technique.

Clogging  - a routine where dancers wear clogging shoes and execute clogging technique including but not limited to rhythmic patterns and formations.

Song & Dance – a routine where contestant(s) sing and dance, with at least 50% being dance.

Acro/Gymnastic  – a routine consisting of controlled acrobatic and/or gymnastic movements involving balance and flexibility. Routine must include choreography, dance technique and fluid movement. (Preference – no mats.)

Lyrical - a routine where dancers interpret the lyrics or mood (intent) of a song (with or without words). This form includes the use of legwork, balance, and facial and body emotion.

Ethnic/Folkloric  - a routine consisting of dance styles of a particular ethnic group.

Hip Hop/Funk  – a routine where the majority of the content is “street wise” jazz or contemporary jazz considered as hip-hop or funk.

Open  – a routine combining any forms of dance styles or a routine that does not fit any category listed.

Musical Theater/Character  – a routine interpreting a song from a “Broadway” or movie musical, or a routine portraying a character from a play, movie, television show or a stereotype (i.e. doctor, policeman, etc.) through any style of dance.

Ballroom – a routine with partners in the following styles: Tango, Salsa, Freestyle, Swing, Waltz

Production Line - Minimum of twenty (20) participants but all of them do not have to be on the floor at the same time. Dancers of all ages and all styles of dance may be used in the production. Singing, props and costume changes are welcome but must be handled by group and accomplished in the 60 seconds.

(*Note: Original music is always encouraged for all styles when possible.)

Vocal Rules (Vocal Solos and Vocal Groups)

Microphones -. Please keep in mind not all types of microphones may be available. Every effort will be made to accommodate your needs. However, keep in mind a professional performer can make needed adjustments. Vocal Self-Accompaniment (piano, guitar, etc.) includes all 14 vocal styles. Only in Vocal Self-Accompaniment may an instrument be used. In vocal, all music must be pre-recorded on a CD. A pianist (or other) accompanying a vocalist does NOT qualify as “vocal self-accompaniment”. The pianist (or other) accompanying a vocalist must be on a CD.

Judging Categories - appropriate song and lyrics for age and talent, correct vocal range, pitch and tone quality, diction, enunciation and elocution, voice projection, strong self image, body movements, stage presence, handling of microphone, breath control and over all entertainment value will all be judged. Original music is always encouraged for all styles when possible.

Modeling Rules (SOLO ONLY. No group modeling.)

Stage Size : The stage is shaped like a “T”. It is approximately 6 feet wide and 21 feet long. You will enter at the top of the runway section of the T then work the runway section.

Music : Appropriate music will be provided for the style of modeling. Swimwear and Casual Runway will be upbeat while Formal will be slow.

Modeling Pattern: Contestants will enter from stage right or left, go to the top of the runway, continue down the runway and then to stage left to pose then to stage right to pose. This is only a suggestion. You may work the runway in your own style. Please do NOT use props of any kind. During the spokesmodel event the contestant will go to the end of the stage and do a maximum of a 60 second commercial, announcement or monologue. The contestant must carry any props on and off stage with NO assistance. Do not bring props on from the audience. All modeling contestants moving to the final showcase competition will be expected to walk runway style and must have on formal attire. Spokesmodels will be considered for finals under the acting category.

Runway Casual - Clothes should be sportswear casual (jacket and pants). No costumes!

Swimwear- One or two piece swimwear is to be worn. No thongs are to be worn. Swimsuit should cover buttocks.

Formal - Females: Formal wear should be modest. Remember less is not better! Men: Tuxedos or black suit. Model finalists (female and male) will be determined from points in swimwear and runway. During finals

Photo model - When you line up for photo model you must have at least one but not more than three photos (black and white or color; no frames or mats accepted). All photographs must have a typed label with your first and last name, age group, and photo release signature from the photographer. During photo modeling, you will be asked to stand on the runway… no modeling! Staff has the right to disqualify provocative photos lacking in good taste. DO NOT SEND PHOTOS WITH REGISTRATION!

Acting RULES:

All acting performances and routines must be in good taste and suitable for families. Routines lacking good taste may be disqualified. All props used during acting must be carried on and off stage by contestant.

“Comical” may be Stand up or Variety ( comedy routine integrated with magic, puppets, etc.) Note: A comedian can also enter “Acting – Comical” as another potential category for comedy competition.

“Open” may be another category for comedy competition .

Instrumentalist Rules

Stage - Exact dimensions and set-up details will be provided at registration.

Equipment - You must provide all equipment you need including amps and cords. We will provide mikes and sound system to mike non-electric instruments.

Instrumentalist may enter solo or group.

(*Note: Original music is always encouraged for all styles when possible.)

Description of Variety

“ Three and under props ” – Variety act using three or less props in the act. Example: Baton twirler using three or less batons.

“Four and over props ” – Variety act using over four props in the act. Example: Juggler using 10 items to juggle.

“Assistant ” – Variety act where the person needs an assistant to perform. Example: Magician using a female or male to assist in the performance.

“No assistant ” – Variety act where the person does not use an assistant. Example: Magician performing close up magic where there is no need for an assistant.

(*Note: Original music is always encouraged for all styles when possible.) 

Sportsmanship

This is an international event with people traveling from all corners of the globe. It is important to always use good sportsmanship. Instructors, teachers, and parents should set the example. Everyone will be focused on the “gold medal” in each age division and every category and style. However, all contestants have the opportunity to be seen. Any show of bad sportsmanship may cost you a valuable opportunity!

Glossary of Terms