1.  STAGE PRESENTATION : 15 marks

Although not scientific, the STAGE PRESENTATION section might be roughly broken down into the following sub categories:

Set Scenery, Props: 5 Marks

• If the performance space is a bare stage marks will not be lost providing it is appropriate for the style, genre, and creative interpretation of the text.
• Are the setting, props, and scenery appropriate to the social and historical context of the piece?
• Is the setting practical for the performers. Here we often see positioning of furniture restricting blocking.

Costume, Make up, Masks: 5 Marks

• It is important to have a “Top to Toe” checklist for each individual character.  This is especially important for a play which has a specific historical /social context. Too often we see inappropriate accessories and style.  A major mistake is often footwear.  For example, recently I witnessed a young actress wearing converse shoes in a Victorian melodrama! Also consider detail such as jewellery, piercings, and tattoos.
• All blacks are acceptable if appropriate to the production, especially in a physical theatre style. The addition of accessories can be valuable in multi role work, however, change over and use of these needs to be stylised and swift.
• Masks can be highly effective, but only if the physicality of the performers also depicts the character and the emotion.  Vocal skills need to be strong if dialogue is to be used.

Sound, Lighting, Technology: 5 Marks

All these elements need to be executed with utmost precision, and can enhance a production creating mood, atmosphere and setting.

• Lighting can be a distraction – for example, the use of unnecessary blackouts and follow spots.
• Volume of music/sound effects can drown out vital dialogue and prove to be uncomfortable for your audience.  One of my memorable experiences was the sound of a helicopter.  It was so excruciatingly loud that the audience were on the verge of taking cover under their seats!
• Too often a very key moment of a play can be ruined when very effective music just cuts off rather than slowly fading away.
• We now see more use of projection in a variety of styles and genres, clearly the inspiration of the contemporary work such as Katie Mitchell and Frantic Assembly.