The David Awards
FCT’s individual and small-group competition at the 2027 Nationals
The David Awards showcase a student’s individual talents in acting, singing, and dancing. They are entirely optional and not required for a troupe’s participation in the FCT troupe competition.
Heart of Worship & Expression
The David Award is presented to a competitor who shines their light for Christ through an exceptional performance in song, dance, or acting.
Like King David, this recipient demonstrates a passionate heart for God, authentic expression, courage, excellence, and a willingness to use their gifts to inspire others. The David Award recognizes a performer who understands that true worship flows from the heart and that our God-given talents can be used with passion, humility, excellence, and complete devotion to Him.
More than outstanding talent, the David Award honors a performer whose heart shines through their performance.
Categories
- Monologues — individual
- Small group acting — 2 to 5 students
- Musical vocal numbers — solo, duet, trio, or quartet
- Musical dance numbers — solo, duet, trio, or quartet
Cost
- $15 per student, per entry
Program directors register entries through Troupe Manager, the same site used for troupe registration.
Rules & Guidelines
- Entrants must be on the cast or alternates of a troupe registered for Nationals.
- This is a competition to showcase a student’s individual talents. No full group musical numbers or scenes are allowed.
- All content must follow FCT guidelines. Family-friendly language and content only.
- All material must come from a play or musical. No original work, and no content from television or film.
- 5 students maximum per entry, regardless of category.
- 3-minute time limit.
- Each program may enter up to 5 entries.
- Each student may be part of up to 2 entries, and only one of them may be an individual (solo) entry. For example, a student cannot enter two solo musical numbers, but may enter a solo musical number and a small group number.
- No costumes, sets, or props.
- Acts may use up to 4 acting blocks if needed.
Round 1
Video Submission
- All videos must be submitted by 11:59 pm on November 30th, in the correct format.
- Students slate at the beginning of each video with their name, troupe name, and the title of the song or piece. For example: “Hello, I am John Smith from 123 Theatrics. I will be performing ‘Defying Gravity’ from the musical Wicked.”
- No costumes, props, or sets. Students should wear appropriate clothing suitable for their act.
- Videos should have clear audio and video.
- Once a video is submitted, no changes can be made: the song, monologue, or scene and the students performing it can no longer be changed.
- Videos are scored by a panel of adjudicators, who choose the entries invited to an in-person callback during the Nationals weekend.
Round 2
In-Person Callbacks
- The top 20 entries from all categories are invited to callbacks at Nationals.
- Students perform the same song, monologue, scene, or dance from their video in front of a panel of adjudicators.
- No changes can be made to what is performed or who performs it.
- Students are responsible for providing their own tracks.
- Students should wear an appropriate all-black outfit.
- Students begin their callback with the same slate as their video.
Round 3
Final Performance
- Once callbacks are complete, the top 10 acts move on to the final round.
- The 10 finalists perform for all competition attendees.
- Students do not slate.
- Students should wear an appropriate all-black outfit.
The Awards
The distinguished David Award honors the overall top 10 performers or groups, across all divisions, in:
David Award — Acting
David Award — Vocal Performance
David Award — Dance