Perform with excellence.
Compete with purpose.

FCT reserves the right to combine divisions, when necessary, based on registration.

Every troupe performs on both competition days; combined scores determine final results.

1. 15-Minute Cut of Any Show

   Timing begins with the first movement, sound, or music cue. A 1-point deduction is assessed for every 30 seconds over the 15 minutes.

2. Keep It Clean

   Content must be family friendly. Profanity, suggestive or explicit language, sexual references or gestures, violence, drug or alcohol references, and any material that could be considered discriminatory, offensive, or inappropriate for young children are strictly prohibited.

3. Licensing Requirements

   Directors are responsible for obtaining all rights or approved edits needed to perform their cut of the show (MTI, Concord, or other).

4. Respect All Groups

   Be respectful of all troupes during their performance. Parents and friends have priority seating only during their troupe’s performance — move quickly and quietly out of the priority area as soon as your troupe performs. Do not leave during a troupe’s performance.

5. No Costumes

   No costumes, costume pieces, or face paint. Each group should look as uniform as possible so as not to direct attention to certain characters: the same shirts and similar-style pants, shorts, or skirts. Shoes must be worn at all times.

6. No Sets or Props

   No props or set pieces may be used. Four black acting boxes are provided for use by all groups.

7. Soundtracks

   Every group supplies its own tracks and device (iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc.) to plug into the sound board through the provided auxiliary cables. One person from each group runs tracks from the device. Extra vocals cannot be added to tracks.

8. Photography & Videography

   A professional videographer will record and supply a digital copy of one performance, and professional action shots are provided to each group. Audience members may not obstruct the view of others with phones or other recording devices.

Your competition cut is your troupe’s opportunity to showcase its talents and bring your musical to life. Keep these things in mind as you prepare:

1. Choose Your Musical

   Select the musical your troupe will present for adjudication.

2. Showcase Your Troupe’s Strengths

   Choose scenes and songs that highlight your performers’ strengths in acting, singing, and dancing. Your cut should give the adjudicators an opportunity to see what your troupe does best.

3. Tell the Story

   Your selection should tell a clear and cohesive story. The scenes and songs you choose should work together to take the adjudicators on a journey from beginning to end.

4. Keep the Original Material Intact

   Lyrics, dialogue, and the wording of songs or scenes may not be changed. All material should be performed as written and in accordance with the show’s licensing requirements.

The Performance Area

A number line runs along the front edge of the performance space to help with spacing throughout. Each number represents the number of feet from center.