E4 - SPECIFIC RULES FOR SHAKESPEARE EVENTS 2026

For Standard DTASC Rules for All Festivals, click here:

Handbook Section E2

SHAKESPEARE – ACTING CATEGORIES

TEXT

1. The text of the scene must come from a standard/authorized Shakespearean text. ­

• Pronoun change and subsequent verb agreement changes are permissible. Pronouns may be changed to an appropriate proper noun, and vice versa, for clarification (e.g. change “he” to “Cassio”).
• If using text in a language other than English, you must have a copy of the text available at the festival in the event of any rules questions.

2. Text is defined as dialog, act, scene, location, and stage directions.

• No spoken transition outside the text may be used.
• Individual words may not be combined at random to create new lines.

MUSIC FOR ALL NON-MUSICAL SHAKESPEARE EVENTS

1. Music may be from any source. Explanation of the music rule:

1. No one is required to use music.
2. The tune can be from any source.
3. Any singing mentioned as part of the direction in the text may be sung. Additional singing may not occur in non-musical scenes.

2. If the Shakespeare play selected for any category mentions a song, the lyrics of that song may be sung, even if they are not actually written in the play.

Events 0–2 are now Tech Events T1-T6. Click below for details of each of the Tech Events
T1 - Set Design
T2 - Light Design 
T3 - Marketing/Publicity
T4 - Character Costume
T5 - World Court Costume
T6 - Sound Design

Note: Unless otherwise noted, schools may only have one entry per category.

EVENT 1: RULES for AUDITION MONOLOGUE:

1. The participant will prepare and present two CONTRASTING monologues. The entire ­presentation is not to exceed five minutes.
2. Both monologues must come from ­Shakespeare’s plays. They may come from the featured plays (Romeo and Juliet or A Midsummer Night’s Dream), but they do not have to.  
3. A cappella ­singing is permitted in one of the monologues, but not required.
4. Schools may register two separate entries (/students) for the Audition Monologue category.

EVENT 2: RULES for NO SMALL PARTS (STRAIGHT CUT)

1. 5 minute limit
2. 2–4 participants
3. May be of Comedic or Dramatic intent.
4. Scene must focus on secondary / supporting characters and their stories.    
5. Must be a STRAIGHT CUT from one scene of any of Shakespeare’s plays, but may not come from the featured plays (Romeo and Juliet or A Midsummer Night’s Dream).

Click here for Straight scene rules: Handbook E2-2 

EVENT 3: RULES for SHAKESPEARE’S PASSPORT

1. 5 minute limit
2. 2–4 participants
3. May be of Comedic or Dramatic intent.
4. Must present a scene that takes place outside of England.
5. Must come from one of Shakespeare’s plays, but not the featured plays (Romeo and Juliet or A Midsummer Night’s Dream).

EVENT 4: RULES for SHIP IT

1. 5 minute limit
2. 2–4 participants
3. May be of Comedic or Dramatic intent.
4. Scene must feature a budding relationship.
5. Must come from one of any of Shakespeare’s plays, but not the featured plays (Romeo and Juliet or A Midsummer Night’s Dream)

EVENT 5: RULES for LARGE GROUP DRAMA — ROMEO AND JULIET

1. Must have 3–6 performers.
2. Must be a maximum of 8 minutes.
3. Must be from Romeo and Juliet
4. Must be a scene of dramatic intent — no parodies.

EVENT 6: RULES for LARGE GROUP COMEDY — A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

1. Must have 3–6 performers.
2. Must be a maximum of 8 minutes.
3. Must be from A Midsummer Night’s Dream
4. Must be a scene that displays humor.

Note: If performing a scene from the play with music, singing is permitted as dictated by Shakespeare.

EVENT 7: ACT AND SCENE

1. Must have 3–10 performers.
2. Must be a maximum of 8 minutes.
3. All performances must come from Act 5 Scene 1 of the chosen play.
4. Cut scripts must follow narrative order, as published.
5. No parody — scenes must follow playwright’s original intent.
6. Must be from one of any of Shakespeare’s plays, but not the featured plays (Romeo and Juliet or A Midsummer Night’s Dream)

For Standard DTASC Rules for All Festivals, click here: Handbook section E2

E2 rules cover festival clothing, language, things that are permissible or not permissible, number of chairs, etc.