Relive the excitement of last year’s event
Are you ready to showcase your talent?
Are you ready to showcase your talent?
Join us for the ‘Battle of the Bards’, a vibrant and inclusive performance competition designed just for you! Whether you’ve acted before or this is your very first time, this is your chance to express yourself, grow your confidence and unleash your creativity through the timeless works of Shakespeare.
What’s It All About?
In this competition, you’ll become both performer and director by acting out a short scene. A monologue (solo) or duologue (with a partner). We keep things simple with a ‘black box’ style performance:
- No costumes
- No sets
- One prop is allowed (but only if you feel it helps tell your story)
- You may also use a chair, if needed for your scene
This minimalist style puts the spotlight on your voice, movement, and imagination, not on fancy props or costumes. It’s all about how you bring the words to life with the power of your voice, movement, and storytelling.
HOW TO APPLY
Participants should be aged between 8 and 18 years old.
Fill out the online application form and pay the entry fee to secure your spot.
After applying, you’ll send in a short video audition of your chosen monologue or duologue (using one of our official scripts). You can film it anytime, anywhere, just be yourself and show us your creativity, effort, and love for storytelling.
More Stage Time for Everyone
If your video audition meets the basic requirements (clear effort, understanding of the piece, and readiness to perform), you’ll be invited to take part in the live Semi-Finals.
The Semi-Finals will take place in the style of a closed audition, at Studio 8, Xiqu Centre, WestK. You’ll perform your piece in front of a panel of professional judges, without a live audience.
From the Semi-Finals, a group of standout performers will be selected to move on to the Final Battle — a special live showcase at the Xiqu Centre Atrium.
CATEGORIES
Monologue
Duologue
Rules
- There are no costumes allowed - only theatre blacks
- 1 prop and 1 chair limit for Monologue and Duologues
Judging Criteria
Participants will be judged based on criteria such as artistic expression, confidence, English proficiency, resilience, problem-solving skills, and self-esteem. Judges will evaluate how effectively students communicate their creativity, adapt to challenges, and demonstrate self-assurance during their performances.
GALLERY
CONTACT
If you have any questions please feel free to contact S4A
Programme Partner
