...
- The need for Critic discussions to be a little less critical, and reviews a little more so (within the usual rules), with published reviews more closely reflecting the consensus of Critic opinion,
- The prohibition against reviews including anything copied from the Internet. Note: A Critic will be removed from a Critics Team for an act of plagiarism within a submitted review.
- The responsibility of each Critic to keep everything said in discussions, including Critics' Choices, totally confidential. However, Critics Choices may be published online if the Cappies chapter has chosen this option.
Judy Bowns, Program Director Co-Founder
Lori Sessions, President
Janie Strauss, Program Chair Vice-President
MENTOR BINDER
...
To begin with, you should know that every participating school must have:
...
| Anchor | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Anchor | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
...
During discussions, the Critics might have some questions. They might want to know the name of a particular dancer, or who painted a backdrop—things like that. If so, the Editor Mentor should try to get the answer, either from the usher or (if necessary) from the Show Director.
| Anchor | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
...
Before starting the post-show discussion, once again make certain no one is present from the performing school, and that no one (including the usher) appears to be listening outside the door.
Two minutes after final bows, close the door, and start the discussions. Do not wait until all Critics have returned to the Cappies Room. (Some may be still in a restroom, in which case the usher can let them enter.)
Spend the first 5 minutes discussing the second act, much as you did with the first act during the intermission discussion. Ask the Critics, "What worked in the second act?" "What did you like best?" And then, after a few minutes, ask "What didn't work quite as well in the second act?" "What could have been a little better?"
Spend the next 5 minutes discussing the entire show. "What worked really well through the entire show?" "What did you like best?" And then, after a few minutes, ask "Where did the entire show fall a little short?" Try to end the post-show discussion with a final round of very quick words of praise, something like, "OK, real fast, let's go around the room, what did you like best about the entire show?"
Please note a mentor or program official may request verification of publisher permission for any changes in a production which might otherwise violate the publisher's contract.
Then it's time to do the evaluation forms—"Critics' Choices." People sometimes call these "nominations," but they're not. What you're doing is deciding what will be on the nomination ballot.
...
| Anchor | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
...
| Anchor | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
...
When Critics are aware that Mentors are spot-checking for Internet copying, they are far less likely to plagiarize. This helps teach them an important lesson about standards applied in the real world of professional writing, while maintaining the integrity of Cappies reviews.
| Anchor | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Anchor | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Anchor | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Anchor | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Anchor | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
...
These are excerpts from materials given to every Show Director. You are given these excerpts in case questions arise about what a host school (or Show Director) is expected to provide at a Cappies Show.
Selecting and Scheduling a Cappies Show
SHOW ELIGIBILITY
Your Cappies Show must be at least 75 minutes long, of one scripted show—or two scripted shows with a similar theme. (No festival of one-acts.) If the show you're planning to do is quite lengthy, you may need to set an early start time. Under the rules, if a show has final bows that start after 10:30 PM, it can be disqualified from some awards. (The goal is to enable student Critics to have a good post-show discussion and return home by midnight.) It helps to have an intermission of 15 minutes or more, to enable the Critics to have a good mid-show discussion, but the rules allow exceptions to this.
...
If you would like to have your Cappies Show reviewed but not considered for awards, the rules allow that. If you would like your school to have a Critics team but no Cappies Show, the rules allow that too.
Please be sure to secure performance rights for your production. Cappies may request verification of publisher permission for any changes in a production which might otherwise violate the publisher's contract
ELIGIBILITY FOR AWARD CATEGORIES
The Cappies have 35 award categories (some regional chapters have more) that are determined by the votes of the Critics. Each of these categories has eligibility rules, along with guidelines for the Critics to use when watching and scoring shows. Please read these pages carefully. If you wish, you are welcome to share them with your cast and crew, so they will know what Critics are being encouraged to observe or hear.
Before starting work on your Cappies Show, please consult the Award Category Guidelines. Note, for example, that if an adult sings a full song (or is otherwise in a supporting role), the show cannot be considered in the "musical" (or "play") categories.
...
| Anchor | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Anchor | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
...
...
These materials are provided to Critics, in their binders. They are also provided to you, to help you select and edit reviews.
Cappies reviews are real theater reviews.
When Critics write them, they are encouraged to:
...