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Comic Actress/Actor in a Play/Musical. A Comic actor or actress encompasses a role “reasonably” intended by the playwright to be comedic and will be evaluated for character, movement, expression, difficulty of role, and timing. The comic performer should hold a significant presence in at least one scene. Any smaller presence, such as, but not limited to, a “one-liner” walk-on role should not be considered adequate for qualification. A role that qualifies for lead or supporting is automatically considered large enough to qualify for comic. Critics should keep in mind that it is more difficult to maintain comedy for multiple acts than for a few moments. Examples would include Leaf Coneybear in "Putnam County Spelling Bee", Agatha in "The Children’s Hour", and Eulalie Shinn in "The Music Man", and Eugene in "Grease". Examples of characters that would NOT qualify include Giles Corey in "The Crucible", Bum in "Hairspray", and Grocery Boy in "The Children’s Hour".
- Ensemble. This award refers to a distinct and recognizable group of performers who frequently (at a minimum, in more than one scene) appear on stage together as an intended/named unit, but it may not include the entire cast, or an adult in a prominent role. A majority of the ensemble performers must be students in grades 9 through 12. In a Musical, the Ensemble must be supporting in at least one song .
- . In a Musical, this award is intended to recognize a chorus, although other ensemble groups are eligible. As long as they appear together, they may represent different character groups. For example, the Winkies/Ozians in "The Wiz", the secretaries in "Thoroughly Modern Millie," or the villagers/utensils OR the Silly Girls in "Beauty and the Beast."Though the ensemble may include a performer eligible for a lead category, the ensemble may not solely consist of leading actors" e.g. The Jets (yes, ALL of them) are ok. The Delta Nu's can be an ensemble, even though Elle is among them.
- Added to each tech category: A completely student-designed work may be weighted more heavily.
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