Moncton Regional Tournament of the Canadian Improv Games

Newfoundland Regional Tournament of the Canadian Improv Games

Rules & Regulations

Format The format of the Games will be in the style of a tournament, with each team playing in the preliminary rounds. All rules of the Canadian Improv Games shall apply, with the following additions and addenda:

Number of Players Teams must consist of no more than eight (8) players. “Players” is defined as anyone who may perform during the competition. There may be two (2) additional alternates, in the event that any of the aforementioned players is unable to compete further. The relieved player therefore can no longer compete on that night of play. On any given night of play, no more than eight (8) players may perform, except in exceptional circumstances, and only with the permission of the Regional Director. No substitutions will be permitted during the course of the tournament. Teams that use more than eight (8) players on any night of play will be disqualified. Alternates are permitted to play during X-Games.

Who Can Play on a Team? Anyone within the ages of 12 to 18 years old may play on a team. The player must be of age as of the time of the performance. All participants on a team must be from the same school.

Nights of Play Each team may play during the Exhibition Games (X-Games). In this performance, teams will play two (2) of the five events (Character, Life, Story, Style and Theme), with no one event being mandatory. After performing, teams will be adjudicated by the judging panel. During the Tournament, teams must play Life, Theme, and two of the remaining three events. In the case of a tie, teams will be required to play the fifth event. Character – Teams must fully develop an original character. Theme – Teams must explore one or more aspect of a theme given by the referees. Life – Teams must explore a moment in a character’s life honestly and sincerely. Story – Teams must tell a story with a beginning, middle, and end (not necessarily in that order). The story MUST have improvised narration. Style – Teams must do a scene using the aspects of a recognized style or genre of film, TV, book, theatre, etc. (The style chosen and the aspects of that style should be submitted to the head judge before performance).

Scene Length Scenes will not exceed four (4) minutes in length. Two (2) separate time calls will be given by the referees: one at one (1) minute remaining and the other at 30 seconds remaining. No additional time calls may be requested. When four (4) minutes have elapsed the referees will blow a whistle to end the scene. A team may end a scene at any point during their allotted time. Ending a scene early does NOT effect points.

Teams in the Finals The top four (4) high-school teams will play in the finals, with the winner representing the region at the National Festival in Ottawa. The winning junior-high team will present a showcase on the night of the high-school finals. Should the first-place team be unable to attend the National Festival, the second-place team will be invited to attend. Should the second-place team not be able to attend, the third-place team will be invited. Should the third-place team be unable to attend, no team shall officially represent the region for the season.

Waivers Each player is required to complete a waiver form (included in the registration package, and available on our website). This must be signed by a parent or guardian if the player is under 19 years of age. Failure to complete a waiver will result in the player’s inability to perform on stage.

Styles Coaches must submit, via e-mail, their style for the Style Event one week prior to performance. This is so that the judging and adjudicating panels can assess the style properly and in an informed way. Failure to provide your style will not result in any direct penalty, but it may affect the judges’ and adjudicators’ ability to interpret the scene.

DEADLINES Deadlines are in place for the smooth operating of the tournament as a whole. Such deadlines include registration, payment, and waivers. Failure to adhere to these deadlines may result in your team’s (or player(s)) ineligibility to compete. These deadlines are required for the organization to book venues and staff the nights of play adequately.

Review This document is reviewed and updated on a regular basis by the Regional Directors. Questions should be sent to [email protected]

Last amended: September 2016