SayPro Performance Preparation & Submission: Technical and Creative Guidelines.

Event Name: SayPro Monthly Theatre Performances
Event Date: January 2025
Location: SayPro Virtual Platform and/or Live Event Venue
Goal: Ensure that theatre groups adhere to specific technical and creative guidelines set by the SayPro Competitions Office for the successful submission of their theatrical productions.

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Overview

The SayPro Monthly Theatre Performances is a flagship event designed to highlight the talent and creativity of theatre groups within the SayPro community. To ensure that all submissions are consistent, professional, and meet the event’s standards, the SayPro Competitions Office has set forth specific technical and creative guidelines. These guidelines ensure that all submissions align with the competition’s expectations, and maintain a high level of quality across various performance types (script submissions, performance videos, or live sessions).

This document outlines the mandatory technical and creative requirements that all participants must follow when preparing and submitting their theatre productions for consideration.

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Technical Guidelines for Performance Submission

1. File Formats and Resolution

• Script Submissions:
  • File Type: Submissions must be in a standard text file format, such as .docx, .pdf, or .txt.
  • Font and Formatting: Use 12-point font size (Times New Roman or Arial) with 1.5-line spacing. Margins should be 1 inch on all sides, and dialogue should be formatted with the character’s name in bold followed by a colon and the dialogue.
  • Title Page: Each script must include a title page with the following details:
    • Title of the play
    • Name of the playwright
    • Contact information
    • Cast and character list
  • Length: Scripts should not exceed 60 pages for full-length plays or 20 pages for one-act plays.
• Performance Video Submissions:
  • File Type: Accepted video formats include MP4, MOV, and AVI. The recommended file format is MP4 for compatibility and quality.
  • Resolution: Videos should be submitted in HD (1080p) or 4K resolution. The minimum acceptable resolution is 720p, but higher resolutions are preferred for better visual clarity.
  • Audio Quality: The video must have clear, undistorted sound. It is recommended that participants use external microphones or lapel mics for optimal audio quality.
  • Lighting: Proper lighting should be used to ensure performers are clearly visible. Avoid backlighting that causes shadows or distorts the visuals.
  • Duration: For video submissions, performances should be between 5-20 minutes in length. If the performance is longer, please submit a highlight reel of the most critical moments (5-10 minutes).
• Live Session Proposals:
  • File Type: Proposals should be submitted in PDF or Word document format. The proposal must include:
    • Title of the live performance
    • Overview of the performance
    • Cast and crew list
    • Technical requirements (e.g., microphones, lighting, props, and any special effects)
    • Estimated duration of the performance
  • Technical Setup: Live sessions must be tested in advance to ensure all technical equipment (such as microphones, cameras, and lighting) is functional. Participants should provide a technical run-through document to assist the production team.

2. Submission Platform

• Platform: All submissions must be uploaded through the SayPro Competitions Platform, accessible through the SayPro website. Participants will be provided with a unique login to submit their performance materials.
• File Size Limitations: Video submissions should not exceed 2GB in size. If a video is larger than this, participants are encouraged to compress the file without sacrificing video quality. Alternatively, participants can share cloud storage links (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) to larger video files.
• Submission Confirmation: After submitting the performance materials, participants will receive an email confirmation from the SayPro Competitions Office. It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure they have received this confirmation.

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Creative Guidelines for Performance Submission

1. Content and Theme

• Originality: All submitted works must be original. Scripts, performances, and videos should be created by the participating theatre groups and must not have been previously published or performed in any other competitions or public events.
• Theme Adherence: If the event has a specific theme, all performances must be aligned with this theme. The theme will be announced at the beginning of the submission period (e.g., social justice, sustainability, innovation). Participants must creatively interpret and incorporate the theme into their performance.
• Inclusive and Respectful Content: Performances must adhere to SayPro’s values of inclusion, respect, and diversity. Any content that is discriminatory, offensive, or harmful will not be accepted.
• Length and Pacing: Submissions should follow the time limits specified earlier, ensuring that the performance is compelling from start to finish. The script or performance should maintain strong pacing, avoiding any sections that feel unnecessarily prolonged or rushed.

2. Performance Creativity and Execution

• Character Development: Emphasis should be placed on strong character development and storytelling. Whether in script form, video, or live performance, the characters’ motives, actions, and development should be clear to the audience.
• Innovative Use of Space: In video submissions or live sessions, the use of the performance space should be creative and deliberate. This includes effective use of props, sets, and staging. The performance should engage the audience visually, not just through the script and acting.
• Costume and Set Design: Costume and set design should reflect the tone, setting, and characters of the performance. Even for virtual or video submissions, attention to these details enhances the overall production.
• Sound and Music: The use of sound, music, and sound effects should enhance the atmosphere of the performance. Background music should be balanced with dialogue, and sound effects should support the narrative without overshadowing it.

3. Technical Creativity in Video or Live Performances

• Camera Angles and Framing (For Video Submissions): Video submissions should utilize various camera angles to enhance the storytelling. Avoid static, unmoving shots unless the style of the performance calls for it. The camera should capture key moments, focusing on characters and actions at crucial points in the story.
• Lighting and Visual Effects (For Video Submissions): Proper lighting should be used to highlight key elements of the performance. If any visual effects are used (such as projections or overlays), they should be purposeful and integrated into the storytelling.
• Interactive Elements (For Live Sessions): If submitting a live performance, theatre groups are encouraged to include interactive elements, such as live audience polls, Q&A sessions, or virtual participation, to engage viewers and enrich the live performance experience.

4. Language and Dialogue

• Clarity and Accessibility: The dialogue should be clear and understandable, especially for video submissions. Subtitles or captions are recommended if the performance is in a language other than the primary language of the event. This makes the performance more accessible to a broader audience.
• Dialogue Strength: Characters should speak in a manner consistent with their background, personality, and role within the story. Dialogue should advance the plot and provide insight into the characters’ thoughts, feelings, and motivations.
• Audience Engagement: Whether live or pre-recorded, the performance should aim to engage the audience emotionally. The delivery of lines, the pacing of the dialogue, and the emotional weight behind the words should resonate with viewers.

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Performance Submission Checklist

To ensure all participants adhere to the technical and creative guidelines, the following checklist will be provided to theatre groups prior to submission:

1. Script Submissions:
   • Title page included with the performance title, playwright name, and contact details.
   • Proper formatting: 12-point font, 1.5 spacing, 1-inch margins.
   • No more than 60 pages for full-length plays, or 20 pages for one-act plays.
2. Performance Video Submissions:
   • Video format: MP4, MOV, or AVI.
   • Resolution: At least 1080p (HD) or 4K.
   • Clear, undistorted audio.
   • Proper lighting to ensure performers are visible.
   • Video duration between 5-20 minutes.
   • File size under 2GB or a cloud storage link provided.
   • Confirmed submission via SayPro platform.
3. Live Session Proposals:
   • Title and description of the live performance.
   • Detailed list of cast, crew, and technical requirements.
   • Estimated duration of live performance.
4. Creative Content:
   • Performance aligns with the specified theme (if applicable).
   • Original content only—no previously performed or published works.
   • Content adheres to SayPro’s values of inclusion and respect.

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Conclusion

By following the technical and creative guidelines outlined by the SayPro Competitions Office, theatre groups will ensure that their submissions are evaluated fairly and consistently. These guidelines will help maintain a high level of professionalism across all performances, providing an engaging and high-quality experience for both participants and audiences. The SayPro Monthly Theatre Performances will provide a platform for creative expression and help elevate the standards

of theatrical productions within the SayPro community.