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This category invites students aged 10-18 to step into the spotlight and bring stories to life! Participants will explore the power of drama to communicate ideas, evoke emotions, and inspire audiences, all while focusing on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From acting and directing to playwriting and technical design, this category celebrates the diverse skills and collaborative spirit of theatre.

Showcase your storytelling skills through live or recorded performances. Present original works or reinterpret existing plays, bringing characters and narratives to life on stage or screen, with a focus on one or more of the UN SDGs. This category encourages creativity, emotional expression, and a deep understanding of both the art of drama and global issues. Submissions can range from monologues and short scenes to full-length plays, and can be performed individually or as part of a group.

This category celebrates the power of drama to:

  • Communicate powerful messages about the UN SDGs
  • Explore complex themes related to global challenges
  • Evoke strong emotional responses from the audience about the need for sustainable development

Competition Format:

  • Team Size: Maximum 10 students per team
  • Preparation Time: 2 minutes
  • Presentation Time: 8 minutes
  • Topics: The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Areas of Focus may include:

  • Acting: Showcase your talent through compelling character portrayals, demonstrating vocal and physical expression, emotional range, and stage presence, all while conveying messages related to the chosen SDG(s).
  • Directing: Explore your vision and leadership skills by bringing a scene or play to life, guiding actors and making creative choices in staging and design that reflect the chosen SDG(s).
  • Playwriting: Craft original scripts that explore compelling themes related to the SDG(s), develop engaging characters facing challenges or contributing to solutions, and utilize dramatic structure to highlight the importance of sustainable development.
  • Technical Theatre: Demonstrate your skills in areas like set design, costume design, lighting, and sound, contributing to the overall atmosphere and impact of a performance, while using sustainable practices and reflecting the themes of the chosen SDG(s).

Projects in this category could involve:

  • Performing a monologue or scene from a published play that addresses an SDG.
  • Creating and performing an original short play focused on a specific SDG.
  • Directing a scene from a classic or contemporary work, highlighting its relevance to an SDG.
  • Designing the set, costumes, or lighting for a production that reflects an SDG.

Judging Criteria:

  • Originality and Creativity (20%):
    • How innovative is the performance in terms of concept, dialogue, and character development, particularly in relation to the chosen SDG(s)?
    • Does the piece offer a fresh perspective or unique interpretation of the SDG(s)?
  • Characterization and Acting Skills (25%):
    • How effectively do the performers portray their characters and convey the emotions and challenges related to the chosen SDG(s)?
    • Are the characters’ motivations, and relationships clearly conveyed in the context of the SDG(s)?
    • Is there a believable and consistent performance throughout?
  • Topic Compliance with UN SDGs (25%):
    • How well does the performance align with the chosen UN SDG(s)?
    • Does the performance effectively raise awareness or provide meaningful insight into the issues related to the selected SDG(s)?
    • Is the connection between the performance and the SDG(s) clear, impactful, and creatively integrated?
  • Script and Dialogue (15%):
    • Is the script well-written, with a coherent structure, clear dialogue, and effective pacing that supports the exploration of the chosen SDG(s)?
    • Do the dialogues feel natural and contribute to character development, plot progression, and understanding of the SDG(s)?
  • Technical Aspects (10%):
    • How effectively are technical elements like lighting, sound, costume, and set design used to enhance the performance and reflect the chosen SDG(s)?
    • Is the overall production quality high, regardless of whether it is a live or recorded performance?
  • Overall Presentation (10%):
    • How well do all elements of the performance come together to create a cohesive and engaging experience that effectively communicates the message(s) related to the chosen SDG(s)?
    • Is the performance well-rehearsed and polished?