What to know before entering Speech and Drama in 2027
Speech and Drama at the Vernon Performing Arts Festival is about the spoken word. Performers recite poetry, tell stories from books, and play characters from published plays. The 2027 Speech and Drama classes run in March. The date and venue will be announced.
The four forms
- Poetry: any style of poem, recited from memory
- Prose: a passage from fiction, such as a picture book or a novel, recited from memory in a storytelling style
- Scene: a monologue from a published play, performed as the character
- Shakespeare: a selection from Shakespeare’s poetry or a dramatic monologue.
The Speech and Drama syllabus explains each form in more detail, including lyric, narrative, and dramatic poetry.
Four ways to enter
Non-competitive
Performers get spoken and written comments from the adjudicator and a participation certificate. There are no marks.
| Age | Time limit | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 12 | 3 minutes | $20 |
| 13 to 17 | 5 minutes | $30 |
| 18 and older | 5 minutes | $30 |
Groups of two or more can enter Group Poetry, Group Prose, Group Scene, or Group Shakespeare. Group classes are open to all ages, with an 8 minute limit and a $55 fee.
Online
Performers record their pieces, upload the video to YouTube, and receive written comments later. They may perform as many pieces as fit in the time limit. The ages, time limits, and fees match the non-competitive classes.
Competitive
Performers get spoken and written comments and a placement certificate.
| Age | Time limit | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 8 | 4 minutes | $25 |
| 9 to 12 | 6 minutes | $35 |
| 13 to 17 | 6 minutes | $35 |
| 18 and older | 6 minutes | $35 |
The number of places depends on the size of the class. A class with one to three performers awards first place. A class with four awards first and second. A class with five or more awards first, second, and third.
Competitive classes do not lead to the BC Provincial Festival. For that, enter a Provincial class.
Provincial classes
These classes are for performers who hope to represent Vernon at the BC Provincial Festival. Each performer presents a set of pieces.
- Junior, ages 11 to 13: one poem, one prose piece, and one drama piece, in 15 minutes. Fee $75
- Intermediate, ages 12 to 17: one poem, one prose piece, and one drama piece, in 17 minutes. Fee $85
- Senior, ages 15 to 22: one poem, one prose piece, one sonnet, and one drama piece, in 20 minutes. Fee $95.
Senior pieces share a theme. The performer introduces the theme first, then explains how each piece connects to it. A past Intermediate winner at VPAF or at Provincials may enter Senior below the minimum age.
Enter one Provincial age category only. The full Provincial rules are in the Performing Arts BC syllabus at bcprovincials.com.
Rules to know
- Competitors must live in the Southern Interior of British Columbia
- Age is measured as of December 31, 2026
- Pieces must be performed as entered and cannot be changed
- A piece entered in the wrong category gets comments but no mark
- A performer who goes over the time limit is stopped and gets comments but no mark
- A first-place winner in a class of four or more must move up an age group to enter that class again
- A performer may not reuse a piece they have won with before.
Performers aged 23 and older may enter, but they are not eligible for scholarships or awards.
Bring the source
Bring a clean copy of each piece for the adjudicator. It must be the original book or play, or a copy the copyright holder has allowed. Without it, the performance gets comments but no mark. Do not send your pieces with your entry.
On the day
Arrive at least 15 minutes early. When your name is called, hand your book to the adjudicator’s secretary, then walk to the stage. If you use props, set them out when asked and take them away after you perform. Wear clothing that will not distract the adjudicator or the audience.
Scholarships
To qualify for a scholarship or award, a performer must enter at least two competitive classes. The adjudicator looks at the performer’s top two marks of 85 or higher, not counting group entries. The final choice is the adjudicator’s. A trophy or scholarship winner must perform at the Honours Concert if the Festival Committee calls on them.
Ready to enter?
Registration runs November 15, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Payment is by PayPal when you register. Read our registration guide, then register on our registration page. Questions go to [email protected].