These regulations relate to the talent quest for 2007 - 2008 and update any and all previous rules. MATS maintains the right to change these regulations at any time without notification.CONTESTANTS AND ELIGIBILITY for 2007/2008: MATS’ contestants are eligible to participate in their respective age group of under 13 or 18 years of age providing they do not attain the age of 13 or 18 by
31st August 2008. Proof of age is mandatory with the entry form.
CATEGORIES OF COMPETITION
The categories the contestants can compete in for this year are:
- Original Music under 20 years.
- Country and western under 18 years.
- Vocal under 18 years. Solo duo trio or vocal group
- Vocal under 13 years. Solo duo trio or vocal group
- Dance under 18 years. Solo / duo / trio
- Dance under 13 years. Solo / duo / trio
- Dance under 18 years. Troupe - 4 or more dancers.
- Dance under 13 years. Troupe - 4 or more dancers
- Variety: All acts under 18 years. All other genres of entertainment
CONDITIONS AND TERMS
* MATS is open to contestants across Australia.
* All contestants receive a ‘MATS’ certificate relevant to their achievements in the quest.
* Grand Final winners in each of the categories will receive a special 'MATS' Award plaque in recognition of their outstanding achievement in striving for excellence in live performance.
* One overall winner will be chosen to receive the: ‘MATS JUNIOR PERFORMER OF THE YEAR SCHOLARSHIP’.
* A separate performer will be chosen to receive the : ‘THE SYDNEY MARKETS CLUB ENCOURAGEMENT SCHOLARSHIP'.
* 'MATS' Finalists may be chosen to appear in a ‘MATS’ touring variety show.
* The highest degree of integrity and cooperation will be extended to each contestant.
* Judges decisions will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
* ‘MATS’ will notify all contestants of their relevant appearance date/s and locations.
* Solo performers are also allowed to compete as part of a duo, troop or group within the same category as their solo performance so long as it has been entered under a separate registration.
* All contestants will be allowed to perform their acts using backing tracks on CD format only.
* Vocal performers must have no pre-recorded vocal whatsoever on their backing tracks.
* Dance Troops are recognised by a 'leading performer' within a troop if not from a dance school or by the 'Principal' of the dance school represented. From heat to area Final the 'troop' personnel should remain, wherever possible, the same, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Once a placement is won into the Combined Regions Finals Series then the onus is on either the leading performer, if not from a dance school / or dance school principal to continue with a troop of their choice, within the same age classification. This does not have to be the same personnel nor the same routine as exhibited in the heats and Area Finals. It is the 'dance school principal' or the 'leading performer' who have won the right for a place in the 'Finals series'. This is to accommodate many factors now apparent. The time between an Area Final and the Combined Regions Finals series could be, in some instances, up to 10 months apart.
'MATS' reserves the right to take photographs, still or motion, of the performance of or during any presentation of any entrant participating at any venue at any level. 'MATS' also reserves the right to use these images as 'MATS' see fit to do so in order to further promote 'MATS' the talent search and or the act.
PLEASE NOTE:
During all 'Area Heats'
*A 'Vocal' and 'Variety' entrant has a maximum of 6 minutes performance time.
*Singers can present one or two songs. If two songs then this should always be performed as a 'back to back' presentation.
*A 'Dance' entrant should perform one routine only to a maximum 6 minutes.
During all 'Finals' including 'Area Finals' and the 'Finals Series'
*Contestants are allowed one song routine or medley to a maximum of 6 minutes in each category
*For the series 2007 / 2008 all entrants will pay a one-time administration fee of $28.00 per act / per category entered regardless of the number of persons within the act. This entry fee covers that particular act for all performances throughout the quest.
AREA HEATS
Every contestant will receive a participation certificate. First, second and third place getters in each category will be recognised with additional certificates and will automatically qualify to reach the area final.
AREA FINALS
First, second and third place getters will be recognised with certificates and trophies. The winner from each category will automatically qualify for the Combined Regional Finals. Place getters in each category may progress at the judges discretion.
THE FINALS SERIES
COMBINED REGIONAL FINALS
The winner from each category will automatically qualify for the State Grand Final to be held at The Revesby Workers Club at the end of August 2008. Place getters in each category may progress at the judges discretion.
GRAND FINAL
First, Second and third place getters recognised in each category with framed certificates and trophies.
One overall winner will receive the SYDNEY MARKETS CLUB ENCOURAGEMENT SCHOLARSHIP of $2000 for Further Development, along with the SYDNEY MARKETS CLUB ENCOURAGEMENT GOLD CUP.
A separate overall winner will be recognised as the MATS JUNIOR PERFORMER OF THE YEAR and will receive the $8000 MATS JUNIOR PERFORMER OF THE YEAR SCHOLARSHIP along with the MATS JUNIOR PERFORMER OF THE YEAR GOLD CUP.
FORMAT AND TIMING
At all heats each 'Vocal' & 'Variety' contestant is allowed a maximum of 6 minutes and each 'Dance' contestant a maximum of 6 minutes performance time.
At all 'AREA FINALS' 'FINALS SERIES HEATS' and 'GRAND FINAL' each contestant is allowed one performance piece only to a maximum of 6 Minutes.
All finals entrants will perform as they have throughout the quest, with pre recorded backing tracks or personal instrumentation. All instruments must be supplied by the performer(s).
There will be a minimum of 2 judges for each heat, 3 judges for all finals including all combined regional finals and 6 judges for the Grand Final.
Heats and finals will take approximately 4 to 5 hours from inception to completion.
JUDGES & THE JUDGING CRITERIA
All our Judges are selected from persons who work in or are involved in the entertainment industry or associated industries. The judge’s decision on the day will be final and no further correspondence will be entered into. The judging criteria and points system will remain constant for all heats and final series: This is a guide line for your information only and may not be totally adhered to by all judges.
|
1. Suitability and audience appeal of material: |
10 points |
2. Stage Presentation:
Stage Dress or Costume / Grooming including hair and make up /
Preparation: Groups / troupes – Overall visual appeal to judges |
15 points |
3. Inherent musical and artistic talent and ability to entertain:
Singers / Musicians - Musicality, Diction & Harmony Blending
Dancers – Timing and precession; where applicable |
45 points |
|
4. Entertainment appeal for judges and audience: |
30 points |
|
TOTAL
|
100 points
|
CONTESTANTS PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS
* A sound engineer will be used at all events.
* All contestants will be allowed to perform their acts using backing tracks on CD formats only or personal instrumentation.
* When used in vocal categories, or when singing is to be a part of the judging criteria, all backing CD's must be completely instrumental. Under no circumstances will vocal performers, in any category, be allowed to use pre-recorded vocals of any kind.
* The entrant, prior to handing to the sound technician, must have their CDs clearly marked with their name and the relevant track number.
CELEBRITIES AND GUESTS
Many interested parties will be invited to see the talent at the Grand Final. Representatives of stage, television, sponsorship, management, booking agencies, talent agencies and recording companies all with a view to advancing the artist’s future through further exposure
THE PRODUCER
'MATS' MUSIC & ARTS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD: ACN 110893957: PO Box 3104 St Marys NSW 2760: Manage this project in its entirety under the registered name ‘MATS’ MUSIC AND ARTS JUNIOR TALENT SEARCH AUSTRALIA. MUSIC & ARTS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD shall be known as the "Producer". General Enquiries to Tom McDonald on Mob: 0416 160 812 / or Silvana Corrigan at the Office Tel: 02 9673 6771.
