Rules & Regs
RULES and REGULATIONS
ENTRY DIVISIONS: Solo; Duet; Trio; Small Group (4-9 performers); Large Group (10-16 performers); Line (17 or more performers); Production (17 or more performers, 4 to 8 minute performance).
ENTRY LEVELS: Competitive, Intermediate, and Novice levels compete and are awarded separately (except for High Point and “Optional Entry” awards listed below). You should therefore give very careful consideration in choosing your level of competition and making sure each act qualifies accordingly per definitions below. Also, you are encouraged to check your entry confirmation carefully as acts will not be allowed to change competition level once the show has started, except in the case of a definition violation as ruled by TOP management.
Competitive Level: Top level of competition with typically the biggest breakdown in age divisions and biggest cash awards. Open to all. Note that all acts with an average age of 6 or younger will automatically compete at this level given that leveling of students at this young age is unnecessary. All Adult acts, Productions, and Vocal performances will also automatically compete at this level.
Intermediate Level: Open to acts ages 7 to 18 where ALL members have less than 4 years of studio experience of any kind, OR where ALL members regularly receive 4 hours or less studio instruction of any kind per week. Adult acts, Productions, and Vocal performances are not eligible to compete at the Intermediate Level.
Novice Level: Open to acts ages 7 to 18 where ALL members have less than 2 years of studio experience of any kind, OR where ALL members regularly receive 2 hours or less studio instruction of any kind per week. Adult acts, Productions, and Vocal performances are not eligible to compete at the Novice Level.
SOLO AGE CATEGORIES: 8 & Younger; 9-10; 11-12; 13-14; 15-16; 17-19*; 20 & Older*. These are the minimum Competitive Level breakdowns for each show. Many shows, depending on entries, also include a 6 & Younger category. Note that Intermediate and Novice Level age categories are determined per show based on the number of entries at those levels, and they typically include a broader range of ages making up each category (i.e. fewer categories). *Indicates a change for 2012.
DUET, TRIO, SMALL & LARGE GROUP AGE CATEGORIES: 8 & Younger; 9-12; 13-19*; 20 & Older*. These are the minimum Competitive Level breakdowns for each show. Many shows, depending on entries, will include an additional breakdown in age divisions to include additional age categories. Note that Intermediate and Novice Level age categories are determined per show based on the number of entries at those levels, and they typically include a broader range of ages making up each category (i.e. fewer categories). *Indicates a change for 2012.
LINE & PRODUCTION AGE CATEGORIES: 8 & Younger; 13-19*; 20 & Older*. These are the minimum Competitive Level breakdowns for each show. A few shows, depending on entries, will include an additional breakdown in age divisions to include additional age categories. Note that Intermediate and Novice Level Lines are typically awarded within a broad entry/age division determined per show based on number of entries. All Productions compete at the competitive level. *Indicates a change for 2012.
AVERAGE AGES: Soloist age category and division is determined by age as of the first day of the Regional competition you attend, (NOT Jan. 1). Duet, Trio and Group age categories and divisions are determined by averaging ages of all act members as of the first day of the Regional competition you attend, (NOT Jan. 1). Drop the decimal point in all averages (thereby rounding down in all cases). TOP is an amateur talent competition. No professional performers (as definded by TOP management) are allowed to perform. Duet, Trio or Group acts which include the performance of a studio teacher who regularly teaches three (3) or more paid hours per week will be placed in the 20 & Older category regardless of average age. Age category and division in which participants compete at for your Regional competition will remain the same for National competition in the same competition season, regardless of any birthdays that occur between your Regional and National competition.
TIME LIMITS: Solos, Duets, Trios, and Small Groups -- 3 minutes. Large Groups and Lines -- 4 minutes. Productions -- 8 minutes maximum. A deduction of 3 points will be taken for each 15 seconds over time limit. There is no option to purchase additional time.
COMPETITION CATEGORIES: Acro/Gymnastics, Ballet, Baton, Character, Clogging, Contemporary, Folkloric, Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Music Theatre, Open, Pointe, Pom Pon, Song & Dance, Spirit, Student Choreography, Tap and Vocal (see below). Acts must be dominant to the category. Productions generally include performance in a combination of categories. A single (1) handheld wireless microphone will be made available in the Vocal, Song & Dance and Open categories. Headset microphones are not available and use of personal sound equipment of any kind is prohibited. Although performers may generally enter as many different competition categories as desired with different acts, no Solo performer may compete against himself or herself within the same competition category. There is a limit of three (3) gymnastic passes in all categories except Acro/Gymnsastics, Pom Pon, Spirit, Open and Production. Lifts are permitted in all categories.
More About The Vocal Category: Please understand that Talent On Parade is primarily a dance competition. We have, however, included the vocal category as a performance opportunity for those dance competitors who are involved in vocal instruction as part of a well-rounded performance education. The vocal category stands alone and is awarded separately from all other categories. The use of sound equipment is limited per above. Note also that time limits in the vocal category are exactly the same as those in all other categories (3 minutes for solos) and will be deducted accordingly if over time. All Vocal acts also compete only at the Competitive Level.
ADJUDICATION: Judges' scores are based on Technique (1-25 points), Style and Execution (1-25 points), Showmanship (1-20 points), Costume (1-10 points), Choreography (1-10 points), Degree of Difficulty (1-5 points) and Age Appropriate Performance (1-5 points) for a maximum possible 100 points. A final adjudicated score will be determined by an averaging of all judges’ scores.
ADJUDICATED AWARDS: Adjudicated awards include Diamond Elite, Elite TOP 1st, TOP 1st, and First Place. Score ranges will be included in the packet of score sheets and critiques provided at the conclusion of the competition. Each solo act will receive a corresponding adjudicated trophy. Each duet, trio and group act will receive one corresponding adjudicated trophy and each member of the act will receive a ribbon.
CATEGORY CUPS: Category Cup awards will be presented to high scoring acts within competition/age categories where three (3) or more acts compete within the same competition/age category. All competition levels are combined for these awards.
COMPETITIVE LINEUPS: Top 5 finishers by age division will receive neck medals. Where the number of entries dictates it, we will also award places 6-10 with Top 10 ribbons. The highest scoring acts by age division will also be awarded a special plaque and cash prizes as follows: Solo $100; Duet/Trio $125; Small Group $150; Large Group/Line $175; Production $200. Important note: A minimum of 3 entries per age division must compete for cash prizes to be awarded. Soloists can place only one act in a lineup, however 2 or more solo performances automatically qualify the performer for High Point award consideration (see High Point below).
INTERMEDIATE LINEUPS: Top 5 finishers by age division will receive neck medals. Where the number of entries dictates it, we will also award places 6-10 with Top 10 ribbons. The highest scoring acts by age division will also be awarded a special plaque and a $50 cash prize. A minimum of 3 entries per age division must compete for cash prizes to be awarded. Soloists can place only one act in a lineup, however 2 or more solo performances automatically qualify the performer for High Point award consideration (see High Point below).
NOVICE LINEUPS: Top 5 finishers by age division will receive neck medals. Where the number of entries dictates it, we will also award places 6-10 with Top 10 ribbons. The highest scoring acts by age division will also be awarded a special plaque and a $25 cash prize. Important note: A minimum of 3 entries per age division must compete for cash prizes to be awarded. Soloists can place only one act in a lineup, however 2 or more solo performances automatically qualify the performer for High Point award consideration (see High Point below).
HIGH POINT AWARDS: Automatic entry for those Solo performers entering 2 or more Solo acts. Top 2 individual scores are averaged to determine winner. High Point age categories typically include 12 & younger, and ages 13-18 lineups. Adult performers are not eligible. All competition levels are combined for High Point awards. Winners receive a plaque and a $25 cash prize.
CHOREOGRAPHY AWARDS: Automatic entry for all acts. Winners receive a plaque and special recognition.
OPTIONAL ENTRIES: All Optional Entries MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED as they are not accepted at the door.
Photogenic: Those performers who have pre-registered for the photogenic contest should submit a 5 x 7 or 8 x 10, color or black & white photo on day of competition (DO NOT MAIL). Entry fee of $25 for initial photo, $10 for each additional photo per person. Open to all Solo, Duet, Trio or Group performers, (photos of individuals only, no group shots accepted). Photogenic winners receive a plaque and a $25 cash prize which is typically presented during the solo awards ceremony for their age division. Photo(s) will only be returned with score sheets following awards presentations. TOP assumes no responsibility for damaged, lost or unclaimed photos. Unclaimed photos will not be mailed. This award also open to Vocal performers. Adult performers are not eligible for this award.
TOP Costume: Open to Solo acts only and judged during performance. Entry fee is $25 per act. TOP Costume winners receive a plaque and a $25 cash prize. This award also open to Vocal performers. Adult performers are not eligible for this award.
TOP Entertainer Title: Open to Solo acts only and judged during performance. Entry fee is $25 per Solo act. Winner is selected based on entertainment value and overall presentation. TOP Entertainer Title winners receive a plaque, a $25 cash prize and special jacket. This award also open to Vocal performers. Adult performers are not eligible for this award.
2012 REGIONAL ENTRY FEES: Solos $82; Duets $90; Trios $111; all Group acts $35 for each member of the group. We also offer studio rebates to those who qualify (see below).
2012 NATIONAL ENTRY FEES: Will be posted soon. Rebates for National competition are not offered due to the significant additional expense in show preparation and production.
REGIONAL ENTRY DEADLINES: Entries must be received 21 days prior to first day of competition with payment in full. Late entries will incur an additional $15 fee (per act) if accepted. Acceptable forms of payment on or before deadline include studio check, credit card or money order (or other form of certified payment). Payments received after 21-day deadline must be made via CERTIFIED FUNDS or CREDIT CARD. Entries should be completed in full on an official TOP Entry Form (copies are acceptable). One Entry Form per act please. Mail entries to Talent On Parade, P.O. Box 535, Haysville, KS, 67060. If absolutely necessary, entries can be faxed to (316) 522-0044 with credit/debit card payment listed. Online Entry is also available (see below). If overnight service is used, send to Talent On Parade, 137 Pirner #5, Haysville, KS 67060 (FedEx and UPS only to this address please). Returned checks will be charged a $30 fee and acts will not be allowed to perform until certified payment has been received. Important Note: Many of our shows filled up and closed out last season. You are encouraged to send your paid entries in as early as possible. Entries received without payment will not be processed and are subject to being “bumped” by paid entries received at a later date.
NATIONAL ENTRY DEADLINES: Will be posted soon.
STUDIO REBATES: A rebate of 5% of regional entry fees is available to qualifying studios. To qualify you must postmark your entry packet 45 days prior to the first day of regional competition and your entry packet must contain the following: A minimum of $2,000 in total entries paid in full via a cashiers check or money order along with a completed Talent On Parade Rebate Form (download at www.talentonparade.com). Payments made via studio check will NOT qualify. Credit/Debit card payments are also NOT accepted, which makes it possible to rebate your studio, not the credit card company. If you would prefer to enter online and receive the rebate please contact the TOP office at 316-522-4836 and we’ll make the necessary arrangements. Rebate checks will be made out in the studio name and made available only to the studio director upon check in. Rebates for National competition are not offered due to the significant additional expense in show preparation and production.
STUDIO CREDIT: Acts that scratch due to injury, illness or any other reason may, at TOP management discretion, receive a partial credit towards a future TOP event. You must request an official TOP Studio Credit Form, complete it, and have it signed by a member of TOP management. To claim your credit you must include this original form (copies not accepted) with your future entry or entries. In the unlikely event that it is necessary to cancel a competition all entry fees will be returned in full. Lost/destroyed awards checks may be replaced at 50 percent of their original value at TOP management discretion.
STUDIO CONFIRMATIONS: Show schedules will be posted to our website immediately as they become available, approximately 8-10 days prior to the first day of competition. Immediately thereafter studio confirmations will be emailed. Please note that each show is scheduled independently based on the number of acts and how those acts break down among solos, duet/trios, and groups. As such there is no “standard schedule” we can share with you prior to the final schedule posting. It is virtually impossible to even guess when any act or group of acts will perform prior to the schedule posting. Please do not contact the office prior to the schedule posting as we simply won’t have any information other than what you’ll find online at the time. Note also that it is generally very difficult to accommodate individual schedule requests given that multiple such requests from multiple studios almost always conflict with one another. Finally, making assumptions about the schedule based on a prior year’s schedule is not recommended. Once you do receive your studio confirmation please check it over very carefully and contact us with any corrections/changes on or before the date indicated in the confirmation materials. Changes/corrections made after the change deadline (if accepted) will incur a $15 per change fee payable prior to the act taking the stage. Changes will not be accepted for any act after a performance unless a rules violation has been confirmed by TOP management. Please keep in mind that confirmation times are to be used as an approximate guideline only. All acts should be prepared to perform up to one hour earlier than scheduled as may be requested by the backstage manager. Studio directors must check in at the merchandise table (TOP Shop) a minimum of 2 hours prior to his or her first act.
PERFORMANCE MUSIC: Music on CD is preferred, 1 CD per act, 1 track per CD. In most cases we can also accept MP3 files via iPod, etc. (please contact the TOP office for additional information). An easily accessible backup for all acts is also required to be in your possession during the show. You are strongly encouraged to have your music professionally duplicated as TOP cannot be responsible for unreadable CDs. Cassette tapes cannot be accepted at any time. Act number decals will be provided to the studio director upon check in and must be appropriately placed on CDs prior to turning in at the sound board. We strongly encourage you to retrieve your music from the sound table immediately following each performance as TOP cannot be responsible for lost, damaged, stolen, or unclaimed music. Unclaimed music will not be mailed.
PROPS: You are encouraged to please use discretion in the size and quantity of props, keeping in mind that space is limited in the backstage areas of some venues. Only those props that can be carried on by the performer or performer's assistant, are vital to the act, and that do not require extensive set up/tear down are allowed (see below). Mats will be allowed if necessary (not provided) but are subject to the same set up/tear down time limits as all other props. No fire, smoke, knives, throwing of glitter, etc. will be allowed. No live animals. Liquid of any kind is absolutely prohibited on stage (water, paint, etc.). The throwing of any item off the front of the state is prohibited. Production props must be in place within 2 minutes and cleared from the stage in 1 minute. Props for all other solo, duet/trio or group acts must be in place within 1 minute and cleared from the stage in 30 seconds. A deduction of 3 points will be taken for each 15 seconds over time limit. This includes any cleanup time required from the dropping of flower petals, etc. Hint: If the use of power tools is necessary on stage to set up your prop, you should probably reconsider. Any prop which damages the performance venue in any way due to dragging, weight, sharp points, etc., shall be banned from future use, and the act for which it was used will be disqualified. Studio owners/directors may also be held liable for any such damage.
CLAIMING SCORE SHEETS AND CRITIQUES: Score sheets and critiques can be picked up from the tabulator’s table at the conclusion of the awards ceremony that follows your studio’s final act in the competition. These materials are released in a single studio packet upon presentation of the “Score Sheet Claim Ticket” provided in the studio check-in folder. Unclaimed score sheets and critiques will not be mailed.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOTAPING: Audience members are prohibited from taking photos or videotaping during stage performances, and this rule will be strictly enforced. Photography and video is only allowed during awards presentations. We have put this rule in place to protect studio choreography and costuming rights. More importantly we enforce this rule to protect children from having their images used inappropriately and without consent. We will always have a professional photographer and videographer available to accommodate your desire for photos and videos.
OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF: All acts should be suitable for viewing by the general public. Please keep in mind, however, that opinions concerning what is “suitable” varies to a wide degree. We have made available to our judges an opportunity to deduct points on the score sheet for any act he or she considers inappropriate for any reason. TOP management also reserves the right to deduct points, disallow or disqualify any act for any reason, including those that may be considered inappropriate by the general viewing public. Coaching of performers is prohibited during performance. Regional cash winners may not re-compete the same act at another Regional in the same competition season, nor during the Regional season in the following year. National cash winners may not re-compete the same act at any Regional or National in the following competition season. TOP management reserves the right to expand a competition to additional days when necessary or move a competition site. The decisions of the judges are final and represent their professional opinions, not necessarily those of TOP management or staff. Your attendance and/or participation in a TOP event constitutes your approval for the uncompensated use of any photo or video image taken during the event in TOP literature, on the TOP website or in connection with any other TOP venture. TOP cannot be responsible for lost, stolen or broken items. Lost and found items will not be mailed. Jumping to the floor from the front of the stage is prohibited during performance. This rule has been put into effect for the safety of the performers, judges and audience members.
