JUdging
VIVA Fest Judging: Click here for more details on scoring
The main goal of a VIVA Fest judge is to recognize a quality performance and reward a competitor that performs an act that is both entertaining and marketable to a broad and varied audience. For this reason, it is important for all competitors to note that the appreciation of an act by any given person is not an exact science and may vary from judge to judge.
Judges will strive to be consistent and all competitors will receive the same appreciation and consideration. Judges are also expected to be objective, professional, and free from prejudice. This means that they should not consider an athlete's reputation or personal relationships when scoring.
Competitors must understand that in an artistic performance, there is a subjective element . Concerns and complaints can be addressed to VIVA Fest at the end of the competition day.
Number of judges
Compulsory level: 1
Student and novice series panels: 2
VIVA & Emerging-pro panels: 3
All judges have been selected based on a combination of both their previous performance experience and/or their contribution to the industry as educators. Judges are required to have extensive experience either coaching at a well respected circus institution or have acquired over 5 years experience in circus arts. Entertainment owners, booking agents and talent scouts will also be considered.
Scoring:
All levels The VIVA Fest strongly discourages competitors to perform a “trick” or combination that would be deemed too advanced for their skill level. Students of all levels are invited to participate in the VIVA Fest and we want to encourage safe routines.
Scores will be given for 3 different categories with a maximum of 10 points for each category totaling 30 possible points.
Artistry/entertainment
Execution
Difficulty
A variety of criteria to evaluate a performance, including:
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Artistry: Artistry involves stage presence including using eye contact, facial expressions, body language and the performer connecting with the audience/judges. Performers should use creative choreography, good timing through the use of music and appropriate costumes/props by integrating a series of skills in sequences to make a well flowing routine. Originality in transitions is rewarded. Innovation in choreography and how it contributes to the overall quality of the performance is also rewarded. Although there is the possibility of subjectivity in this category, please note that the VIVA Fest believes that a great act can and should appeal to every taste and transcend subjective boundaries. Please note any skill you choose to use during your act will be judged in how it directly enhances the overall entertainment value of your routine.
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Execution: Execution is judged through the completion of skills with technical quality, including correct alignment and aesthetic technique. The performer should demonstrate stamina and safety throughout the routine. They should show control of the apparatus while demonstrating strength and flexibility. Major breaks or falls will be deducted between .5 and 1.0 off in score per mistake. Deductions for execution will be as follows. .1 for minor mistake or form breaks , .2-.3 for more severe execution errors. Deductions are made for lack of form and errors in technique. Points are awarded for visible ease of movement. Awkwardness and hesitation would negatively impact a competitor’s score while control and flow are rewarded.
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Difficulty: Difficulty level of individual skills performed appropriate to the skill level, category and apparatus being used. Deductions will be taken for low difficulty routines for the category. Judges may give extra credit for connections (two high-level skills that are connected). An element is not recognized if it fails to be completed. e.g. a skill should be performed without a fall for an aerial act, without a fumble for a handstand act, and without a drop for a juggling act. For these divisions, an often unperformed skill would be rewarded in this category (e.g. a full salto on the double trapeze, a multiple cylinder balance on the role bola, a one arm handstand switch on the canes. New tricks or difficult transitions could be rewarded in this category (e.g. a modification on an aerial silk drop that makes it especially difficult).
AWARDS:
All winners for each category will be presented with an award. All competitors will receive score cards with their score and feedback from the judges.