Showcase Competition Guidelines and Procedures: Is it a Rule or a Guideline? PRESENTERS: Roland Bessette Theatrical Skating Committee Chair Melissa Bowman National Vice Chair for National Showcase, Theatrical Skating Committee Morry Stillwell -Pacific Coast Vice Chair & Chief Referee National Showcase 2013 Kathleen Harmon Judges Committee Chair and Assistant Referee for National Showcase 2013 Tonight s webinar will detail the specifics of the Showcase Guidelines, with the goal of aligning nonqualifying showcase competition events with the structure of National Showcase; thus ultimately serving to further the growth of Showcase events throughout U.S. Figure Skating POLL AGENDA: How Skaters Qualify for National Showcase? Showcase events -should I add these to our Competition? Judging Guidelines What are the primary Showcase events? The Showcase RULE Please take a moment to respond to the following question 4 How Skaters Qualify For National Showcase How Skaters Qualify for National Competitors placing 1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd or 4 th in theatrical events at a contestednonqualifying, sanctioned U.S. Figure Skating competition Theatrical events include: showcase, artistic*, theatrical or interpretive *Artistic events qualify skaters for National Showcase, but artistic is not offered as an event at National Showcase 1
Qualification Timeline for National The competition needs to occur between the close of entries for the upcoming National Showcase and the preceding close of entries from the prior National Showcase If the competition falls outside this timeframe, skaters qualify for the following National Showcase Skaters can also qualify by having competed in the immediately prior National Showcase These skaters will receive an invitation to compete at the National Showcase Competition held each August. Qualification Timeline for National Intermediate, novice, junior and senior competitors who entered a competition, subsequently canceled for lack of other entries, may substitute a testimonial letter from the chair or the registrar to get a bye to National Showcase Required age and test qualifications are in effect at the date entries are closed Subsequent changes will not affect eligibility. Added entries Additional entry fees No need for IJS officials Fun for skaters Why Should I add Showcase to our Nonqualifying Competition The LOC what do I need? What should I do? Judges you select them Guidelines describes judging criteria Accountants will send showcase / theatrical event results to Headquarters and National Showcase Vice Chair Use your announcement to let skaters know your events at preliminary and above will qualify them for National Showcase What Events Can We Offer? Any of the events listed in the Showcase Guidelines, in addition to any additional specialty events you wish to add The core events should follow the Guidelines Your specialty events can be run under your own procedures POLL Please take a moment to respond to the following question 12 2
For all nonqualifying competitions the showcase event results are sent by the Chief Accountant to: How are skaters notified to enter National Showcase Melissa Bowman National Vice Chair for Showcase at patinage.tx@gmail.com Brenda Glidewell, U.S. Figure Skating Director, Skating Programs at bglidewell@usfigureskating.org Primary Showcase Events: What are the Primary Showcase Events? Dramatic Entertainment Showcase program utilizing intense emotional skating quality to depict choreographic theme. Props and Scenery ARE permitted. Light Entertainment Interpretive/Improvisation A performance choreographed by the competitor, unaccompanied and unassisted, to music supplied by the LOC. Showcase program emphasizing such choreographic expressive qualities such as comedy, love and mime while incorporating skating skills. Props and Scenery ARE permitted 3
Duets: Theatrical/artistic performances by any two competitors This is not a pairs event Props and Scenery ARE permitted. Mini production ensembles: Theatrical performances by three to seven competitors Props and Scenery ARE permitted Production ensembles: Theatrical performances by eight or more competitors Theater On Ice teams are eligible as production ensembles. NOTE: Skaters may enter only one each duet, mini production or production event. Props and Scenery ARE permitted. SCENERY/PROPS WHEN ALLOWED COSTUMES Costuming and make-up should: Enhance the feeling created by the performance Reflect the meaning of the story or theme Costumes rules for free skate do not apply for showcase/artistic/theatrical/interpretive skating. Ornaments and hair accessories must be secure Props and scenery must be placed and removed by: Competitor unaided within 1 minute total on and off Unaided duet competitors within 1 minute total on and off. Unaided ensemble contestants within 2minutes for setup and two minutes for removal. Anyone not skating is not allowed to step on the ice The use of scenery and/or props is not mandatory Only create what skater can move themselves and travel with Skaters should utilize props/scenery during program If a competitor has any doubt concerning the safety of his/her number, the Chief Referee should be consulted prior to event JUDGING AND MARKING Performances will be judged: From an entertainment standpoint, for theatrical and artistic qualities Technical skating skills and difficulty will not be rewarded However, skating must be the major element of the performance and be of sufficient quality to support the selected theatrical elements. Jump difficulty is not rewarded in showcase Jumps, if choreographed, should be performed with style, flow and confidence JUDGING AND MARKING (cont.) Theatrical elements evaluated will include: Energy Poise Acting Pantomime Eye contact Choreography Form/extension Use of props and ice. 4
MARKING / SCORING: One or two marks may be awarded using the 6.0 judging system and will be given by each judge for each performance Only 1 mark will be used at National Showcase Number of marks must be in announcement No technical skating mark as such will be used The Primary Rule for It has to be FUN! ONE FINAL THOUGHT.. What showcase skating gives our sport and our skaters! For more information on Showcase Skating: Visit the National Showcase page at: http://www.usfigureskating.org/programs.asp?id=308 CONTACTS: Melissa Bowman, National Vice Chair for National Showcase, patinage.tx@gmail.com Roland Bessette, Theatrical Skating Committee Chair rolandb7@gmail.com Brenda Glidewell, Director of Skating Programs bglidewell@usfigureskating.org Questions & Answers 5