FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
Why should I take part?
We believe in learning through experience. We want to encourage youth in Singapore to step out of their comfort zones and express themselves through acting.
Through acting, you will explore your consciousness, heighten your self-awareness and develop your sensitivity to the people and world around you. Even if you have no intentions of ever becoming an actor, this experience in The Singapore Monologue Slam might just help you explore and express various facets of your personality.
The Singapore Monologue Slam will also be the perfect opportunity for like-minded actors, writers and creators to network, collaborate and learn from one another.
Participants will also receive mentorship and guidance from industry professionals before and after the competition, in the form of workshops, feedback sessions and professional stage and film opportunities.
Through acting, you will explore your consciousness, heighten your self-awareness and develop your sensitivity to the people and world around you. Even if you have no intentions of ever becoming an actor, this experience in The Singapore Monologue Slam might just help you explore and express various facets of your personality.
The Singapore Monologue Slam will also be the perfect opportunity for like-minded actors, writers and creators to network, collaborate and learn from one another.
Participants will also receive mentorship and guidance from industry professionals before and after the competition, in the form of workshops, feedback sessions and professional stage and film opportunities.
If I am a foreigner or on tourist visa, can I still participate?
Of course you can!
If you are in Singapore and wish to enrol in The Singapore Monologue Slam, just ensure that your visa allows you to stay for the duration of the competition. For the full Monologue Slam experience, we also advise that you should attempt to attend the Monologue Masterclass in August.
If you are in Singapore and wish to enrol in The Singapore Monologue Slam, just ensure that your visa allows you to stay for the duration of the competition. For the full Monologue Slam experience, we also advise that you should attempt to attend the Monologue Masterclass in August.
I don’t have any prior ACTING EXPERIENCE, Can I join The Singapore Monologue Slam?
Uhh…YEAH!
Everyone has an equal opportunities to perform, regardless of their background or experience, because everyone can benefit from creativity and self-expression. As long as you are interested in performing in front of an audience, you are more than qualified to join The Singapore Monologue Slam.
Even the best actors and performers are Works-in-Progress. Freedom lies in being bold.
Everyone has an equal opportunities to perform, regardless of their background or experience, because everyone can benefit from creativity and self-expression. As long as you are interested in performing in front of an audience, you are more than qualified to join The Singapore Monologue Slam.
Even the best actors and performers are Works-in-Progress. Freedom lies in being bold.
I am unable to attend the Monologue Masterclass in August. Can I still participate in The Singapore Monologue Slam?
Yes you can, although you might be putting yourself at a disadvantage during The Slam, as other participants will be receiving feedback and coaching on their performances at the Monologue Masterclass.
Do note that there will be no refund or discount on your Participant Registration Fee if you are unable to attend the Monologue Masterclass.
Do note that there will be no refund or discount on your Participant Registration Fee if you are unable to attend the Monologue Masterclass.
I am unable to attend the Monologue Masterclass in August. Will there be a make-up class that I can attend?
Alas! There will not be a make-up Monologue Masterclass for participants who miss the session scheduled for their category in The Slam.
Do also note that the two dates for the Monologue Masterclass are for each respective participant category. Participants will not be allowed to attend the other Monologue Masterclass session, as the Masterclass will be conducted differently to cater to participants of a different age group.
Do also note that the two dates for the Monologue Masterclass are for each respective participant category. Participants will not be allowed to attend the other Monologue Masterclass session, as the Masterclass will be conducted differently to cater to participants of a different age group.
There are a few monologues that I am interested in performing. Can I submit more than one application?
We want to ensure the quality of performances at The Singapore Monologue Slam and we believe that can only be achieved when you have devoted time and effort to work on a piece that you feel most strongly about.
Only one application is allowed per person. However, should the monologues that you submit be rejected by the Media Development Authority (MDA) of Singapore, your registration will be nullified and you will be allowed to submit another application, provided that the 30 participant per category quota has not been reached.
Only one application is allowed per person. However, should the monologues that you submit be rejected by the Media Development Authority (MDA) of Singapore, your registration will be nullified and you will be allowed to submit another application, provided that the 30 participant per category quota has not been reached.
What happens if there are more than 60 applicants for each category before the registration deadline?
Participation in The Singapore Monologue Slam will be on a First-Come, First-Serve basis. After the first 60 participants are registered. We will take in next additional 5 more participants who will then be on our waiting list.
Should any participants choose to withdraw from the competition, The Singapore Monologue Slam will then contact the waiting list participants.
Should any participants choose to withdraw from the competition, The Singapore Monologue Slam will then contact the waiting list participants.
Where can I find monologues?
For The Singapore Monologue Slam, we welcome original work as well as monologues from any type of entertainment media.
For published work, you can choose from the wide selection of plays available at the Esplanade Library. You may also use monologues from your favourite English Language movies and television shows.
Alternatively, we have dedicated a page on our site dedicated to monologues and playwrights for your reference. You can also pop by our SMS HANGOUT Sessions on 9 July and 23 July - we have a collection of plays and monologue books at HCAC that you can browse through.
For published work, you can choose from the wide selection of plays available at the Esplanade Library. You may also use monologues from your favourite English Language movies and television shows.
Alternatively, we have dedicated a page on our site dedicated to monologues and playwrights for your reference. You can also pop by our SMS HANGOUT Sessions on 9 July and 23 July - we have a collection of plays and monologue books at HCAC that you can browse through.
Why do we have to pay $30 to participate in the competition?
All participants will receive a monologue masterclass by the producer of the Singapore Monologue Slam, Kamil Haque. Kamil is also the founder of Singapore’s first professional acting studio, Haque Centre of Acting & Creativity. As the first Asian to have trained and taught at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, he has coached over 1000 students to date. During the masterclass, Kamil will be teaching you some skills and techniques to better analyse, prepare and perform your monologue. Participants will also receive a goody bag with a free SMS t-shirt.
The registration fee will also be used to pay for our administrative costs.
The registration fee will also be used to pay for our administrative costs.
I AM 12 GOING-ON 13 YEARS OLD AND MY BIRTHDAY IS AFTER THE SLAM IN SEPTEMBER 2017. DO I QUALIFY FOR THE SINGAPORE MONOLOGUE SLAM?
Watch out, soon-to-be teenager comin’ through! You are more than qualified to join us at The Singapore Monologue Slam and we will be so excited to have you.
With a participatory spirit like this, we can’t wait to see what local theatre will be like in the future as you seize opportunities in theatre arts!
With a participatory spirit like this, we can’t wait to see what local theatre will be like in the future as you seize opportunities in theatre arts!
I AM CURRENTLY 35 YEARS OLD. HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?
Thank you for your interest! You can participate in our online competition here.
AWARDS & PRIZES
How are we being judged?
You will be judged on a 50 points scale with 10 points per category. These categories are Delivery, Content, Confidence, Believeability and Time. More details are available under the ‘Judging & Prizes’ tab of our website .
Will I be at a disadvantage if I’m not a student of HCAC?
No, absolutely not. Our judges are neither students or instructors at HCAC. They will only be watcing your performance on the day of the competition itself.
During the competition, we are also putting measures in place to prevent participants and audience from interacting with judges until the event is over. This is to make sure that the scoring remains as impartial as possible.
During the competition, we are also putting measures in place to prevent participants and audience from interacting with judges until the event is over. This is to make sure that the scoring remains as impartial as possible.
What is the Audience Choice and how is it awarded?
You are encouraged to bring with you as many friends, family, colleagues, sympathizers or even random strangers as possible to attend the Singapore Monologue Slam. Each of these allies will serve as your audience members.
At the end of the Teens and Open category, the audience will be asked to vote for their favourite performance. The participant with the highest tally of votes will automatically qualify for the Grand Slam, even if he/she is not within the Top Ten for each category.
The Grand Slam could see a maximum of 22 participants. At the end of the Grand Slam, the audience will be asked to vote for their favourite performance again. This performer will be crowned the *SCAPE Audience Choice.
At the end of the Teens and Open category, the audience will be asked to vote for their favourite performance. The participant with the highest tally of votes will automatically qualify for the Grand Slam, even if he/she is not within the Top Ten for each category.
The Grand Slam could see a maximum of 22 participants. At the end of the Grand Slam, the audience will be asked to vote for their favourite performance again. This performer will be crowned the *SCAPE Audience Choice.
What is a Thespis?
Thespis was an award-winning actor. History suggests that Thespis invented acting in the Western world. He was also a celebrated playwright, stage director and producer. The English word “Thespian” was derived from his name.
To celebrate the creative spirit of our top 5 winners, we have named our trophy in honour of Thespis.
To celebrate the creative spirit of our top 5 winners, we have named our trophy in honour of Thespis.
RULES & GUIDELINES
Will I have time to warm up or rehearse at the venue before I perform?
Yes, you will. In fact, all participants are to report early to *SCAPE Gallery Theatre at 6pm, before the competition. You will be briefed by our stage manager(s) on what to expect during the competition.
After the briefing, you will be given time to warm-up in your allocated holding room.
After the briefing, you will be given time to warm-up in your allocated holding room.
Can I ask the judges for feedback after the competition?
That will be at the judges discretion. However, every night, there will be a post-competition Q&A for the judging panel and the audience.
What happens if my monologue is not approved by MDA?
We will notify you if your monologue is not approved by MDA and will refund you your $30.00 Participant Registration Fee. If the Registration Deadline has not elapsed by then, you will have the option of registering for The Singapore Monologue Slam with another monologue.
What areas should I be concern WITH pertaining to MDA Arts Entertainment Classification?
Under the guidelines for the Arts Entertainment License, materials submitted and performed must not contain content elements including (but not limited to):
- anything that is likely to undermine national interest;
- anything that is likely to cause offence to any racial or religious group in Singapore;
- anything that is likely to cause feelings of enmity, ill-will or hostility between different racial or religious groups in Singapore;
- anything that is lewd or obscene;
- anything that promotes any lifestyle or behaviour that is contrary to prevailing social norms, including any alternative sexual lifestyle (such as homosexuality and transgenderism), deviant sexual behaviour or drug abuse;
- anything that contravenes any written law
- anything that is likely to undermine national interest;
- anything that is likely to cause offence to any racial or religious group in Singapore;
- anything that is likely to cause feelings of enmity, ill-will or hostility between different racial or religious groups in Singapore;
- anything that is lewd or obscene;
- anything that promotes any lifestyle or behaviour that is contrary to prevailing social norms, including any alternative sexual lifestyle (such as homosexuality and transgenderism), deviant sexual behaviour or drug abuse;
- anything that contravenes any written law
What hand props am I allowed in The Singapore Monologue Slam?
For safety reasons, the following hand props are not allowed:
- Breakable Glass, Food,
- Razor blades,
- Liquid (other than water),
- Open Flames, Candles,
- Smoke,
- Prop Guns or Knives.
Anything else is fair game! Hand-prop-away!
We will only provide a chair if you need it.
The stage should not need to be cleaned when your monologue is over.
- Breakable Glass, Food,
- Razor blades,
- Liquid (other than water),
- Open Flames, Candles,
- Smoke,
- Prop Guns or Knives.
Anything else is fair game! Hand-prop-away!
We will only provide a chair if you need it.
The stage should not need to be cleaned when your monologue is over.
What happens if I go over the time limit?
Dun dUN DUNNNN!!!
At the 1-minute mark for the Teens Slam and Open Slam, participants will be notified with a “chime”. There is no penalty if you finish within 1 minutes and 15 seconds. Judges will automatically disqualify the participant if their performance lasts longer than 1 minute 20 seconds with a double “chime”.
At the 2-minutes mark for the Grand Slam, participants will be notified with a “chime”. There is no penalty if you finish within 2 minutes and 15 seconds. Judges will automatically disqualify the participant if their performance lasts longer than 2 mins 20 seconds with a double “chime”.
At the 1-minute mark for the Teens Slam and Open Slam, participants will be notified with a “chime”. There is no penalty if you finish within 1 minutes and 15 seconds. Judges will automatically disqualify the participant if their performance lasts longer than 1 minute 20 seconds with a double “chime”.
At the 2-minutes mark for the Grand Slam, participants will be notified with a “chime”. There is no penalty if you finish within 2 minutes and 15 seconds. Judges will automatically disqualify the participant if their performance lasts longer than 2 mins 20 seconds with a double “chime”.
If I withdraw from the competition can I get a refund for my registration fees?
If your application is successful (i.e. your monologue is approved by MDA), we will not entertain any requests for refunds if you choose to withdraw from the competition.
Can I perform a monologue written by my friend/family member/teacher/etc.?
Sure thing!! However, please seek permission from your friend/family members/teacher etc. before you use their work.
Can I change my monologues at the last minute?
In order for monologues to be performed, the script/play text will first have to be approved by Media Development Authority of Singapore and this process typically takes 4-5 weeks. Because of the lengthy nature of this process, we do NOT allow any participants to perform monologues different from the one that was submitted in the application. The monologue submitted together with your registration will have to be the monologue you perform.
We strongly suggest that participants take some time looking at a variety of monologues and considering their many options carefully. We want this experience to be fun for you! We don’t want you to have to work on a monologue that you’re not excited about.
We strongly suggest that participants take some time looking at a variety of monologues and considering their many options carefully. We want this experience to be fun for you! We don’t want you to have to work on a monologue that you’re not excited about.
Can I read the lyrics of a song for my performance? They are after all an uninterrupted speech by one character.
Uhhh…..no. You cannot do that. Just, no.
What about classical monologues, like Hamlet’s “To Be” soliloquy?
No classical monologues are to be performed at The Singapore Monologue Slam. That means no Shakespearean soliloquies, none by Sophocles and nothing of similar sorts . Your monologues must be contemporary in nature; anything from the 1930’s and on.
