What Are Judges Looking For?

As a performance based competition, our judges are not looking for your highest level trick but rather your best executed movements. You’ll want to think about your piece as entertainment creating a detailed and curated experience for your audience. All of our judges will be looking for a wow factor moment and audience engagement but each of them has a specific goal for judging the performances. Let’s take a look at what they’re each looking for:

Technical

With performance in mind, our technical judge is going to nitpick each and every movement. Whatever you are doing, make it intentional. If your movements are in character and intentional, they will be judged accordingly. You’ll want to think about how your lines are viewed from the audience perspective, having full extension and breathing through your movements, and allowing enough time or space for the movements you are doing. This judge will be keeping a close eye on each and every muscle engagement, line and hand movement so be sure to make your movements intentional.

Theatrical

Our theatrical judge will be dissecting your character and storyline. We want to see a well thought out character that your audience can relate to. Think about your hair, makeup, costume, props, movements, etc. to create this character. If the character is drunk, intentionally sloppy movements may be necessary. Maybe your character is stuck up or snobby and side eyes at the audience or eye rolls are necessary. As you develop this character, think about what story you’re trying to convey. Are you trying to show growth? A reversal of growth? Maybe you want to show that your character is coming into their own so the piece begins sloppy and the character frustrated but as the music picks up, the movements become strong and clean while the character is obviously happier and more confident. Think about how each detail and facial expression fits into your character and the story they are going through. Finding creative ways to show growth will surely impress our judges!

Overall

Our overall judge is looking at the whole picture. Being detail oriented will come in handy when thinking about this judge. They will want to see a song that compliments a well thought out character and storyline accompanied by movements that translate the intention of the piece. Make sure you are thinking of how all the details come together and what that looks like to your audience. Try multiple ways of doing movements, wearing costume pieces, using props, etc. to ensure that you are not only prepared for anything to go wrong but also that you are creating an enticing and cohesive piece.

All of our judges want to see you put your best foot forward. They are looking for a competitor who captures the audience attention, looks intentional on stage and creates an entertaining piece. Stay true to yourself while creating your act and remember to have fun with it! How you feel about your piece will translate on stage and we want to see you enjoying yourself.

Be safe & be entertaining!