• Harsh criticism not framed with constructive reinforcement

Lily received 5s for every category, but then for Overall Effect, which is supposed to be about the unification and pacing, the judge took 2 points off because it was “a little short.” The length has nothing to do with the pacing or unification from start to finish. I believe the judge was simply expecting a longer piece, and because they didn’t get a longer piece, they took off 2 points for one piece of feedback. Length shouldn’t matter if the pacing and build is good.

Overall Effect
Score: 3
How is the performance a strong example of a well-paced, unified presentation? Does the presentation build to a climax?
A little short. Let us know when you are done through a definitive ending.

The referee committee agreed that the adjudicator did make a comment that justified points deducted with the sentence, “A little short. Let us know when you are done through a definitive ending.” The adjudicator is stating that there should be a definitive ending. This directly relates to question about building to climax. Finally, although there is no time minimum, development of characterization is open to critique. This statement is from the rules for Solo Acting. The referee committee only considers an adjudicator’s application of a rule or criterion. The referee committee did agree that the adjudicator could have stated the comment differently.