Talent Contest Rules 2025

as amended on 1 July 2025

St. Andrew’s All Bandra Parish Talent Contest’

1. This contest is organized by the Andrean Cultural Council and is the property of St. Andrew Church. The Contest is for baptized Catholics only. One must be a baptized Practicing Roman Catholic and a parishioner of the Participating Parishes to enter any of the sections of this contest.

2. A contestant must be a resident of a participating parish.

3. A contestant who for the purpose of study, employment, or development of his/her permanent residential premises, if residing temporarily away from his/her permanent residence in the Bandra Deanery, is also permitted to participate and must send an entry from the zone/Parish of the permanent residence.

4. A contestant, who for the purpose of study, employment, or development of his permanent residential premises has shifted his/her residence temporarily from his/her permanent residence to an adjoining zone/Parish in the Deanery, can participate from his/her original zone/Parish or from the zone/Parish where he/she is currently residing. 

5. The contestant will have to provide valid address proof, if requested for by the Organising Committee. (valid documents are Aadhaar Card(masked); Driving License; Passport; Property/rent agreement; Utility bill (in the name of self or immediate family))

6. If required a copy of the baptism certificate will be requested for by the Organizing committee for verification of age purposes only. 

7. All enquiries will be conducted only by the Organising Committee and will be confidential.

i) North East, ii) North West, iii) South East, iv) South West, and each zone partnered by a neighboring parish.

The contest is open to parishioners of all participating parishes as indicated in the zones listed below, subject to rules for eligibility for participation.

The zones are as follows

a) North West with St. Anne and St. Vincent DePaul, 

b) North East with St. Theresa, 

c) South East with St. Peter and St. Joseph the Worker,

d) South West with Mount Carmel and St. Francis D’Assisi. 

Hereinafter, each of the above partnerships will be referred to as a Zone, for purposes of brevity and convenience.

Every year, at the start of preparations for the Zonals, a zone should form a committee of four persons  plus the captains comprising of parishioners from the partner parishes, who will oversee the administration as well as the accounts of the zone. This is to ensure continuity and handing over of accounts to the next committee. Each year’s accounts must be prepared and presented to the President of the Organizing Committee for scrutiny and a copy of these accounts should be available to the Parish priests of the partner parishes. 

The Zone committee from each zone will then appoint One Captain and one/two co-captains from (one from each of the partner parishes), who will assist the Captain.

Only the Captain, co-captains and the committee will represent the zone at the weekly meetings and communicate with the Organizing committee. They will be responsible for working within their zone to generate participation and generally managing the infrastructure to support the contestants. The Organizing committee will deal with Captains ONLY in all matters.

The Captain will certify the Veracity of personal information of all participants

Attendance at meetings is mandatory for Organizing committee and Zone committees.

Those staying absent may lose their membership of the committee

It may be required from time to time to redefine the boundaries of these zones to maintain fair competition.

a) Individual Vocal items

b) Individual Instrumental items

c) Choral Groups

d) Vocal Harmony Duets

e) Vocal Harmony Quartets

f) Dance Individuals

g) Dance Duos

h) Dance Groups

i) Elocution 

j) Poster 

k) Dramatics 

Individual Vocal and Instrumental items, Choral Groups, Vocal Harmony, Dance, Elocution, Poster and Dramatics contests will score towards the General Championship which will be awarded to the zone scoring the highest aggregate as per the following allotment of marks:

a) Vocals Maximum marks 50 (10 per item)

b) Instrumentals Maximum marks 40 (10 per item) 

c) Choral Group Maximum marks 150

d) Vocal Harmony Duets Maximum marks 40 (20 per age group)

e) Vocal Harmony Quartets Maximum marks 20

f) Dance Individual Maximum marks 10 (only one age group)

g) Dance Duo Maximum Marks 60 (20 per age group)

h) Dance Groups Maximum Marks 120 (30 per age group)

i) Elocution Contest Maximum marks 20 (10 per age group)

j) Poster Contest Maximum marks 20 (10 per section)

k) Dramatics Maximum marks 250

a. The highest marks scored by a contestant from the zone in each Individual, Group, Vocal and Instrumental, Vocal Harmony, Dance, Elocution and the Poster Contest will be counted for the purpose of determining the Zonal Champions. Individual Vocal and Instrumental, Choral Group, Vocal Harmony will score towards the Most Musical Zone Trophy.

b. Therefore each zone should endeavor to ensure at least one contestant in each category to avail of the marks in each of these sections.

c. The ages are to be taken as on September 1st of the year of the Contest. Captains of the Zones will vouch for the ages of the contestants.

d. A contestant belonging to one age group cannot compete in any other age group.

e. A contestant participating from one Zone cannot compete from any other Zone for that contest year.

f. Performances will have to be within the time limits specified for each section. Timing will start from the moment the first note is struck or sung.

g. For all performances, announcements will be made by the Comperes only. Contestants are not permitted to make dedications, announce names or any such announcements. If done it will entail a deduction of 0.5 marks FROM THE FINAL SCORE. Only in Elocution is a contestant permitted to announce the name of the poem/piece and also the poet/ author.

h. Any contestant who fails to perform on the contest days will have their names struck off and the Zone will lose one point from the tally for The Trophy for the highest number of winners.

i. The Organizing committee will disqualify any contestant who is found to have declared a wrong age or address, after due verification, and his/her marks, if the highest in the group, will not be considered for the corresponding trophy.

j. The winning contestants for the individual items shall be adjudged on a convenient date prior to the Dramatics. The decision of the judges will be final.

k. All 2nd and 3rd place winners will be presented Certificates on the days of their contests during the announcements of the results. First place winners and Trophy winners will be presented with their Certificate/Trophy on the final days during the Award ceremony; however, since Trophies are rolling Trophies, winners will not be permitted to take the Trophy home, but may take photographs with the trophy, at the end of the evening.

l. Subject to the decision of the Organizing committee, only winners must perform on the days of the dramatic contest. Other outstanding performers may be given an opportunity, subject to the needs of the Organizing committee.

m. Winners who do not perform on the final days will have their names deleted and will have no claim to the prize. The Zone will lose the points for that winner from the tally for The Championship Trophy.

n. In the matter of winning groups and choir, every group member must be present at the performances on the final days. The zone will be liable for deduction of points if the group is not complete.

o. Exceptions may be made due to unavoidable circumstances if the captain informs the Organizing committee in advance. The decision of the Organizing committee will be final.

p. All contestants will submit their entry form with a fee decided upon by the Organizing committee, on or before the date fixed by the Organizing committee. No late entries shall be accepted.

q. CANCELLATION Post the deadline for submission of forms, a contestant will have two days to cancel the entry without a refund. Beyond that a cancellation will be treated as a no-show and the zone will lose one mark from the tally for the Star Trophy.

r. The order of performance of contestants will be decided by random generation of order by computer and is final.

a) Contestants shall be grouped as under: (Time Limits shown alongside)

i) Below 8 years Vocal 3 minutes (minus-one tracks permitted)

iii) From 8 to below 12 years Vocal 3 minutes (minus-one tracks permitted)

iv) From 8 to below 12 years Instrumental 3 minutes

v) From 12 to below 16 years Vocal 4 minutes (minus-one tracks permitted)

vi) From 12 to below 16 years Instrumental 5 minutes

vii) From 16 to below 20 years Vocal 5 minutes (minus-one tracks permitted)

viii) From 16 to below 20 years Instrumental 5 minutes

ix) 20 years and above Vocal 5 minutes (minus-one tracks permitted)

x) 20 years and above Instrumental 5 minutes 

b) The language and content of a piece and the dress code and performance of the contestants should be in keeping with a Parish event.

The time limit for performance will be twelve minutes.

No age restrictions are applicable for this item.

The order of performance will be decided by drawing of lots.

Each Zone will present a choral item. The Choral Group will comprise of not less than twelve contestants and not more than fifty contestants and will sing in at least three voices. The Conductor and/or the accompanists may be non-parishioners, Non-Christian or belong to any other Zone or Parish.

An individual can participate in Duets and Quartets, but can be part of only one entry in each category, 

Two age groups

a) Below 14 years 5 minutes (minus-one tracks permitted)

b) 14 years and above 5 minutes (minus-one tracks permitted)

The time limit for each item is five minutes.

No age restrictions are applicable for this section.

The time limit for each item is five minutes.

Each Zone will present one or more entries each in the Duets and Quartets.

For the Individual, Choral Group and Vocal Harmony Sections a penalty of ½ mark for every ½ minute or part thereof exceeded will be imposed for the first minute and thereafter 1 mark for every minute or part thereof.

The organizers will provide the following equipment:

• An upright Piano
• A keyboard
• A basic drum kit (Five-Piece) — Bass drum, tom-tom, a side tom, a snare drum, a high-hat and cymbals. No Addons allowed.

The drum kit will have to be set up by the first drummer of the day and packed up by the last drummer. This arrangement will have to be worked out between the Zone Captains.

Electronic instruments (Keyboard or Electric stringed instrument) will be permitted. The Keyboard will be provided by the Organizers and will be the only one used. A contestant cannot bring his/her own keyboard and/or powered speaker. A direct input to the PA system will be provided on stage for an electric guitar or any such stringed instrument. The keyboard can be used in any voice but should be re-set to Piano mode after use. The rhythm section may be used.

Electronic gadgets/instruments that are used as synthesizers or with pre-recorded tracks are not permitted for performers or for accompanists.

Beatboxing, snapping, clapping, tapping the feet to the beat won't be considered as an extra instrument if it’s performed be the contestants. Tambourine, Maracas, Jew’s Harp,etc are instruments and will be considered as instruments.

• Vocal pieces must be sung in English or a European Language only. Choir pieces can be sung in any language
• Classical or Non-Classical pieces are permitted.
• A winning song/piece cannot be performed at the following Zonal contest by any contestant in any age group. For individuals, duets and quartets.
• A winner cannot repeat a song/piece for three Zonal years, even with a change in age group.For individuals, duets and quartets.
• Please view the website for the list of previous years winning pieces

Minus-One Tracks Eligibility and Guidelines:

• Permitted for Vocal categories only (Individual, Duet, and Quartet performances).
• Not permitted for Instrumental or Choral Group sections.
• Tracks must be instrumental only — No backing vocals are allowed.
• Tracks must be submitted to the Captains at least a week before the day of the performance. The Captains will then pass them on to the scorers.

Individual Instrumental Sections:

• One accompanist permitted across all age groups.
• A keyboardist cannot have another keyboardist as an accompanist.

Individual Vocal Sections:

• Two accompanists allowed.
• If self-accompanied, only one additional accompanist permitted.

Vocal Harmony (Duets and Quartets):

• Each group will be permitted two accompanists, which includes those from the group if self-accompanied.

Choral Groups:

• Three accompanists permitted.

Additional Note for All Accompanists:

• Accompanists may be non-parishioners, non-Christians, or belong to other Zones/Parishes.
• Accompanists are not permitted to use any vocalizations, including beatboxing, during the performance.
• Electronic instruments (keyboard or electric stringed instruments) are permitted under the provided equipment guidelines.
• Not more than 2 instruments can be used while accompanying an individual contestant or a group.
• Not more than 3 instruments can be used while accompanying a choir

An individual can participate in all sections, i.e. in Individuals, Duos as well as Dance Groups, but can be part of only one entry in each section.

Music Tracks will have to be submitted to the Captains, at least a week before the day of the performance, who will in turn pass them on to the scorers.

Performances will have to be within the time limits specified for each section. Timing will start from the moment of the first dance movement or the first note of the music, whichever is earlier.

The choice of a piece and the dress code and performance of the contestants should be in keeping with a Parish event.

No vulgar or revealing costumes are permitted. At all times the performers must be modestly covered. Full leggings/tights must be worn and no display of undergarments or torso is permitted. No obscene gestures, lyrics or swearing are permitted. Any breach of this rule will cause the contestant to be disqualified. 

No Sets are permitted, only props. Any item that remains static on stage and is not used actively by the dancers in performing their dance movements will be considered a set. Props would be items used in the dance sequence like canes, umbrellas, parasols, walking sticks, hats, caps, pom-poms, ribbons and such movable objects etc. A chair or stool, if actively used during the dance and part of the movement, will also be considered a prop but needs to be part of the dancer’s routine. 

Glitter, Confetti (thermocol or paper), Gas balloons and any other such hazardous or explosive materials/props are strictly prohibited on stage.

There is no limit to the number of entries from a zone.

Only One age group 10 to below 16 years. 

The time limit is minimum 2 minutes, maximum 4 minutes

A penalty of 1 mark for every ½ minute or part thereof exceeded will be imposed for the first minute and thereafter 1 mark for every minute or part thereof.

A penalty of 2 marks for every ½ minute or part thereof for less than the minimum time.

Each Zone can submit a maximum of four entries each in each age group 

Three age groups

a) Below 10 years

b) 10 to below16 years

c) 16 years and above

The time limits for the age groups are as follows:

o Below 10 years (minimum 2 minutes, maximum 4 minutes)

o 10 to below16 years (minimum 2 minutes, maximum 4 minutes)

o 16 years & above (minimum 3 minutes, maximum 5 minutes)

A penalty of 1 mark for every ½ minute or part thereof exceeded will be imposed for the first minute and thereafter 1 mark for every minute or part thereof. A penalty of 2 marks for every ½ minute or part thereof for less than the minimum time.

Each zone can submit a maximum of three entries each in each age group.

Four age groups

a) Below 10 years

b) 10 to below 16 years

c) 16 to below 30 years

d) 30 years & above

The time limits for the age groups are as follows:

o Below 10 years (minimum 2 minutes, maximum 4 minutes)

o 10 to below 16 years (minimum 2 minutes, maximum 4 minutes)

o 16 to below 30 years (minimum 3 minutes, maximum 5 minutes)

o 30 years & above (minimum 3 minutes, maximum 5 minutes)

Genre: Freestyle

Each group should comprise of a minimum of four members and a maximum of ten.

At any time during the performance all members must be on stage.

Members exiting the stage during the performance will attract a penalty of 3 marks.

In the matter of winning groups, every group member must be present at the performances on the final days. The zone will be liable for deduction of points if the group is not complete.

A penalty of 1 mark for every ½ minute or part thereof exceeded will be imposed for the first minute and thereafter 1 mark for every minute or part thereof. A penalty of 2 marks for every ½ minute or part thereof for less than the minimum time.

FOR ALL ABOVE GROUPS, LIGHTING ON STAGE WILL BE STANDARD FLAT LIGHTING FOR ALL ZONES

Two age groups:

a) 8 to below 12 years 4 minutes

b) 12 to below 16 years 4 minutes

The time limit for each item is four minutes. 

The piece should be in English language only

The use of a microphone is permitted.

The language and content of a piece and the dress code and performance of the contestant should be in keeping with a Parish event.

A copy of the piece must be submitted to the Parish Priest, St Andrew's Church, or his nominee for scrutiny and approval with the entry form or by a date specified by the Organizing committee, (normally 12 days before the contest date)

Change of Pieces will be permitted up to one week before the contest date

Any change of piece without intimation will lead to disqualification

A penalty of ½ mark for every ½ minute or part thereof exceeded will be imposed for the first minute and thereafter 1 mark for every minute or part thereof.

There will be two categories DIGITAL and MANUAL

A contestant is allowed only one entry in each category

1. Posters must reflect the theme clearly in their artwork.

2. The Theme will be announced in the entry form.

3. The poster may be done by one or more persons.

4. No signature or contestant name may be printed on the entry.

5. The poster contest has two categories DIGITAL and MANUAL

6. Entries may be in full Colour or Black & White.

7. Each zone and its corresponding Parish will submit one or more entries.

8. All submissions must be done on A3 paper size and a hard copy of the same must be handed over to the committee on the day of the contest by a stated time prior to judging, either by a contestant, a representative or the Captain. Late submission will entail disqualification and loss of 1 mark from the star trophy. 

9. Captains, Please obtain and keep a soft copy of the poster which can be sent to the Organizers if required. 

10. The posters will be judged by a panel of Judges and marks will be given to decide the best poster.

11. The highest marks from the entries of each zone will be added to the total zone aggregate for the Championship.

12. Each zone should therefore endeavor to ensure at least one entry in each section to avail of marks.

13. The artwork of the winning posters will be used in the current year’s brochure (with due credits given), subject to the decision of the Organizing committee.

14. The ownership of all entries will rest with the Andrean Cultural Council.

15. The decision of the Judges will be final and binding.

16. The artist must submit an explanation of the poster in not more than 50 words .

17. Please submit a soft (scanned) copy of your poster and a digital passport size photograph of yourself to your respective Zone Captain.

Please refer to the Dramatic Rules and Stage Rules as well.

a) Each Zone will present a stage play in the English Language, with a cast of not less than three characters. The time limit for this item will be thirty-five minutes. For exceeding the time limit: A penalty of 2 marks for every extra minute or part thereof for the first three minutes, and thereafter a penalty of 4 marks for every minute or part thereof, will be imposed. 

b) All scripts must be submitted to the Parish Priest, St Andrew's Church, or his nominee for scrutiny and approval by the date specified by the Organizing committee. 2 marks for every day of delay in submitting the script will be deducted from the dramatic points. Thereafter no alteration of the script shall be made without the Parish Priest or his nominee’s approval. Unauthorized and questionable alterations on the final day will entail a deduction of marks (upto 25% of marks scored) or disqualification of the play. The Parish Priest or his nominee will have the right to control or modify actions, movements, costumes, language etc., considered not in keeping with a Parish event. The decision of the Parish Priest or his nominee on these matters will be final and binding.

c) In the event of an identical selection of a script by two or more zones, the first zone to present the script for scrutiny will be allowed to perform it and it shall be binding on this zone to perform the same play.

d) The Sound/Lighting and Stagehands must be members of the zone/neighboring parish or part of the technical team of the auditorium. The director however, need not be a member of the zone or parish but will not be allowed to operate either lighting or sound effects.

e) All members of the cast must be baptized Catholics only.

f) The order of performance will be decided by drawing of lots.

g) Microphones provided on stage are the only ones used. No extra microphones are allowed. Re-positioning of microphones is not permitted.

Two wired microphones will be available for use only in the wings and cannot be carried onstage 

h) All marking tapes must be removed from the stage after the Sunday night’s final performance

In all of the above performances it must be kept in mind that this is a family parish event.

At no time should one compromise on the values or harm the sensibilities of our community and other religious communities or cultures. Content, language, themes, costumes and dress should all be within ethical and moral boundaries.

No vulgar or revealing costumes are permitted. At all times the performers must be modestly covered. Full leggings/tights must be worn and no display of undergarments or torso is permitted. No obscene gestures, lyrics or swearing are permitted. Any breach of this rule will cause the contestant to be disqualified. 

Glitter, Confetti (thermocol or paper), Gas balloons and any other such hazardous or explosive materials/props are strictly prohibited on stage.

“The choice of dress code and performance of the contestants should be in keeping with a Parish event.  No vulgar or revealing costumes are permitted. At all times the performers must be modestly covered. No obscene gestures, lyrics or swearing are permitted. Any breach of this rule will cause the contestant to be disqualified.”

1. Please avoid showing any skin between the knees and shoulders. Sleeveless outfits are acceptable, but overall attire should reflect a respectful and modest presentation.
   
   
2. The use of knee-length or longer tights/leggings is strongly recommended. These should be non-sheer, non-transparent, and non-translucent.
   
   
3. Avoid exposure – No display of undergarments or torso is permitted on stage.
   
   
4. No obscenity – Performances across all categories (dance, music, dramatics, etc.) must avoid obscene gestures, swearing, or inappropriate lyrics/content.
   
   

These guidelines are here to support you in planning and preparing your performance attire in a way that celebrates your talent while respecting the Parish setting.

Zone captains are kindly requested to help ensure that contestants’ attire aligns with these guidelines, so that the contestants are well-prepared and avoid any difficulties on the day of the event