Kingdom of An Tir Bardic Championship

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Why do we have a Kingdom Bardic Championship (KBC)?

First, the medieval answer: King Nicholaus commanded during his reign that a Kingdom Championship competition should be created for performing arts.

Second, on a more practical level, the competition is intended to foster the performing arts. Many branches of the Kingdom have a strong performing arts tradition. Competitions are one way (though certainly not the only way) to encourage performers to develop and share their skills. There are numerous smaller competitions that encourage these arts, including various Baronial competitions. Having a Kingdom bardic competition will introduce a new challenge to those working to perfect their arts, and allow them an opportunity to meet, learn from, and contest against performers from other parts of the kingdom.

How does having the KBC change the existing Kingdom Arts & Sciences Championship?

It doesn't. Bardic entries are still allowed in the Arts & Sciences competition. The Kingdom A&S competition hasn't changed at all. The KBC will allow performers to focus specifically on bardic arts, while the A&S competition encourages a broader scope.

Why is it called a "Bardic" competition? What does that mean?

Historically, bards were a very specific group, distinct from other period performers such as skalds, troubadours, and minstrels. In common SCA parlance, however, the word "bard" has come to mean any performer, and the word "bardic" has become a catch-all for the performing arts. The Kingdom Bardic Competition, therefore, is simply a performing arts competition.

Where and when is it?

The third KBC will be held in the Barony of Dragon's Laire (that's the Kitsap County, WA area, mundanely speaking) on the weekend of September 22 - 24, 2006. Watch for details in The Crier and on the An Tir website. However, the most up-to-date info and late-breaking news will be on this website.

COMPETITION QUESTIONS

What kinds of performances are allowed in the competition?

All kinds, as long as they are either period or period in style or tone. Some possible examples include instrumental music, acting, singing, poetry, storytelling, juggling, dancing, tumbling, and stage magic.

How does the KBC work?

The competition takes place over two days. This two-day model is based on the Kingdom A&S competition format, which has been successful for many years now.

On Saturday, each competitor presents four pieces to be judged by a panel of judges against a number of criteria, including technical presentation, documentation, and authenticity. In addition, each performer performs a piece to be judged solely on audience appeal. The audience appeal piece may be a repeat of one of the four pieces prepared for the panel of judges, or may be something new. No documentation is required for audience appeal performance. The point to this performance is to prove you can be entertaining, so it is a good place to pull out the fun material.

The performers who score highest on Saturday will be invited to compete again on Sunday. Both the audience appeal performance and the four judged entries are considered in determining which competitors advance to the Sunday competition. These performers will present a number of pieces to a panel of judges who will make the final determination based on depth, breadth and ambassadorship. Points acquired on Saturday are only good for getting a performer to Sunday; on Sunday all performers start with a clean slate. The number of pieces to be presented on Sunday will be determined by time considerations and the number of competitors.

There are three broad types of entries: Performance, Composition, and Research Papers. Performances are judged as performances. Composition refers to original works created by the competitor. Compositions may be (and generally should be) performed, but they are judged as a work of writing/composing/poetry done in a period style. Research papers must be submitted in advance for Saturday judging. Research papers may be used as entries by the finalists on Sunday if there are enough copies of the paper available to give to the five Sunday judges at the end of the day on Saturday. At least ONE of the four required entries must be a documentably period performance piece.

This is a very general overview. Competitors should obtain a complete copy of the competition rules. For more information, visit www.currentmiddleages.org/kbc or contact the competition coordinator -- Mistress Isolde de la Vielle-a-Roue, KBC@ibix.net , (425) 743-3318 -- or her information deputy -- Master Owen the Merry, adolbeck@wolfenet.com, (206) 440-7185.

If I compose a piece in a period style, can I enter it twice – once as a Composition entry and once as a Performance entry?

Yes, nothing in the rules forbids this. The two entries will be judged on different criteria. Be aware that the Sunday judges will be looking for a breadth of knowledge and skill.

Are duets allowed? Or group performances?

Yes. The competitor's contribution to the piece must be easily distinguishable from that of the other members of the group, however. If it is not, the judges may ask the competitor do perform a portion solo in addition to the group performance.

What if I want to get feedback on a single performance? Can I do that without entering the entire competition?

Yes. Single entries to the Saturday competition are allowed. Depending on the overall number of competitors, however, space may be limited. Single entrants should pre-register with the competition coordinator. Only the championship finalists will compete on Sunday.

CHAMPIONSHIP QUESTIONS

What does it mean to be a Champion of An Tir?

To be a Champion of An Tir means having the honor and responsibility of representing the Kingdom in your area of expertise. Champions are required to be members of the Society, to be in fealty to the Crown, to attend all Crown events, to attend the next Kingdom Bardic Championship to choose their successor, and to further promote the development of their arts (bardic in this case) within the Kingdom.

Is there regalia?

Yes. The Champion shall be given regalia and entitled to wear it during his or her term as Champion. The Champion must also care for the regalia and turn it over to his or her successor after the next championship competition.

Further questions?