BRITISH DRAMA

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20989, 16 December 1939, Page 15 (Supplement)

BRITISH DRAMA

NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETS HELP FOR HAMILTON TEAM A meeting of the council of the British Drama League was held in W ellington recently, among those present being the Waikato delegate, Mrs J. Prenton. The council extended its congratulations to the Hamilton Playbox on its success in the recent drama festival. It was reported that the expenses of the final festival were heavy this year, owing to it being held in the South Island, and a grant of £SO was made to Hamilton. Alterations were made in the marking system for group festivals, the points now being:—Acting 40, production 25, stage presentation 10, choice of play 15, dramatic achievement 10.

Regarding amateur status, it was decided that the definition of professional should be: “ One whose vocation is or has been that of a professional stage actor or actress within the last three years.” It was decided that the league organise a one-act play competition throughout New Zealand, in connection with the Centennial, with festivals in the four centres and the final in Wellington. The group festivals will be held as usual.

On the motion of Mrs Prenton it was decided that an enamel button be designed for life members; also that teams at the elimination and final festivals should have an opportunity of meeting the adjudicators after the festivals, so that they could discuss the plays and ask any questions for future guidance.