Newfoundland Regional Tournament of the
Canadian Improv Games
Rules & Regulations
Format
The format of the Games will be in the style of a tournament, with each team playing in the
preliminary rounds. All rules of the Canadian Improv Games shall apply, with the following
additions and addenda:
Number of Players
Teams must consist of no more than eight (8) players. “Players” is defined as anyone who may
perform during the competition. There may be two (2) additional alternates, in the event that any
of the aforementioned players is unable to compete further. The relieved player therefore can no
longer compete on that night of play. On any given night of play, no more than eight (8) players
may perform, except in exceptional circumstances, and only with the permission of the Regional
Director. No substitutions will be permitted during the course of the tournament. Teams that use
more than eight (8) players on any night of play will be disqualified. Alternates are permitted to
play during X-Games.
Who Can Play on a Team?
Anyone within the ages of 12 to 18 years old may play on a team. The player must be of age as
of the time of the performance. All participants on a team must be from the same school.
Nights of Play
Each team may play during the Exhibition Games (X-Games). In this performance,
teams will play two (2) of the five events (Character, Life, Story, Style and Theme), with
no one event being mandatory. After performing, teams will be adjudicated by the
judging panel. During the Tournament, teams must play Life, Theme, and two of the
remaining three events. In the case of a tie, teams will be required to play the fifth
event.
Character – Teams must fully develop an original character.
Theme – Teams must explore one or more aspect of a theme given by the
referees.
Life – Teams must explore a moment in a character’s life honestly and sincerely.
Story – Teams must tell a story with a beginning, middle, and end (not
necessarily in that order). The story MUST have improvised narration.
Style – Teams must do a scene using the aspects of a recognized style or genre of
film, TV, book, theatre, etc. (The style chosen and the aspects of that style should
be submitted to the head judge before performance).
Scene Length
Scenes will not exceed four (4) minutes in length. Two (2) separate time calls will be
given by the referees: one at one (1) minute remaining and the other at 30 seconds
remaining. No additional time calls may be requested. When four (4) minutes have
elapsed the referees will blow a whistle to end the scene. A team may end a scene at any
point during their allotted time. Ending a scene early does NOT effect points.
Teams in the Finals
The top four (4) high-school teams will play in the finals, with the winner representing
the region at the National Festival in Ottawa. The winning junior-high team will present
a showcase on the night of the high-school finals. Should the first-place team be unable
to attend the National Festival, the second-place team will be invited to attend. Should the
second-place team not be able to attend, the third-place team will be invited. Should the
third-place team be unable to attend, no team shall officially represent the region for the
season.
Waivers
Each player is required to complete a waiver form (included in the registration package,
and available on our website). This must be signed by a parent or guardian if the player
is under 19 years of age. Failure to complete a waiver will result in the player’s inability
to perform on stage.
Styles
Coaches must submit, via e-mail, their style for the Style Event one week prior to
performance. This is so that the judging and adjudicating panels can assess the style
properly and in an informed way. Failure to provide your style will not result in any
direct penalty, but it may affect the judges’ and adjudicators’ ability to interpret the
scene.
DEADLINES
Deadlines are in place for the smooth operating of the tournament as a whole. Such
deadlines include registration, payment, and waivers. Failure to adhere to these deadlines
may result in your team’s (or player(s)) ineligibility to compete. These deadlines are
required for the organization to book venues and staff the nights of play adequately.
Review
This document is reviewed and updated on a regular basis by the Regional Directors.
Questions should be sent to [email protected]
Last amended: September 2016