Syllabus

Definition
Age-based Beginner and Primary Musical Theatre classes are offered to competitors through a Virtual Festival:
a) Beginner Level: Competitors between the ages of 6-8 as of December 31, 2022
b) Primary Level: Competitors between the ages of 9-10 as of December 31, 2022

One original score of the music or purchased digital music with attached receipt for each selection must be shown on camera prior to the beginning of the performance.

Performance Requirements for Beginner and Primary Musical Theatre Levels:
a) Competitors must perform two (2) contrasting selections from the following:
• Fully staged musical theatre productions
• Selections from animated films and movie musicals are permitted at the Beginner and Primary Levels
• Selections from STAGED Disney Productions.  Please note:  Competitors must use the versions of songs as shown in the production book/score and not arrangements or Junior show versions.
• Musical Theatre selections from the RCM Popular Selection List and the CC Idioms lists are permitted from RCM List C for Levels 1-6 and RCM List D for Levels 7-10.

b) NOT permitted:
• Musicals that have only been workshopped, songs from revues, cabarets or songs that are written as stand-alone songs in musical theatre style
• Songs listed in the RCM or CC classical syllabi (List A and B from Levels 1-6; Lists A, B, C from levels 7-10).
• Operetta/light opera selections (Gilbert & Sullivan, Romberg, Lehar, Johann Strauss)
• Selections that are primarily spoken patter,( eg. Ya Got Trouble ‘The Music Man’, Aaron Burr, Sir ‘Hamilton’)
• Selections from Junior show versions of musicals that have been cut or simplified
• Vocal cuts except for repeated choruses

c) Competitors will be judged on their choice of selections, interpretation, contrasting tempi, style, vocal quality and age appropriateness.

d) It is recommended that both selections be from different musicals and different composers.

e) It is recommended that one selection be a ballad and one selection be up-tempo.

f) Performances must be from memory.

g) The absolute maximum performance times are as follows:

Beginner: Ages 6-8: Ten (10) Minutes
Primary: Ages 9-10: Ten (10) minutes

There is no minimum performance time.

h) It is the competitor’s responsibility to abide by any and all government guidelines regarding physical distancing as of the date you submit your video.

i) Accepted accompaniment can include: Live piano or piano back-tracks, etc. Accompaniment should not include background vocals if using tracks.

j) The accompanists listed on our website have confirmed that they are willing to record accompaniments for you to use for your performance if you do not have your own accompaniment. It is up to the competitor, however, to contact them directly and pay for this arrangement. https://omfa.ca/accompanists/

k) Stage movement is allowed, but no dance breaks.

l) Two (2) simple handheld props (e.g. comb, basket, or book); one (1) standard rehearsal theatre box, one table and one chair are allowed. No other props will be permitted.

m) Costumes are allowed, but will not be judged.

n) Spoken passages are only allowed if published in the score being used and cannot represent more than 10% of the selection.

o) Selections should be age appropriate. OMFA reserves the right to reject any selections that are deemed inappropriate, either in style or content.

p) Please visit this link for video submission guidelines: https://www.musicfestivalsuite.com/cgi-bin/accprof.cgi

q) All criteria listed in the OMFA General Rules (separate document) must be strictly adhered to. https://omfa.ca/syllabus/

Definition
Age-based Musical Theatre classes are offered to competitors through a Live Festival:
Elementary Level: Competitors between the ages of 11-12 as of December 31, 2022
Junior Level: Competitors between the ages of 13-14 as of December 31, 2022
Intermediate Level: Competitors between the ages of 15-16 as of December 31, 2022
Senior Level: Competitors between the ages of 17-18 as of December 31, 2022
Advanced Level: Competitors between the ages of 19-28 as of December 31, 2022
Adult Level: Competitors must be 29 and older as of December 31, 2022
Open Level: Open to any competitor between the ages of 16 and 28 and performing at an exceptional level. Competitors must be 28 or under as of December 31, 2022

One original score of the music or purchased digital music with attached receipt for each selection must be presented at the welcome desk for use by the adjudicator. Measure numbers should be clearly marked in the score.

Performance Requirements for Elementary to Advanced & Adult Levels:
a) Competitors must perform two (2) contrasting selections from the following:
• Fully staged musical theatre productions.
• Selections from STAGED Disney Productions.  Please note:  Competitors must use the versions of songs as shown in the production book/score and not arrangements or Junior show versions.
• For Intermediate, Senior and Advanced levels a selection from the “Golden Age” (1943-1974).e.g. composers such as Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, Bock and Harnick, (early) Sondheim, etc. is highly recommended.
• Selections are permitted from animated films and movie musicals (Elementary, Junior, and Intermediate levels only)
• Musical Theatre selections from the RCM Popular Selection List and the CC Idioms lists are permitted from RCM List C for Levels 1-6 and RCM List D for Levels 7-10.

b) NOT permitted:
• Musicals that have only been workshopped, songs from revues, cabarets or songs that are written as stand-alone songs in musical theatre style
• Songs listed in the RCM or CC classical syllabi (Lists A and B from Levels 1-7; Lists A, B, C from Levels 8-10).
• Operetta/light opera selections (Gilbert & Sullivan, Romberg, Lehar, Johann Strauss)
• Selections that are primarily spoken patter,( eg. Ya Got Trouble ‘The Music Man’, Aaron Burr, Sir ‘Hamilton’)
• Selections from Junior show versions of musicals that have been cut or simplified
• Vocal cuts except for repeated choruses

c) Competitors will be judged on their choice of selections, interpretation, contrasting tempi, style, vocal quality and age appropriateness.

d) It is recommended that both selections be from different musicals and different composers.

e) It is recommended that one selection be a ballad and one selection be up-tempo.

f) Performances must be from memory.

g) The absolute maximum performance times are as follows:

Elementary (Ages 11-12): Ten (10) minutes
Junior (Ages 13-14): Ten (10) minutes
Intermediate (Ages 15-16): Fifteen (15) minutes
Senior (Ages 17-18): Fifteen (15) minutes
Advanced (Ages 19-28): Fifteen (15) minutes
Adults (Ages 29+): Fifteen (15) minutes

There is no minimum performance time. Accurate performance times must be included on the entry form. Do not guess timings or simply apply the specified time limit

h) Accompaniment must be by piano only.

i) The accompanists listed on our website have confirmed that they will be available for the live Provincial Finals. You may use/hire one of them for your performance if you do not have an accompanist. It is up to the competitor, however, to contact them directly and pay for this arrangement. https://omfa.ca/accompanists/

j) Stage movement is allowed, but no dance breaks.

k) Two (2) simple handheld props (e.g. comb, basket, or book); one (1) standard rehearsal theatre box, one table and one chair are allowed. No other props will be permitted.

l) Costumes are allowed, but will not be judged.

m) Spoken passages are only allowed if published in the score being used and cannot represent more than 10% of the selection.

n) Selections should be age appropriate. OMFA reserves the right to reject any selections that are deemed inappropriate, either in style or content.

o) All criteria listed in the OMFA General Rules (separate document) must be strictly adhered to. https://omfa.ca/syllabus/

Definition
Open Level: Open to any competitor between the ages of 16 and 28 and performing at an exceptional level. Competitors must be 28 or under as of December 31, 2022

One original score of the music or purchased digital music with attached receipt for each selection must be presented at the welcome desk for use by the adjudicator. Measure numbers should be clearly marked in the score.

Performance Requirements for the Open Level:
a) In the Open Musical Theatre class, competitors will be given the opportunity to present a solo cabaret style program which demonstrates versatility, a high standard of performance ability and should include different genres/eras/styles from the musical theatre canon.

Musical Theatre competitors 16 and over can enter their actual age level category AND the Open Level musical theatre class upon recommendation from their local adjudicator.  Different repertoire must be used for Open and the competitor’s age level category.

b) The absolute maximum performance time is forty-five (45) minutes for the program.The absolute minimum performance time is fifteen (15) minutes). Accurate performance times must be included on the entry form. Do not guess timings or simply apply the specified time limit.

c) The program should include the following:
• Selections from different musicals and different composers.
• A selection from the “Golden Age” (1943-1964).e.g. composers such as Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, Bock and Harnick, (early) Sondheim, etc. is
• A selection by Stephen Sondheim isstrongly recommended
• Selections from STAGED Disney productions only are permitted. Please note: Competitors must use the versions of songs as shown in the production book/score and not arrangements.
• Musical Theatre selections from the RCM Popular Selection List and the CC Idioms lists are permitted from RCM List C for Levels 1-6 and RCM List D for Levels 7-10.

d) NOT permitted:
• Musicals that have only been workshopped, songs from revues, cabarets or songs that are written as stand-alone songs in musical theatre style
• Songs listed in the RCM or CC classical syllabi (Lists A and B from Levels 1-7; Lists A, B, C from levels 8-10).
• Operetta/light opera selections (Gilbert & Sullivan, Romberg, Lehar, Johann Strauss)
• Selections that are primarily spoken patter,( eg. Ya Got Trouble ‘The Music Man’, Aaron Burr, Sir ‘Hamilton’)
• Selections from Junior show versions of musicals that have been cut or simplified
• Vocal cuts except for repeated choruses

e) Competitors will be judged on their choice of selections, interpretation, contrasting tempi, style, vocal quality and age appropriateness.

f) Performances must be from memory.

g) Accompaniment must be by piano only.

h) The accompanists listed on our website have confirmed that they will be available for the live Provincial Finals and you may use/hire one of them for your performance if you do not have your own accompaniment. It is up to the competitor, however, to contact them directly and pay for this arrangement. https://omfa.ca/accompanists/

i) Stage movement is allowed, but no dance breaks.

j) Two (2) simple handheld props (e.g. comb, basket, or book); one (1) standard rehearsal theatre box, one table and one chair are allowed. No other props will be permitted.

k) Costumes are allowed, but will not be judged.

l) Spoken passages are only allowed if published in the score being used and cannot represent more than 10% of the selection.

m) Selections should be age appropriate. OMFA reserves the right to reject any selections that are deemed inappropriate, either in style or content.

n) All criteria listed in the OMFA General Rules (separate document) must be strictly adhered to. https://omfa.ca/syllabus/