LE SPOTLIGHT – Rules and Regulations

GENERAL
All contestants freely and willingly accept to abide by the rules and regulations of Le Spotlight at all times during all phases of the competition. Specific questions not covered in these rules and regulations should be addressed exclusively to the following e-mail address: info@cetm.ca.

ELIGIBILITY
Contestants must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Centre for Education and Theatre in Montreal (CETM) that s/he is on a “professional track” by providing evidence (upon request) of past achievements, including, but not limited to:

- study at a recognized theatre institution
- participation in professional or semi-professional theatrical production
- performing arts apprenticeships
- membership in appropriate trade unions and such.

Contestants understand that it is the prerogative of CETM and Le Spotlight personnel only, to decide the eligibility of each candidate and that specific information may be kept confidential by the Le Spotlight team.

Contestants agree that the decisions of CETM and the Le Spotlight jury are final and without appeal.

APPLICATION PROCESS
All contestants are required to submit an application by traditional mail to:

CETM
115 – 2205 Parthenais
Montreal, Qc.
H2K 3T3

Applications must be postmarked by February 28, 2011 and must include the following:

- head shot
- professional resumé
- completed application form (available at www.lespotlight.ca)
- $40 application fee payable to CETM Inc.

Payment of the application fee may be made by postal money order, certified cheque or cash. However, to request permission to make a cash payment, which must be made in person, please address your request by e-mail to info@cetm.ca without delay, prior to submitting your application. Please note CETM reserves the right to refuse to accept personal cheques and refunds will NOT be issued for application fees under any circumstances.

The CETM and its agents cannot be held responsible for lost or incomplete applications. It is the contestant’s sole responsibility to ensure her/his dossier is complete and on time.
To obtain confirmation that your materials have been received, please address your request exclusively by e-mail to: info@cetm.ca.

PERSONAL CONDUCT
Contestants agree to conduct themselves with the highest degree of mutual respect for their fellow contestants and to cooperate with Le Spotlight personnel at all times. No insulting commentary or inappropriate behavior, whether provoked or not, will be tolerated at any Le Spotlight gatherings and will result in immediate ejection from the proceedings. Failure to arrive promptly for any audition appointments or rehearsals for Le Spotlight may result in forfeiture of those opportunities without the possibility of rescheduling.

Contestants agree to be photographed throughout the Le Spotlight activities and understand that these images are the sole property of the CETM. Contestants also agree and understand that no additional compensation will be paid for these images.

THE CONTEST
Contestants must prepare a solo performance piece from the musical theatre repertoire. The piece must not exceed four minutes in total length. Spoken words may make up a portion of the performance.

Contestants must audition in front of the Le Spotlight preliminary evaluation team in Montreal. The time and place for this initial audition will be communicated to each contestant by e-mail once his/her initial application has been accepted.

Contestants may not accompany themselves on any musical instruments for Le Spotlight auditions or performances. No karaoke-style tapes or CDs are allowed. No singing unaccompanied (a cappella). Each person must perform as an individual in all phases of the competition. No pairs, trios or other combinations of multiple performers will be permitted.

PRELIMINARY AUDITIONS
Contestants are expected to bring their own sheet music and use the accompanist provided by Le Spotlight. The sheet music must already be in the appropriate key, as Le Spotlight cannot provide instant transposition services.

The Le Spotlight audition accompanist has created a list of several dozen suggested songs and their respective keys. This list may be obtained by sending an e-mail request to: info@cetm.ca. It is also possible to audition using another song that is not on the list. The CETM and Le Spotlight team cannot be responsible for audition problems that result directly or indirectly from the lack of prior rehearsal between the contestant and the Le Spotlight accompanist.

Contestants may bring their own accompanist. However, they must do at their own risk and expense. Outside accompanists will be given one (1) minute to adjust to the piano provided by Le Spotlight before having to proceed with the audition. The CETM and Le Spotlight judges reserve the exclusive right to accept or reject any song from the competition for any reason.

At least ten finalists will be selected to appear in the final round of competition, which will take place in front of a live audience and a panel of judges. In both preliminary and final rounds, points will be awarded to contestants in each of the following categories: singing ability, dramatic interpretation, movement skills, diction, stage presence, overall credibility as a “triple threat” (sing/dance/act), appropriateness of song choice, personal style and suitability of dress.

Finalists will be informed that they have been selected by telephone or by e-mail.

GALA EVENING AUDITION
Contestants may not wear special costumes for performances in Le Spotlight. It is acceptable and even advisable for a contestant to use clothing for subtle reinforcement of his/her performance. However, contestants who wear costumes that are objectionable to the Le Spotlight team may be disqualified from the competition.

The contestant who receives the highest point total from the panel of judges during the final round of competition will be awarded the grand prize.

GRAND PRIZE
The grand prize consists of:
- A starring role or featured solo performance at The Next Wave Festival of New Musicals in Montreal in August.

If chosen the winner of Le Spotlight, the contestant agrees to accept the prize as awarded. There will be no cash substitute or any additional compensation made to the contestants. The contest winner accepts that CETM and Le Spotlight cannot be held responsible for any actions that are beyond its control.

LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY
Contestants must be at least 18 years of age and legally eligible to sign a contract in order to participate in Le Spotlight.

Contestants agree to hold harmless the CETM, its agents and associates in case of any legal action launched against it/them based on the contestant’s own personal conduct.

Contestants acknowledge that the sole organizer of Le Spotlight is the Centre for Education and Theatre in Montreal Inc. (CETM).

The contestant accepts to discuss any dispute with CETM in person and in a timely manner and will resort to no legal remedies before such direct discussions are held between the two parties.

Contestants accept that any unresolved legal disputes must be settled exclusively on the island of Montreal based on the laws of the Province of Quebec.