» Henry Kemp-Blair Shakespeare Festival

We limit the number of participating schools to 25.

Each participating school may bring no more than 15 students to the festival.

Please check in on the Chapman University Campus:

• Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Saturday: 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

A maximum of 15 students can be accommodated per workshop and must attend as a group from each school. Be prepared to select a first and second choice when completing the registration form. 

2024 Festival Workshops:

• Speak the Speech, I Pray You: work with Chapman faculty on presenting a monologue

• Hand-to-Hand Combat Basics: falls, working with a partner, and basics in unarmed fighting

• Scenic Design

• Intro to Improvisation: learning to improvise as a character

• Commedia and Shakespeare: techniques from Commedia used in Shakespeare

• Shakespeare & Breath: vocal, breathing, and movement exercises

• Acting for the Camera

We strictly enforce time limits for scene and monologue presentations in the spirit of fairness. 

• Monologue presentations are performed in Moulton Hall. Two monologues may be submitted from each high school. Each can be no longer than two minutes.

• Scene presentations are performed in Waltmar Theatre. Entrances are available stage right and left. Two scenes may be presented from each high school, and each must be no longer than eight minutes. Each scene may include up to 15 students.

• Design presentations will consist of a 10-minute presentation period Moulton Hall classrooms where participants may show a 3D model or drawing of a set, costume, lighting or make-up design for Hamlet. Participants should be prepared with a written portion of their presentation (does not need to be memorized) and be able to answer questions with clarity. Following the presentation, judges will ask questions regarding the design. For additional details please see the next section "Design Guidelines for Students."

Design-Specific Supportive Materials

1. Process: research/inspiration images.
2. Rough sketches (if applicable).
3. Full-color costume renderings for Hamlet, Claudius, Ophelia and the Ghost.

1. Process: research/inspiration images.
2. Rough sketches (if applicable).
3. Full-color makeup face charts for Hamlet, Claudius, Ophelia and the Ghost.
4. Images or renderings of the hair design for Hamlet, Claudius, Ophelia and the Ghost.

1. Process: research/inspiration images.
2. A description of your venue (real or imagined). Students may choose to place their show in a venue of their choosing. In your video submission, briefly describe the realities of your real or imagined venue. For example: Is there a fly space? Copious or minimal offstage space? Trap doors?
3. Scenic rendering or images of a ¼” = 1’-0” scale model that depicts your design in Act 1, Scene 5.
4. Scenic rendering or images of a ¼” = 1’-0” scale model that depicts your design in Act 5, Scene 1. 
5. In your presentation, you must address the transition between Act 1 and Act 2 (transitions, different characters). If you have moving elements between scenes, how will that occur? How does the movement support the storytelling of that transition

1. Process: research/inspiration images.
2. Cue Sheet that covers Act 1, Scene 5, and Act 5, Scene 1.
3. Renderings of the lighting in Act 1, Scene 5, and Act 5, Scene 1. Include the moments that best exemplify your design ideas and overall concept.
   1. If you’re looking for a free light lab software, HKBSF recommends the Mulvaney Studios Light Lab https://www.mulvaneystudios.com/light-lab.html
4. In your presentation, you must address the transition between Act 1 and Act 2.

1. Process: research/inspiration images.
2. Cue Sheet that covers Act 1, Scene 5, and Act 5, Scene 1.
   1. Cue sheet must include cue #, page #, when the cue is played, title of the cue at a minimum.
3. Sound clips and music to be utilized in Act 1, Scene 5, and Act 5, Scene 1. Focus on sounds and music/underscoring that exemplify your sound design ideas and concept. Your presentation must not be longer than 12 minutes.
4. In your presentation, you must address the transition between Act 1 and Act 2.

The festival is located on the Chapman University campus in Orange, CA. The buildings used in the festival are easily accessible from the street and campus at the juncture of E. Palm Avenue between Center Street and N. Orange Street. Please see our campus map for detailed information.

Parking

There is no free parking on the Chapman campus. Pre-registered participant schools will be issued free electronic parking passes through Chapman Public Safety for the time they will be on campus. 

You may also park along the university perimeter (campus side only) without a permit if space is available. Equipment and passengers may be unloaded at the Waltmar Theatre steps on E. Palm Avenue, after which you may park in a designated area. IMPORTANT: parking on any other street in the nearby neighborhood is illegal and the city will ticket your vehicle.

Bus Parking

If you are bringing a school bus we ask that you clearly indicate this when you register so that special parking can be arranged.