GDL ONE-ACT PLAY "FRINGE" Festival
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Glamorgan Drama league proudly arrange and host a local One-Act Play Festival.
The top scoring One-Act plays in Wales are shortlisted for the Wales Final with the winner representing Wales in The British Final.
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Plays & Performance...
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Entries may be a complete one-act play or an extract (which must stand alone without introduction).
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Musicals are not permitted but plays with incidental music or songs are allowed.
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Plays must have at least two speaking characters.
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A play cannot be re-entered by the same company within five years.
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Minimum performance length: 20 minutes. Maximum: 55 minutes (including scene changes and pre- set action/music).
Eligibility...
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Entry is open to fully paid-up members of the Glamorgan Drama League.
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Companies must be bona fide amateur adult or youth societies with a regular existence outside the festival.
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Professional drama schools and higher education training courses are not eligible.
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Members must be amateur performers (i.e. not earning their main income from professional acting).
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A professional director may be engaged.
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Groups with under-18 performers must comply with chaperone and safeguarding requirements.
Entry...
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Entries must be submitted with the required fee and copies of the script. Photocopies are only accepted with written publisher permission.
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Companies must have appropriate insurance and provide proof.
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Withdrawal within four weeks of the festival may forfeit fees.
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By entering, companies commit to appearing at subsequent rounds (Wales & British Final) if selected.
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All performances are subject to the Theatres Act 1968.
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Safeguarding, child protection, and health & safety rules must be met.
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Any disputes will be referred to the Festival Committee, whose decision is final
Stage & Technical...
WHAT ARE THE COSTS?
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Entrants must be members of GDL. Annual membership is £30 per group. You can join here
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​The first play entered each year per group is free of charge
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The initial free entry must pay a deposit guarantee of £25, refundable on performance
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Each subsequent entry the same year is charged at £25 per play
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Groups are responsible for the license fee of the play
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If groups are successful in reaching The Wales Final, they must become members of The Drama Association Wales.
2026 FESTIVAL details
GDL FESTIVAL
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The GDL round will to take place at Chapter Arts Centre, 16th - 18th April, 2026
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Entries for the GDL round must be submitted by January 15,2026
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It will be adjudicated by Keith Phillips (GoDA)
The Wales Final
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The Wales Final will be hosted by Conwy Community Theatre Association and will be held in Colwyn Bay. 5th - 6th June 2026, Theatr Colwyn, Colwyn
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It will be adjudicated by David Price (GoDA)
The BRITISH Final
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The British Final will be hosted by Phoenix Theatre Company
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It will be held 3rd-4th July 2026 at Theatr Clwyd, Mold. ​
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It will be adjudicated by Jennifer Scott-Reid (GoDA)
HOW TO ENTER
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A basic black box stage, drapes, lighting, and sound will be provided.
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Companies must notify the Festival Stage Manager (FSM) in advance of special requirements or
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effects.
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10 minutes are allowed for setting, 5 minutes for striking.
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Penalties for overruns: up to 1 min = 1 mark; up to 2 mins = 3; up to 3 mins = 6; up to 4 mins = 10;
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up to 5 mins = 15; over 5 mins = disqualification.
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Smoking or lit substances on stage are not permitted (by law).
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Companies are responsible for their own stage management, sets, and properties.
ADJUDICATION...
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All entries are adjudicated by a Guild of Drama Adjudicator (GoDA)
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The marking system is: Acting 40, Direction 35, Stage Presentation 15, Dramatic Achievement 10.
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The adjudicator’s decision is final.
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Public adjudication will be given after each session. Private discussions may be arranged.
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Written adjudications may be requested in advance (with a fee).