CLUSTER - CULTURALS

CONTENTS:

1) CHOREONITE
2) FREESTYLE
• SOLO
• DUAL
3) MANORANJAN
4) BATTLE OF BANDS
5) VOCALS
• DUET EASTERN
• DUET WESTERN
• SOLO EASTERN
• SOLO WESTERN
• CLASSICAL SOLO
6) INSTRUMENTALS
• SOLO CLASSICAL
• SOLO WESTERN
• DUET
7) IMPROV-A-THON
8) ENGLISH DRAMATICS
9) MOVIE SPOOF

© NITTFEST Events Team 2020

 GENERAL RULES:
1. Empty to Empty would require the entire stage and entry green room to be cleared
of all props and the participants along with the helpers should be present in the exit
green room. Any props or persons, if found would lead to negative marking.
2. Exceeding the specified time limit would lead to negative points. The number of
negative points awarded will increase step wise with the time exceeded (in
seconds).
3. The decision of the judges is final and binding.
4. All time deadlines for submission will be in accordance with
http://nittfest.in/clock/
5. Submissions should only be done through USB.

1) CHOREO NITE (15-12-10-7)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Following three styles of dance are to be performed:

• Eastern (Time duration: Minimum 2 Minutes)

• Western (Time duration: Minimum 2 Minutes)
• A dance based on the theme (Battle): (Time duration: A continuous period of
minimum 1 min 30 seconds )

RULES:

2) One team per department. A maximum of TWENTY FIVE performing members per
team and a minimum of 5 members AT ANY TIME on the stage. However, the stage
maybe empty during transitions.
3) Apart from this a team can use a maximum of FIVE (2 backstage +2 lighting +1
soundtrack handling) people to help backstage.(who are at no point of time during
performance allowed on stage)
4) Noncompliance to the above mentioned rules would attract
disqualification on the spot.
5) Time limit: TWELVE minutes (empty to empty) will be allotted to each team.
6) This includes time for stage setup, narration, costume changeover AND clearing
the stage.

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 7) Exceeding the specified time limit would lead to negative points. The number of
negative points awarded will increase step wise with the time exceeded (in
seconds). 30 seconds into exceeding the time limit, audio will be stopped.
8) Usage of props in an effective and creative manner will be considered
under creativity.
9) Teams requesting UV lights must use them for a minimum of 1 minute
continuously during the performance. These teams will be allotted the last slots.
10) The use of fire, water, snow spray, any form of powder, matches or any
other inflammable substances (which include candles, fire crackers, lighters,
earthen lamps etc.) are strictly prohibited.
11) Teams should maintain decorum on and off stage. Obscenity or
profanity will not be tolerated (Judges’ discretion).
12) The final track should be submitted to the organizers on (27th March, 2020)
before 11:59 PM in the specified venue.

13) The Act must be original.

14) A Team can use any prop can be used but at least two of the following
prescribed property must be used for a period of 50 seconds (may not be
continuous):

i. Rope
ii. Handkerchief
iii. Chair/Stool
iv. Nunchaku
v. Sword/ Shield/ Spear

15) No restriction on the number of person using these props.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

1) Choreography
2) Entertainment Value/ Impact
3) Creativity
4) Coordination
5) Expressions/ Energy/ Style
6) Costume
7) Portrayal of the theme
8) WOW factor
9) Stage presence

© NITTFEST Events Team 2020

2) FREESTYLE

FREE STYLE SOLO (3-2-1)

RULES:

1) Maximum of 1 participant is allowed per department.

2) Comprises of two rounds.
3) First round, the participant should perform a self-choreographed dance for
maximum 3 minutes and a minimum of 2 minutes.
4) Exceeding the time limit will invite negative points, post 15 seconds the audio
would be stopped.
5) In the second round, the participant is expected to dance to an adapt tune
for a period of 2 minutes
6) No props are allowed on stage.
7) No obscenities or profanities allowed (Judges’ discretion).
8) Final track should be submitted to the organizers before 11:59 PM, 28th March
2020.
9) In case of a tie, there will be a tie breaker. The two winning participants with the same
points have to be present on stage and dance for the same music (played on the spot)
simultaneously.
10) In case of a tie between more than two people, another round of adapt tune
will take place.
JUDGING CRITERIA:

1) Style
2) Costume
3) Rhythm/Beat sense
4) Energy
5) Stage presence
6) Expressions
7) Choreography
8) Creativity

© NITTFEST Events Team 2020

 FREE STYLE DUAL (5-3-1)

RULES:
1) Maximum of 1 team with 2 participants are allowed from each department
to perform a self-choreographed dance.
2) The dual can be (MM, MF or FF) M: Male, F: Female
3) Total time duration (minimum 3 min, max 4.5 min) (empty to empty)
4) Exceeding the time limit will invite negative points.
5) The event consists of one round.
6) The final track should be submitted to the organizers before 11:59 PM, 28th March
2020.
7) No props are allowed.
8) Points will be reduced for any indecency on stage.

JUDGING CRITERIA:
1) Style
2) Rhythm/Beat sense
3) Energy
4) Creativity
5) Expressions
6) Choreography
7) Synchronization
8) Costume

3) Manoranjan (9-7-5-3)

RULES:
1) Manoranjan will be a story-telling competition which narrates an entertaining story
that conveys a moral through innovative depictions such as mime.
2) A narrator/live voice over can only be used to give backstory and to establish scenes.
3) One team per department.
4) A maximum of EIGHTEEN performing members per team and a minimum of
FIVE. Narrator must be enlisted as a performing member.
5) Apart from this a team can use a maximum of FIVE (2 backstage +2 lighting + 1
soundtrack handling) people to help back stage. These five people are at no point of
time allowed on stage.
6) Non-compliance to the above-mentioned rules would attract
disqualification on the spot.
7) NOTE: At a point of time, on stage, there can be less than five members.
8) Time limit: TWELVE minutes (empty to empty) [Props and people should move
from entry green room to exit green room within this limit].

© NITTFEST Events Team 2020

 9) Plagiarism is discouraged. Negative marks will be awarded as seen fit by the judge
in this regard. The decision of the judges is final and binding, not open for review.
10) Previously used main acts, in the past 2 editions of NITTFEST are NOT
allowed. This includes acts submitted by other departments.
11) Exceeding the specified time limit would lead to negative marks.
12) The number of negative marks awarded will increase step wise with the time
exceeded in seconds. 30 seconds into exceeding the time limit, audio will be
stopped.
13) Teams are required to bring in their own props; no props shall be provided.
14) Teams can use recorded dialogues or use microphones for live
voiceover/narration, recorded music pertaining to the script is allowed.
15) Organizers will provide the equipment required to play the music and if needed mics
will be provided for live voiceover/narration depending on the availability.
16) Teams requesting for UV lights must use them for a minimum of 1 minute during
the performance. These teams will be allotted the last slots.
17) Use of fire, water, snow spray, any form of powder, matches or any other
inflammable substances (which include candles, fire crackers, lighters, earthen
lamps, etc.) is strictly prohibited.
18) Teams should maintain decorum on-stage and off-stage.
19) No obscenities or profanities allowed (Judges’ discretion).
20) Final track should be submitted to the organizers on the day of overall slot picking
(23rd March, 2020).

JUDGING CRITERIA:
1) Entertainment Value
2) Storyline
3) Presentation
4) Props and Costumes

4) BATTLE OF THE BANDS (15-12-10-7)

RULES:
1) One team per department.
2) The performing members of band must consist of a minimum of THREE
members and a maximum of TEN members at any point of time onstage.
3) A team can use a maximum of TWO people to help backstage. They will be
allowed ONLY for stage setup. They cannot enter the stage during the
performance.
4) Maximum of TWELVE members (TEN performers + TWO helpers) are
allowed to participate.
© NITTFEST Events Team 2020
 5) Each band will be allotted 15 minutes (empty to empty) for
performance and setup respectively.
6) Exceeding the specified time limit would lead to negative marks, which will
increase step wise in accordance with the time exceeded in seconds.
7) A standard right-handed 5 piece drum kit, a keyboard stand, 5-8 microphones and 3
amplifiers will be provided. All other Instruments have to be brought by the
participants.
8) Bands can play both western and eastern. Covers of songs are allowed.
9) Substantial weight-age will be given for the band's own compositions.
10) Similarly, credit will also be given for original medleys.
11) No prerecorded tracks/sound allowed. If used the team will be disqualified.

JUDGING CRITERIA:
1) Versatility
2) Vocal quality
3) Band Dynamics (Synchronization, etc.)
4) Tightness of the band
5) Quality of sound

5) VOCALS

5.1 SOLO WESTERN (3-2-1)

RULES:

6) Only ONE participant per department is allowed.

7) Participants will be given 5 minutes on stage for their performance.
8) Extra 2 minutes will be provided for the setup time of the
accompanying instrument (if any).
9) Participants cannot start their performance during the setup time.
10) Participants can perform in any genre of their choice
11) There is no limit on the number of songs to be performed
12) Participants are allowed ANY ONE of the following performance aids
only:
 An accompanying instrument played by themselves
 An accompanying instrument played by an accompanist (necessarily from the
same department only)
 Backing tracks without any prerecorded vocals are permitted.

13) However, departments are expected to submit their backing tracks via USB to the
Event manager before 26th March 2020, 1PM.
14) No points will be awarded for the instrument.

© NITTFEST Events Team 2020

 15) No restriction on the kind of instrument.
16) Participants will have to arrange for their instrument, if needed.

5.2) SOLO EASTERN (3-2-1)

RULES:

1) Only ONE participant per department is allowed

2) Participants will be given 5 minutes on stage for their performance.
3) Extra 2 minutes will be provided for the setup time of the
accompanying instrument (if any).

4) The piece performed must be in any Indian language(No English allowed)

5) Participants can perform in any genre of their choice
6) There is no limit on the number of songs to be performed
7) Participants are allowed ANY ONE of the following performance aids only:

 ONE accompanying instrument played by themselves

 ONE accompanying instrument played by an accompanist (necessarily from the
same department only)
 A backing track WITHOUT any pre-recorded vocals However, departments are
expected to submit their backing tracks via USB to the Events Manager on
26th March 2020 before 3 PM.

8) A Shruthi box or the digital equivalent on smartphones can be used. (Participants

should bring.)
9) No points will be awarded for the instrument and there is no restriction on the kind of
instrument.
10) Participants will have to arrange for their instrument.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

1) Vocal dynamics
2) Perfect Pitching
3) Maintenance of tempo
4) Vocal clarity
5) Overall stage presence
6) Mic handing

© NITTFEST Events Team 2020

5.3) SOLO CLASSICAL (3-2-1)

RULES:

1) Only ONE participant per department is allowed

2) Participants will be given 5 minutes on stage for their performance
3) Extra 2 minutes will be provided for the setup time of the accompanying
instrument (if any).
4) Varnams and Thukkadas should be avoided. Singing of ragam, nereval
or Swaram will be suitably rewarded.
5) Participants can have one accompanying Indian instrument played by an
accompanist (necessarily from the same department only). A Shruthi box or the
digital equivalent on smartphones can be used. Violin and keyboard with
harmonium patch can be used. (Participants should bring)

JUDGING CRITERIA:

1) Vocal Clarity
2) Vocal Dynamics
3) Perfect Pitching
4) Maintenance of tempo
5) Display of Raaga knowledge (Manodharmam/Aalap/Swara Rendition).

DUET EASTERN (MM, MF OR FF) (5-3-1)

M: Male F: Female

RULES:

1) ONLY ONE team comprising of TWO members per department is allowed to

participate
2) Participants will be given 5 minutes on stage for their performance.
3) Extra 2 minutes will be provided for the setup time of the accompanying instrument
(if any). Participants are not allowed to start during the setting time.
4) The piece performed must be in any Indian language (No English allowed)
5) Participants can perform in any genre of their choice
6) There is no limit on the number of songs to be performed
7) Participants are allowed ANY ONE of the following performance aids only:

© NITTFEST Events Team 2020

  ONE accompanying instrument played by any one of the two
Participants
 ONE accompanying instrument played by an accompanist (necessarily
from the same department only)
8) Backing tracks are permitted (without vocals). However, departments are
expected to submit their backing tracks via USB to the Events Manager on
26th March 2020 before 9 PM.
9) No points will be awarded for the instrument and there is no restriction
on the kind of instrument.
10) Participants will have to arrange for their instrument.
11) Lyrics containing vulgarity will not be allowed. (Judges’ Discretion)
12) The perfect usage of harmony where suitable will earn extra points

JUDGING CRITERIA:
1. Vocal Clarity
2. Vocal Dynamics
3. Perfect Pitching
4. Beat sense
5. Mic handling
6. Synchronization

5.5) DUET WESTERN (MM, MF OR FF) (5-3-1)

M: Male F: Female

RULES:
1. ONLY ONE team comprising of TWO members per department is
allowed to participate.
2. Participants will be given 5 minutes on stage for their performance.
3. Extra 2 minutes will be provided for setup of the accompanying
instrument (if any).
4. Participants cannot start their performance during the setup time.
5. Participants can perform in any genre of their choice.
6. There is no limit on the number of songs to be performed.
7. Participants are allowed ANY ONE of the following performance aids
only:
 ONE accompanying instrument played by any one of the two
participants or
 ONE accompanying instrument played by an accompanist (Not
necessarily from the same department) or
 A backing track WITHOUT any pre-recorded vocals. However,
departments are expected to submit their backing tracks via USB to
the Events Manager on 26th March 2020, before 7 PM.
© NITTFEST Events Team 2020
 8. No points will be awarded for the instrument and there is no restriction on
the kind of instrument.
9. Participants will have to arrange for their instrument.
10.The perfect usage of harmony where suitable will earn extra points.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

1. Vocal clarity
2. Adherence to pitch
3. Adherence to tempo (Beat sense)
4. Quality of voice
5. Synchronization
6. Mic Handling

6) INSTRUMENTAL

SOLO (CLASSICAL) (3-2-1)

RULES:

1. Only ONE participant per department is allowed.

2. Time limit: 4+2 minutes (Performance + Setup time).
3. Participants cannot start their performance during the setup time. Instrument
can be any standard musical instrument. However, what is played must be of
Indian classical origin. Keyboards with harmonium patches are permitted.
4. All percussion instruments must be indigenous. Drum kits are NOT permitted.
Violation of this rule will lead to the disqualification of the participant.
5. Participants will have to arrange for their instrument.
6. No pre-recorded (Recorded prior to the performance) music/beats are allowed.

JUDGING CRITERIA:
1. Instrumental Skill
2. Adherence to tempo
3. Creativity
4. Overall stage presence

© NITTFEST Events Team 2020

 SOLO (WESTERN) (3-2-1)

RULES:

1. Only ONE participant is allowed per department.

2. Time limit: 4+2 minutes (Performance + Setup time).
3. Participants cannot start their performance during the setup time.
4. Instruments should be a standard musical instrument.
5. Participants will have to arrange for their instrument.
6. Backing tracks are permitted. However, departments are expected to submit
their backing tracks on 26th March 2020, before 11:59 AM.
7. The backing track will be verified for elements that could be misused.
Participants are expected to submit the names of instruments that they are
playing. For those who are using keyboards, the exact patches that will be
used over the course of the performance must be specified.
8. On verification, those departments whose tracks have been revoked must refrain from
using a backing track during the performance. Usage of tracks different from the ones
approved will earn negative marks. If revoked tracks used, the team will be
disqualified.
9. Standard Drum kit will be provided.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

1. Instrumental Skill
2. Adherence to tempo
3. Creativity
4. Overall stage presence.

6.3 DUET (5-3-1)

RULES:
1. Only one team comprising two participants are allowed per department.
2. Instruments can either be percussion/ non-percussion or a
a. Combination of both.
3. Time limit: 5+2 minutes (Performance + Setup time).
4. Participants cannot start their performance during the setup time.
5. A drum kit will be provided. For all other instruments participants have to make their
own arrangements.
6. No pre-recorded (Recorded prior to the performance) music/beats are allowed.

© NITTFEST Events Team 2020

 JUDGING CRITERIA:

1. Instrumental Skill
2. Adherence to tempo
3. Creativity
4. Blending / Chemistry on stage
5. Overall stage presence

7) Improv-A-Thon(5-3-1)
RULES:
1. One team from each department with strictly 3 members.
2. Two Rounds: a) 1-2-3 b) Genre Replay with a Twist.
 1-2-3:
Participants will be assigned numbers (1, 2, 3). The assigned number is the number of
words a participant can say i.e., the participant's dialogue should consist of the 1, 2 or 3
words as assigned. Violation of the number constraint will result in loss of a limb during the
performance
 Genre replay:
Participants will be asked to perform a scene, according to the prompts given. Two
genres will given and the participants will have to replay the enacted scene in the given
genres

3. Preparation time: 3 minutes (during one performance).

4. Help from non-team members will not be permitted.
5. Performance time: 3 minutes.
6. No props are allowed on stage.
7. Rules for the rounds will be explained on event day.
8. The slots for the contest will be chosen by numbers on the day of the event. The team
members must be present at the time of the respective slots or else they will be
disqualified.
9. The exact time of picking slots will be announced on the PR Desk and intimations
will be sent to respective department coordinators.
10. Judges can choose to disqualify or deduct points as they deem fit.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

1. Creativity and spontaneity.

2. Facial expression and body language.
3. Storyline and relevance to the given situation

© NITTFEST Events Team 2020

8) Dramatics (One Act Play) - (12-9-6)

RULES:
1. Only one team per department is allowed.
2. Time Limit: 15 minutes (From stage entry to stage exit) at the end of the allotted
time the stage and backstage must be completely cleared of all props used and all
actors must be offstage.
3. Number of team members: Actors: Minimum 3, Maximum 10. Production team
can have a maximum of 5 members who will be allowed to operate sounds, lights
and change stage setups (if any).
4. There are no restrictions about script selection. All genres are welcome.
5. Original scripts, prewritten scripts and adaptations are all permitted. Previously used
scripts, in the past 2 editions of NITTFEST are NOT allowed. This includes scripts
submitted by other departments.
6. If a submitted script is not permissible due to repetition, an additional 4 days will
be given from the day of notification for submitting a new script.
7. Originality: Extra points will be given for original scripts and live music. Collar
microphones will be provided (the number depends on availability).
8. No profanity, swearing or suggestive actions are permitted on stage.
9. Judges can choose to disqualify or deduct points as they deem fit.
10. The use of vernacular expressions should be limited. They must be used only if
necessary.
11. The downstage area of stage will be allotted for the seating of judges and may not
be available for use during the performance.
12. The use of fire, water, snow spray, matches or any other inflammable substances
is strictly prohibited. No substance that will wet or dirty the stage will be
permitted. Glass cannot be broken on stage.
13. Teams will be held responsible for any damages to the stage and backdrop.
14. The backdrop must not be touched, altered or damaged in any way. Pinning
up or pasting items on the backdrop will not be permitted.
15. The judge’s decision is final and binding.
16. The slots will be picked along with the slot picking for the other events on a specific
day before NITTFEST. The department coordinators will be intimated about the time
and venue. The timings for lights and sound check will be according to the slots
starting from at least 2 hours prior to the event. Each department will get 10mins to
check the lights and sounds. If the department is not present at allotted time, no time
will be provided later.

© NITTFEST Events Team 2020

 Script submission deadline: 1 PM, 18th March 2020. The script should be
sent to the event manager through USB. If 2 departments submit the same
script, both will have to change and submit within 4 days from the date of
notification.

JUDGING CRITERIA: (Judges’ decision is final)

1. Acting
2. Direction
3. Production/Stage design
4. Originality

9) MOVIE SPOOF (10-7-4)

GENERAL INFORMATION:

1. Only one team per department with a maximum number limit of 15+3(FIFTEEN
performing members + TWO backstage + ONE audio).
2. Narrator must be enlisted as a performing member. A team can use a maximum of TWO
people to help back stage and one for audio. These three people are at no point of time
allowed on stage.
3. Non-compliance would attract disqualification on the spot.
4. Time limit: TWELVE minutes (empty to empty).
5. Exceeding the specified time limit would lead to negative marks. The number of
negative marks awarded will increase step wise with the time exceeded in seconds. 30
seconds into exceeding the time limit, audio will be stopped.
6. The event follows the following format- Teams choose an original scene from any
movie and alter the style of presentation. (For example, in different moods, a different
director etc.)
7. Teams are free to mimic multiple movies but the name of the main movie being spoofed
(major movie at least) should be informed to the organizers before the event (and soft
copies provided if asked for).
8. Languages allowed: Hindi, English and Tamil.
9. Teams can use microphones, recorded dialogues or have live voice-
over/narration, recorded music pertaining to the script.
10. Organizers will provide the equipment to play the music.
11. Teams should maintain decorum on-stage and off-stage. Humor should not be
distasteful in nature – no obscenity or profanity allowed (Judges’ discretion).
12. Teams are required to bring in their own props. No props shall be provided.

© NITTFEST Events Team 2020

13. Use of fire, water, snow spray, any form of powder, matches or any other inflammable
substances (which include candles, firecrackers, lighters, earthen lamps etc.) are
strictly prohibited.
Final pre-recorded track (if any) should be submitted to the organizers on 24th
March 2020, before 8PM to the NITTFEST Event Coordinators.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

1. Entertainment Value
2. Presentation

© NITTFEST Events Team 2020