OnFocus

The Performance Medals are intended to encourage a “performance” from the candidates. For this reason, teachers are urged to introduce pupils to the medals as soon as possible that the pupils may use the opportunity to develop and strengthen their personalities, confidence and performance levels in preparation for the stage.

Theatre Dance Performance Medals offer 7 different genres from which to choose:

1. Theatre Dance Medal
2. Musical Theatre Medal
3. Modern Medal
4. Tap Medal
5. Hip Hop Medal
6. Ballet Medal
7. Drama Medal

• There are no age restrictions so candidates must enter the “Performance Medals” in sequence starting with the “Pink Medal” (Black for male students)
• Candidates enter the medal exam in two’s or three’s but perform everything alone.
• Make-up is suggested, although not compulsory and “Carte Blanche” is given as far as ‘what to wear’ is concerned because “Performance Medal” is seen as a stepping-stone to a stage performance. Pupils are therefore encouraged to simulate as much as possible, that which will be expected of them when onstage.
• Candidates do not have to do an exam in order to do a medal. A teacher’s entire examining session may comprise only medals.
• Should teachers have a stage in their teaching venue, or be able to hire a small venue with a stage, the “Performance Medals” may be done onstage.

• Pink / Black
• Blue
• Lilac
• Yellow
• Purple
• Green
• Red
• Bronze
• Silver
• Gold

The Theatre Dance grades work in conjunction with the Performance Medals and pupils will benefit greatly from learning and entering both. The use of props, being encouraged to sing or mime and the option of doing a character dance or straight, makes the Performance Medal an excellent starting point for any pupil intending to do the exam syllabus. The more experience the pupils can have characterising, working with props, singing and miming, the more familiar, confident and willing they will become with the challenges they are given in the grade work.