When considering entering a festival like HJ, there are plenty of questions to consider.

Here are some of the ones we think you might want to know the answers to!

When is HJ1act?

It runs from Thursday, 14th April to Saturday, 16 April 2016, at 7.15pm nightly.

Where is it held?

The Harold Jolliffe One-Act Play Festival is held at the Arts Centre in Swindon’s Old Town.

How long should our play be?

One act plays should be no shorter than 20 minutes in performance and no longer than 55 minutes. Entries are allowed ten minutes to set and five to strike. This is not included in the performance time. All elements are timed by the Festival Stage Manager, and timings will be passed to the adjudicator who will award penalties if necessary, according to a laid down criteria.

What are the rules on how big, or small, a cast we can have?

There must be a minimum of two speaking parts on stage. There is no laid down maximum number.

What do you consider to be a Youth Entry?

The Swindon & District Theatre Guild, which runs the Harold Jolliffe One Act Play Festival, has decided that actors aged 18, or under, at the time of their hj1act performance, are considered to be youth actors.

Will you require a copy of the script?

Yes please! An original copy must be with us by an agreed date, in time for the adjudicator to prepare for your performance. This copy will be returned to you after the festival. Electronic copies of scripts are acceptable.

Is there a technical rehearsal day?

Oh yes! It’s on Sunday, 10 April 2016, at the Arts Centre. It’s a chance to bring your cast and crew along to the theatre and see the performance space, meet our festival crew and discuss your requirements in terms of lighting and sound.

There must be other rules?

There are but none of them are unreasonable! For a full list of the AETF Rules, see the Rules page in this website, or visit the AETF Website at the AETF website (www.aetf.org.uk).

When is the latest that my entry can be received by?

You should have your entry with the Festival Director by 1 February, 2016. By this date, you'll be expected to submit your entry form and fee, along with your script.

How do I go about entering?

Firstly, you should email the Festival Director at hj1act@gmail.com. An entry form and entry pack can then be sent out to you.

What play can I enter?

That’s a question which has faced our entering companies since our festival began, back in 1947! If you’re unsure of what you might like to present, why not take a look at the ‘Find a Play!’ section. There are plenty of links to publishers and other festival websites, which might provide inspiration! Also, keep an eye on the ‘News Blog’ section of this website. Whenever we have them, we’ll give you updates on one-act plays being performed around the globe.

How much will it cost to enter a play?

You can enter for free – or make up to £90 on the deal! It's up to you!