Frequently Asked Questions about ACDA Adjudication Policies

Q: Who is eligible to submit works for adjudication? A: Only ACDA Institutional Members in good standing are eligible for adjudication.

Q: How many works can one institution submit for adjudication? A: No more than two works from any institution may be adjudicated in a Conference season. If two works are submitted for adjudication, a student must have choreographed at least one of the works.

Q: Can anyone perform in an adjudication concert? A: A student, faculty member, or guest artist may choreograph a work presented for adjudication in any idiom; however, only students may perform. In addition to student performers, musicians may be visible to the audience whether they are students or non-students.

Q: Can we submit the same work more than once? A: Once a work has been adjudicated, it cannot be submitted for adjudication at any other Conference during the same Conference season. Adjudicated works that are not accepted for the Gala Concert in one Conference season may be reworked for adjudication in subsequent conference seasons. However, once a work has been accepted for a Gala Concert performance, it may not be resubmitted for adjudication by the same institution.

Q: Is there a time limit? A: The maximum time for each work presented for adjudication is 12 minutes. The work will be timed in performance and judged to begin when any one of the perceived elements of choreographic choice (lights, sound, movement) is visible or audible to the audience. This includes the rising of the curtain on a pre-lit stage. Each work is carefully timed by 2-3 ACDA Board members during adjudication concerts.

Q: What happens if we go over the 12 minute time limit? A. If a work goes over 12 minutes, it is ineligible for the Gala Concert and consequently ineligible for the National Festival. It will, however, continue through the adjudication process with feedback from the adjudicators.