NATIONAL YOUTH MONOLOGUES 2027
competition rules.
Everything you need to know before entering.
BEFORE YOU ENTER
These rules apply to all entrants in the National Youth Monologues 2027.
Please read them carefully before entering. Parents, guardians, schools and groups should familiarise themselves with the relevant requirements.
WHO CAN ENTER
ENTRY DEADLINE
ENTRY DEADLINE
Young performers aged 9-19, subject to the eligibility criteria.
ENTRY DEADLINE
ENTRY DEADLINE
ENTRY DEADLINE
31 March 2027 11:59pm (UK time).
ENTRY FORMAT
ENTRY DEADLINE
ENTRY FORMAT
Online self-tape submission.
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01 ELIGIBILITY & AGE GROUPS
The competition is open to young performers aged 9-19 from the UK and internationally.
1.1 Eligibility
The National Youth Monologues 2027 competition is open to young performers aged 9–19 from across the United Kingdom. Entries are welcome from individuals, schools and youth groups.
1.2 Age Groups
Entrants must enter the appropriate age group based on their school year or equivalent educational stage, in accordance with the published eligibility criteria.
02 CATEGORIES
You can choose to perform in one or more of the following categories.
A monologue from a modern play (written from 1900 onwards).
A monologue from a classical play (written before 1900).
A monologue from a film or television production / screenplay.
A self-written monologue (see full rules for requirements).
03 — PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Each entry must be an individual monologue performance that meets the requirements of the entrant's chosen age group and category.
All monologues must fall within the permitted performance duration for the entrant's age group.
KS2 (Years 5–6) -
KS3 (Years 7–9) -
KS4 (Years 10–11) -
Sixth Form (Years 12–13) -
The performance duration is measured from the beginning to the end of the monologue. There is no requirement to introduce a monologue, but if actor's choose to do so then this is not included in the performance time.
Performances that exceed the permitted duration may be penalised or deemed ineligible.
All entries must feature one performer delivering a monologue.
The performance must be the entrant's own work as an actor. Other performers must not contribute spoken dialogue or perform alongside the entrant.
Entrants must select material appropriate to their chosen competition category and age group.
The four categories are:
- Contemporary: Monologues from modern plays (written after 1900).
- Classical: Monologues from classical plays (written before 1900).
- Screen: Monologues from film or television and production or screenplays.
- Original: Original monologues written by the entrant.
Entrants are responsible for ensuring that their chosen material meets the specific requirements of their category.
Simple props and costume may be used where they support the performance.
However, the focus of the entry should remain on the actor's interpretation, characterisation and communication of the text.
Elaborate sets, extensive costume changes or additional production elements are not required and will not provide an advantage in judging.
Monologues should be appropriate for the entrant's age and the nature of the competition. There should be no bad language or adult content in monologues entered for either Key Stage 2 or Key Stage 3 age groups.
Entrants should consider the suitability of language, themes and subject matter when selecting their performance material.
Material containing potentially sensitive or challenging themes should be approached thoughtfully and responsibly.
All monologues should be performed in English.
Entrants are encouraged to make clear, imaginative and truthful performance choices.
There is no single prescribed acting style. Performances may draw upon different theatrical or screen-acting approaches, provided they meet the requirements of the selected category.
Judging will focus on the quality of the individual performance rather than the complexity of its presentation.
All performances must be recorded and submitted as self-tapes.
Full requirements for filming, editing and submitting entries are provided in Section 04 — Recording & Submission.
04 — RECORDING & SUBMISSION
All entries to National Youth Monologues 2027 must be submitted online as a recorded performance (self-tape). Entrants should follow the guidelines below to ensure their performance can be viewed and assessed fairly.
- Camera: Use a stationary camera or smartphone. The camera should remain still throughout the performance, without zooming or panning.
- Framing: Ensure the performer is clearly visible throughout. Frame the performance appropriately for the chosen material, allowing the judges to see facial expressions and physical performance.
- Orientation: Record in landscape (horizontal) format unless otherwise specified.
- Lighting: Ensure the performer is clearly lit, with their face visible.
- Sound: Dialogue must be clearly audible. Avoid background noise, music or sound effects.
- Background: Choose a simple, uncluttered background wherever possible.
- Editing: The monologue must be recorded as one continuous performance. Cuts, transitions, filters and other editing effects must not be used to alter or enhance the performance.
Professional filming equipment is not required. Entries are assessed on the quality of the acting, not the production value of the recording.
- Select your age group and competition category.
- Complete the official online entry form, providing the required entrant and performance details.
- Upload your recorded monologue, following the instructions on the entry form.
- Complete any required consent declarations and pay the applicable entry fee, unless eligible for free entry.
- Submit your entry before the competition deadline.
All entries must be received by 11:59pm (UK time) on Wednesday 31 March 2027.
Entrants should allow sufficient time to complete their submissions and check that their recordings can be accessed.
Please check the submission confirmation after you press submit on your application form. This confirms that your form has been submitted successfully. Please note that no confirmation emails are sent out by National Youth Monologues.
- Each entry must contain one complete monologue performance.
- The recording must be the entrant's own performance.
- The recording must be accessible to the NYM judging team throughout the judging period.
- Where a video link is provided, entrants must ensure that the relevant sharing permissions allow the judges to view it.
- Entrants submitting more than one monologue must complete a separate submission for each entry.
- Entries that are incomplete, inaccessible or submitted after the deadline may not be considered.
Entrants experiencing technical difficulties should contact National Youth Monologues as soon as possible and, wherever possible, before the closing date.
NYM may request a replacement file or corrected video link where a submitted recording cannot be accessed.
Any arrangements for late or replacement submissions will be considered at NYM's discretion.
MAKE YOUR PERFORMANCE COUNT
You don't need professional equipment to create a great self-tape. Discover our practical tips for filming a clear, confident and engaging performance.
05 — ENTRIES & FEES
National Youth Monologues welcomes entries from individual performers, schools and youth groups across the UK. Entrants may submit performances in more than one category, provided each entry meets the competition requirements.
Each monologue submitted to the competition counts as a separate entry and is subject to the applicable entry fee.
Entrants must complete the official entry process and submit a separate recording for each monologue.
The entry fee for National Youth Monologues 2027 is £8 per monologue.
Entrants may enter more than one of the four competition categories: Contemporary, Classical, Screen and Original.
Each monologue must be submitted as a separate entry and must meet the requirements of its chosen category.
The applicable entry fee is payable for each submission unless an advertised discount or exemption applies.
Schools, drama departments, performing arts organisations and youth groups are welcome to enter students collectively.
Discounted School & Group Passes are available for organisations submitting multiple entries.
Each pass provides a specified number of competition entries at a reduced overall cost. Schools and groups are responsible for ensuring that all submissions meet the competition rules and are completed by the closing date.
Full details of available passes, pricing and how to purchase them can be found on our School & Group Entries page.
National Youth Monologues is committed to making the competition accessible to young performers regardless of financial circumstances.
Free entry is available to eligible young people who receive Free School Meals (FSM).
Eligible entrants should follow the free-entry instructions provided during the entry process.
Entry fees must be paid in full at the time of entry unless an approved alternative arrangement applies.
Entry fees are generally non-refundable once a submission has been completed, except where required by law or where National Youth Monologues determines otherwise.
If a monologue is submitted after the deadline and payment made, this payment may not be able to be refunded.
The closing date for all individual, school and group entries is Wednesday 31 March 2027 at 11:59pm (UK time).
All entries must be completed and submitted by this deadline.
National Youth Monologues reserves the right to extend the entry deadline where appropriate. Any extension will be announced through our official website and communication channels.
06 — JUDGING & SELECTION
All entries to National Youth Monologues are assessed on the quality of the individual performance. Our judging process aims to recognise young performers who demonstrate imagination, understanding, commitment and effective communication of their chosen material.
Performances are assessed with consideration given to the following areas:
Character & Interpretation
The performer's understanding of the character, circumstances and intentions within the monologue, and their ability to communicate a clear interpretation of the material.
Truth & Connection
The authenticity of the performance, including the performer's ability to respond truthfully to the imagined circumstances and establish a meaningful connection with the text.
Vocal & Physical Expression
The effective use of voice, movement, facial expression and physical choices to communicate character, meaning and intention.
Clarity & Communication
The performer's ability to engage the audience, communicate the story and sustain focus throughout the monologue.
Creativity & Individuality
The imagination, originality and personal choices demonstrated in the performance.
Judges consider performances in relation to the entrant's age group and chosen category.
All eligible entries are assessed through the submitted self-tape recordings.
Performances are considered within their relevant age groups and categories, with judges looking for the qualities outlined above.
Professional recording equipment, elaborate costumes and production effects are not required and do not provide an advantage in the judging process.
Following the initial judging stage, selected performers will be invited to progress to the next stage of the competition.
For 2027, the competition will include Regional Finals, leading to a National Final.
The number of performers selected to progress may vary depending on the number and standard of entries received.
Further details about the finals, including dates, locations and participation requirements, will be communicated to selected entrants.
Alongside progression to the Regional and National Finals, the judging panel may recognise exceptional performances through NYM Honours and Judges' Commendations.
NYM Honours recognises performances considered among the strongest entries in their age group and category. Judges' Commendations recognise performances that demonstrate particular merit.
Neither recognition guarantees progression to a live final.
Performers selected for a Regional Final will be assessed by the appointed judging panel. All performers must be able to perform live at their regional final, and original or further self-tapes cannot be considered for this stage.
Judges will consider the quality of each performance when determining which entrants progress to the National Final.
Selection will be based on performance merit, taking account of the relevant age group and category.
The National Final brings together selected performers from across the competition.
Performances will be assessed by an appointed judging panel, with awards determined in accordance with the competition's published award structure.
Details of awards and recognition are provided in Section 08 — Awards & Recognition.
National Youth Monologues appoints judges with relevant experience in acting, performance, education or the performing arts.
Judging decisions are made independently and in accordance with the competition's assessment criteria.
All judging decisions are final. National Youth Monologues is unable to enter into individual correspondence or appeals concerning artistic assessment or selection outcomes.
NYM reserves the right to make reasonable adjustments to the judging and selection process where necessary to ensure the fair and effective running of the competition.
07 — REGIONAL & NATIONAL FINALS
National Youth Monologues 2027 will bring together selected young performers through Regional Finals and a National Final, celebrating outstanding acting talent from across the UK.
Following the initial judging of self-tape submissions, selected entrants will be invited to participate in a Regional Final.
Details of locations, dates, performance arrangements and any applicable requirements will be communicated to successful entrants.
Selected performers from the Regional Finals will progress to the National Final, where they will perform before an appointed judging panel.
Details of the National Final, including the venue, date and arrangements, will be announced through official NYM channels.
Entrants selected for a final must confirm their participation by the specified deadline.
Where a finalist is unable to attend, NYM reserves the right to offer their place to another eligible entrant.
NYM reserves the right to make reasonable changes to the dates, venues, format or arrangements of the finals where necessary. Entrants affected by any changes will be informed as soon as reasonably possible.
08 — AWARDS & RECOGNITION
National Youth Monologues celebrates outstanding young performers across its age groups and categories, recognising talent, creativity and achievement throughout the competition.
Awards will be presented at the National Final to recognise outstanding performances across the competition's age groups and categories.
Winners will be selected by the appointed judging panel in accordance with the competition's judging criteria.
Details of the awards, prizes and any additional recognition opportunities will be announced through the official National Youth Monologues website.
NYM reserves the right to vary or withhold an award where appropriate, including where entries do not meet the required standard.
National Youth Monologues may recognise exceptional performances at different stages of the competition, including through finalist announcements, special commendations and other forms of recognition.
Certificates and other recognition may be awarded to selected entrants at NYM's discretion.
Any public announcement of results or recognition will be made through official NYM communication channels.
09 — PERMISSIONS & SAFEGUARDING
National Youth Monologues is committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all young performers. Appropriate permissions and safeguarding arrangements are required throughout the competition.
Entrants under the age of 18 must have permission from a parent or legal guardian to participate in the competition.
Where entries are submitted through a school or youth organisation, the submitting organisation must ensure that the necessary parental permissions have been obtained.
Entrants aged 18 or over may provide their own consent.
Additional permissions may be required for participation in live events, photography, filming or other competition activities.
National Youth Monologues may photograph or film competition events and use approved images, recordings and entrant information to celebrate and promote the competition.
Any use of identifiable images, recordings or personal information will be subject to the appropriate permissions and applicable data protection requirements.
Entrants and parents or guardians will be informed of relevant photography, filming and publicity arrangements, including how to raise concerns or communicate restrictions.
The safety and wellbeing of young performers is a priority throughout the competition.
All entrants, parents, teachers and accompanying adults are expected to follow the safeguarding arrangements and codes of conduct applicable to competition activities and events.
Entrants under 18 must be accompanied and supervised at live events in accordance with the arrangements communicated by NYM.
Safeguarding concerns should be reported promptly using the contact details provided in NYM's Safeguarding Policy.
Further information is available in our Safeguarding Policy and Privacy Policy.
10 — GENERAL CONDITIONS
By entering National Youth Monologues 2027, entrants agree to comply with the competition rules and any reasonable instructions issued by the organisers.
All entries must comply with the published competition rules. National Youth Monologues reserves the right to reject or disqualify entries that are ineligible, incomplete, misleading or in breach of these requirements.
Where appropriate, entrants may be given an opportunity to correct administrative or technical errors.
National Youth Monologues reserves the right to make reasonable changes to competition arrangements, including dates, venues, judging procedures or event formats, where necessary.
In exceptional circumstances, NYM may postpone or cancel part or all of the competition. Any significant changes will be communicated through official channels, with appropriate arrangements made for affected entrants.
By submitting an entry, entrants — or their parent, guardian or authorised representative where applicable — confirm that they have read and agree to the competition rules.
Questions about eligibility, submissions or the application of these rules should be directed to National Youth Monologues through the official contact details provided on the website.
These rules should be read alongside NYM's published Privacy Policy and Safeguarding Policy.
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