This webpage explains the criteria for the OnComm award and then outlines what you need to do to submit your show.
IN SUMMARY
The OnComm aims to recognise an outstanding online theatre production – which could be an audio production. Eligible shows may also be productions on platforms like Zoom, including those where performers may be contributing online from their own location.
Eligibility Criteria
Please read all these before submitting (and please also note the submission requirements at the end of this webpage):
- Source
- Categories
- Length
- Duration of availability online / number of performances
- Age of recording
- Quality of the recording
- Theatre or film?
SOURCE
The show can be performed and filmed in, or co-ordinated from, anywhere in the UK, or anywhere in the world. However, please note that, due to limited resources at this stage, shows must be presented in English, or have English subtitles.
CATEGORIES
There are now just two categories:
- Online Production
- Online Audio Production
Please also note that:
- the OnComm is an award for theatre shows rather than for stand-up comedy
- compilation shows (e.g. “an evening of songs from the shows”) are unlikely to be eligible.
- audition tapes or showreels are not eligible
LENGTH
Unless the show is aimed at children, shows must be at least 30 minutes, excluding any additional introductions or post show discussions.
It is possible to submit a programme of shows where each individual show is shorter than 30 minutes if the total length is more than 30 minutes – but this programme will be treated as a single show.
Shows aimed at children (category 9) may be less than 30 minutes.
DURATION OF AVAILABILITY ONLINE / NUMBER OF PERFORMANCES
It is expected that online shows will be generally available online for at least a month, if not many more. However, if the show is only available online for a limited period, it must be available over at least 3 days. If the show is being performed only on specfic dates & times, there must be a minimum of 3 performances.
AGE OF RECORDING
If the show is a recording, the last performance of the show, and/or the recording date, must be no earlier than 3 months prior to it’s submittion for consideration.
QUALITY OF THE RECORDING
The recording could be of a performance with or without an audience, or it could be using Zoom or another platform to create and present a show in an unusual way (similar to companies or producers using non-traditional formats or spaces – e.g. immersive theatre, shows in underground car parks, etc).
For stage based performances, while a static camera at the back of the auditorium could be used to record the show, it is also possible that there will be several cameras recording the show, which are then edited to present a final version. While edits are fine, the recording is unlikely to be eligible if it uses a substantial number of cinematic techniques – e.g. multiple real-life locations, drone or tracking shots, etc., etc.
However, there may be some exceptions – for example, a recording of an outdoor promenade production set in a ruined castle could well use several of the above (multiple locations, drone shots, etc.) to legitimately record and present the show from the point of view an audience member.
While the quality of the recording or filming, including the sound, is important in order to ensure that the audience / viewers can see the performers (rather than the heads of audience members), hear the dialogue and have the best possible experience, it is stressed that the OnComm is a theatre award, not a film award. Venues, companies or producers will have differing levels of resources to draw on when it comes to recording or filming their show, and technical quality is just one factor that will be considered.
THEATRE OR FILM?
As noted above, the OnComm aims to recognise an outstanding online presentation of a streamed or recorded live theatre event – i.e. there must be a “theatre” vision and rationale behind any show submitted for an OnComm. While the use of some film techniques (especially editing, as outlined above) could be significant and substantial, it must be stressed that the OnComm is an award for an online presentation of a piece of theatre – it is not a film award.
If the piece has been (or will be) submitted to a film festival, it cannot be considered for an OnComm.
Add your show to www.offwestend.com
While there is no fee to be considered for an OnComm, but we ask that you list your show on the www.offwestend.com listings website.
Your show will then be included in the listings of shows on this website, and will be visible to our users and visitors, either directly on the homepage or via the listings or the search engine.
Adding your show is a relatively simple procedure:
- go to www.offwestend.com and login or create an account – select this option from the top tab
- go to https://offwestend.com/marketing/ and select ” online event” from the options in the “Free Venues & Events Listings” section in the top right
- there is then an online form to be completed, which includes the option to add one or more images – if you need assistance with completing the form, there is a “help” page at: https://offwestend.com/docs/listings/adding-a-listing/
How to submit your show
Once you have listed your show on the OffWestEnd website (see above), send an email with the information listed below to info@offwestend.com, explaining you are submitting this show for an OnComm:
- Name of show
- Relevant category – either Online Production or Online Audio Production
- URL of your listing on www.offwestend.com
- Length of the show
- If the show is not freely available (e.g. if it is on specific dates/times and/or there is a ticket price), please include details of how our assessors can view the show – this may include details of a press performance or a requirement for our assessors to specify a particular performance
- any relevant twitter handles and an image that you would like included in the twitter announcement that will be made if you receive an OnComm
OffWestEnd / November 2022