OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES: THE GLOBAL BARD INITIATIVE

1. SPONSORSHIP AND OVERVIEW The Global Bard Initiative (the “Contest”) is presented and sponsored by Jay Michaels Global Communications (JMGC) and New York Shakespeare (collectively, the “Sponsor”). The Contest is a global initiative designed to increase accessibility to the works of William Shakespeare for artists and audiences alike. By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding in all matters.

2. ELIGIBILITY AND ENTRY PERIOD The Contest is open to individual performers worldwide. Participants may enter as independent artists or as official representatives of a theatrical company or institution. The entry period begins on the date of announcement and concludes on the deadline specified on the official submission portal. No entry fee or purchase is required to enter or win.

3. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES AND CONTENT RESTRICTIONS

• Subject Matter: Entries must consist exclusively of soliloquies (solo speeches/monologues) written by William Shakespeare. Works by his contemporaries (including but not limited to Ben Jonson or Christopher Marlowe) are ineligible for this specific initiative.
• Quantity: Each actor may submit a maximum of five (5) distinct soliloquies.
• Technical Specifications:
  • Submissions must be in video format (MP4 file or a valid YouTube link).
  • Duration must not exceed five (5) minutes per soliloquy.
  • Submissions must be sent to: INFO@JAYMICHAELSARTS.COM
• Required Documentation: Each video must be accompanied by the entrant’s full name, valid email address, and a brief biography (of the individual or the represented company).
• Language: Soliloquies performed in languages other than English are permitted and encouraged, provided they include synchronized English closed-captioning or subtitles.

4. PERFORMANCE INTEGRITY AND AUTHENTICITY While the use of costumes, theatrical lighting, and music is permitted, the vocal and physical performance must be the original work of the entrant.

• Prohibition of Enhancements: Performances may not be altered, enhanced, or manipulated by any artificial means. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), auto-tune, digital dubbing, or autocorrecting software. Any entry found to have used such enhancements will be subject to immediate disqualification at the Sponsor’s discretion.

5. ADJUDICATION AND ADVANCEMENT

• Phase I (Preliminary): All eligible submissions will be adjudicated by a panel of qualified judges selected by the Sponsor.
• Phase II (Call-Backs): Selected entrants will be invited to perform their monologue live at a designated theatrical venue in New York City in August 2026. This live performance will be adjudicated by the judging panel and the present audience.
• Phase III (Finals): Winners from the Phase II live round will advance to a final performance in September 2026, which may be simulcast globally.

6. GRANT OF RIGHTS AND MEDIA RELEASE By entering, participants grant the Sponsor a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to record, stream, broadcast, and distribute the performances. Final performances will be recorded for Channel Indie TV and made available for review by accredited journalists. Entrants waive any “moral rights” in their performance and agree to the use of their name and likeness for promotional purposes related to the Contest.

7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY The Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, or technically compromised entries. By participating, entrants agree to release and hold harmless JMGC, New York Shakespeare, and their respective affiliates, officers, and employees from any and all liability or injuries arising from participation in the Contest or the live performance rounds.

8. GOVERNING LAW These rules shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising hereunder shall be adjudicated exclusively in the courts located in the City and County of New York.

9. MODIFICATION The Sponsor reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the Contest should technical failures, unauthorized human intervention, or other causes beyond the Sponsor’s control corrupt the administration or security of the Contest.