Veteran educator Dean Slusser brings his insight and experience to the purpose and philosophy of theatre adjudication, addressing the difference between competitions and festivals; the adjudicator's role in each; and the evolution of "professional" adjudication. In this handbook for adjudicators at every level of experience, he offers a comprehensive discussion of approaches used in a variety of professional organizations such as the American Association for Community Theatre, the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival, the Texas Educational Theatre Association, and others. Chapter topics include the content and shape of adjudication and approaches to scoring festivals and competitions. Festival hosts and organizers can benefit from the practical suggestions for implementing an adjudication format that benefits participants, audience and adjudicators alike. Slusser offers a lighthearted chapter highlighting actual comments from adjudicators and proposes an adjudicator training program, delving into the philosophy of adjudication and its relationship to developing critical thinking skills. The book is an excellent resource for better understanding the adjudicator's role or improving your individual skills. 6x9. Soft cover.