Cancelled for 2020.  With apologies to our regular participants, particularly those who have been encouraging us to stage some sort of an event, we have reluctantly taken the decision to cancel “Casey Comps” for this year.  Although numbers allowed for public gatherings in enclosed spaces appear to be gradually opening up, our small Committee has (justifiable) concerns regarding the expected requirement to maintain a level of cleanliness and social distancing, not only in the theatre, but particularly in and around the change spaces.  We have no reason to believe that such requirements will no longer apply by October.  We also have Committee members within high risk categories for exposure to the virus who must be considered.  The 2021 event will commence on 9th. October (or a week earlier if the theatre can be made available).

Previously decided, but now that we’re focusing on 2021, arrangements will need to be confirmed by the Committee next year.

• Dates for 2021    October 9/10, 16/17, 23/24, 30/31.  Age blocking as in previous years may be impacted upon by the holding of a Troupe Weekend (see below).  More details later.
• Entries for 2021 Anticipated to open early in May, 2021.
• Entry Fees for 2021  Regular Solos: $16.00.  Duos/Trios:  $7.50 per Competitor   Entertainment Item:  $11.00.  Championships:  $25.00   Troupes:  $40.00 per Troupe.   ‘Stardom’ Administration Fee:  $10.00
• Troupes Weekend    We will be trialling a dedicated Troupes Weekend on October 9/10.  This will impact upon our age-blocking and timing for Championship qualifying, but this strategy seems to have become popular with other comps, enabling more efficient planning for dance schools.  We are prepared to give this a “go”.  Additional change space may be available at Cranbourne with access to the adjacent gym.
• Dates Change to another time of year   We continue to investigate commencing one week earlier to avoid running into the Melbourne Cup Weekend..
• Adjudicators  Those organised for 2020 have been asked about their availability for 2021.  With so much time remaining, Adjudicators will need to be confirmed closer to the event.

Operating Loss for 2019   Unfortunately, our event made a loss of approx. $6,700 in 2019.  We have a reasonable balance in our operating account, as well as some in Term Deposits (not much interest in the current environment!) and so the loss is not of immediate concern, but we cannot allow this to happen again.  The loss was mostly due to the decision to not charge admission and the increased entry fees did not do enough to balance out the lost income.  However, we feel the “free” admission was received positively by all and we’d like to continue that as it also had practical spin-offs for the Committee in not needing an additional volunteer at the entry table to take admission money and not having to organise, collate and issue Competitors’ Passes and Season Passes.  Consequently, there will need to be a (slight) increase again in solo entries, a larger increase in Championship entry (not increased for 2019) and an increased administration charge.  We will review this again after the 2021 event.

Time of Year for 2021 “Casey Comps”  Since the meeting reported here, we have been in touch with the Theatre Management at Cranbourne Community Theatre and the move “back” one weekend to avoid using the Cup Day “Long” weekend is not possible without pushing out another group providing performance opportunities for young people.  We did not feel comfortable doing so.  A suggestion to move our event back to May in 2021 was unable to be taken up in the light of other established comps already operating elsewhere at that time, some involving competitors who support us in October.

Donation to Breast Cancer Network Australia   We honoured our commitment to BCNA with a $2,000 Committee donation, plus $553.50 from the two collection tins, $35.00 proceeds from the silent auction of Sheila’s art work and a $50.00 donation on behalf of our penciller, Lanii Douglas.  The BCNA have already thankfully acknowledged receipt of our total donation.  Thanks everybody!!!

Section organisation, Definitions and Rules  It was agreed to continue with the same arrangement of sections and dance styles as in 2019.  We will also ensure clear descriptions for “Best All-Rounder” Awards, the “Entertainment” Section and add to our Rules for 2020 a statement to do with expectations of respectful behaviours from competitors and others in attendance.  The fee for registering an official protest is to increase to $50.00.