The 2025 BGuiled Debate Try-Outs

After a full year hiatus due to the gross, willful, managerial negligence of the past administration, the BGuiled Debate Society is under new management.

We have bold new plans to deliver generally the same thing as years past.


Where: Jack & Darlene Poole Theatre (Arts Umbrella)

1400 Johnston Street
Granville Island, Vancouver, V6H 4G9

When: Thursday, October 9th, 2025

6:30 p.m. – Doors open, drinks and snacks for purchase
all proceeds go to Access Pro Bono.

7:30 p.m. – Debate speeches start

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TRY OUT FORMAT

  • Each competitor will present a 5-minute speech for or against the maxim “Ignorance of the law is no excuse” (Ignari advocati excusantur)
  • Try-Outs will be adjudicated by an expert panel of 5-7 upstanding judges selected from the legal community, and Greg Allen. The top 4 debaters will move on to the Finals in February. 
  • To qualify for the Try-Outs, please send a sample brief audio/video submission (max of 30 seconds preferred), interpretive dance, or short written submission (250 words max) on the assigned maxim to the organizers at bguiled.debate@gmail.com ASAP

TICKETS

Tickets are $20 each for the Try-Outs, or $10 for current students (with any form of valid student ID).

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FINALS

  • The top 4 debaters from the Try-Outs will form two teams to debate for and against an assigned maxim (to be determined).
  • Finals will take place at a (reasonably nice) venue that is yet to be determined.
  • The Finals will be adjudicated by members of the legal community and judiciary. Past judges include the Attorney General of BC, judges of the Supreme Court of BC, Law Society of B.C. President, and Greg Allen.

SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE!

All proceeds for this event will be donated to Access Pro Bono. Access Pro Bono is a charitable organization that provides and organizes free legal services for underserved communities in British Columbia. For more information on this fantastic charity, please visit: https://www.accessprobono.ca

WE ARE SEEKING SPONSORS!

Please click here for more details

CONTACT US!

For more information, including questions about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the organizers at:

Email: bguiled.debate@gmail.com

Website: bguileddebate.com