Acting Events
In acting categories it is expected that the student analyzes the selection to discover the character’s motivation and that the presentation is from the character’s point of view. In other words acting should be evident in the presentation of the character vocally, physically and emotionally. Selections may be taken from dramatic literature or adapted from other literary forms.
Solo Acting
This is an individual event. A Contestant selects a monologue to memorize and present for competition. Emphasis for evaluation is placed on understanding of the monologue, presentation of character and entertainment value. We may enter 3 6th grade students, 3 7th grade students and 3 8th grade students in most meets.
Duet Acting
Two contestants select a scene to memorize and present for competition. Selections may be cuttings taken from dramatic literature or adapted from other literary forms. They may also be taken from scripts specifically written for duet competition. Emphasis for evaluation is placed on understanding of the duet, characterization and the interaction of the ensemble. We may enter 3 6th grade teams, 3 7th grade teams and 3 8th grade teams in most meets.
Speaking Events
Impromptu Speaking
Contestants will draw three topics and have three minutes to prepare a speech, which must be presented without any notes. The contest gives participants experience in thinking, organizing, formulating clear thoughts, and delivering those thoughts to an audience effectively.
Modern Oratory
Contestants will select one of the topics, determine the critical issues in the topic, and acknowledge both pro and con points citing support discovered in their research. Students will choose a side they will defend and support that side with additional evidence. Along with the skills of analysis, research, note-taking, documentation, evaluation and decision-making come those of delivery and the skill of memorization.
Oral Interpretation
Interpreting literature out loud provides opportunities for students to analyze the text, to grow and to develop as a performer, to communicate a message to an audience and to perform an artistic creation. There are two oral interpretation categories: Poetry and Prose. *Note, unlike Oral Reading, Oral INTERPRETATION requires competitors to memorize the piece and use a binder as a reference.
- Poetry Interpretation: The poetry interpretation competition should be an extension of the classroom literary and language arts activities in poetry. Each may be a single piece, a cutting from a longer selection, or a combination of several selections. The same selection may be read in all rounds, but different selections are permissible. Selections must be published although the author may be unknown or anonymous. The maximum time for each presentation is six minutes.
- Prose Interpretation: The prose interpretation competition should be an extension of the classroom literary and language arts activities in short stories and children's fiction. Each may be a single piece, a cutting from a longer selection, or a combination of several selections. The same selection may be read in all rounds, but different selections are permissible. Selections must be published although the author may be unknown or anonymous. Prose Pieces may include sketches, fables, tales, science fiction, fantasy, mysteries and the like. The maximum time for each presentation is six minutes.
One Act Play
We are allowed to have up to 24 students total. Those students will either act, work behind the scenes, or will be alternates in a play. We use unlimited numbers of students in building the set, costumes and props.
Students will have the opportunity to work in all aspects of the production of a 40-minute play. During the production of the play they will be able:
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to satisfy the competitive, artistic spirit with friendly rivalry among schools, emphasizing high quality performance in this creative art;
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to foster appreciation of good acting, good directing and good drama;
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to promote interest in that art form most readily usable in leisure time during adult life;
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to learn to lose or win graciously, accepting in good sportsmanship the judge's decision and criticism with a view to improve future productions; and
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to increase the number of schools that have adopted theatre arts as an academic subject in school curricula.