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Acting is a memorized presentation of a scene(s). The scene(s) may be dramatic, humorous or a combination of the two. The performance is limited to 8 minutes. Performers may use one chair, but no costuming or props. Acting encourages students to analyze and develop a believable character or characters.
After Dinner Speaking involves an original speech directed toward a specific audience within a simulated after dinner situation. This event encourages the student to create an effective, entertaining speech with a theme. The speech may be informative, inspiring or humorous. The speech is limited to 5 minutes and must be memorized. The speaker may use a notecard with up to 50 words.
Expository Address is an informative speech that may be enhanced by the use of audio and/or visual aids and encourages students to develop skills in organization, language choice, and delivery techniques. The speech is memorized and limited to 5 minutes. Note cards with no more than 50 words may be used.
Improvisation is the creation and presentation of a story using a situation and two separate characters drawn randomly at the competition. Improv encourages the performer to create interesting characters and to deliver a complete story in a creative manner. The participant has 3 minutes to prepare after drawing and 5 minutes to present. One chair may be used in any way to fit the situation.
Interpretive Reading Poetry is the oral interpretation of a selection of poetic material chosen by the student. Interpretation encourages comprehension, and analysis of poetry while evoking audience reaction through the interpretive reading. The contestant will write an original introduction that is delivered in a conversational style. The poetry is read from a well-practiced script and is limited to 6 minutes.
Interpretive Reading Prose is the oral interpretation of prose material chosen by the student. Contestants are judged on the interpretative techniques they use to evoke an audience reaction. The contestant will write an original introduction that is delivered in a conversational style. The poetry is read from a well-practiced script and is limited to 6 minutes.
Literary Program consists of poetry and prose that exhibit a common theme. At least one poem and one prose selection must be included. The student will write an original introduction and that will state the theme of the selections early in the performance. Original transitional comments are also included. Reading from a well-practiced script is limited to 8 minutes.
Original Oratory is the performance of a speech written by the speaker. While notes or a manuscript may be used, the speech should be memorized. The speech must be inspirational or persuasive. The event encourages research and logical thinking in the organization and development of the speech and the use of effective public speaking skills. Performance time should not exceed 8 minutes.
Public Address is the memorized formal presentation of so someone else's material. It may persuade, inspire, or convey an understanding of the human experience. The material should be of a timeless quality. This is not an acting category and the speaker should not attempt to copy the original presentation, but offer his/her own interpretation of the material. The time limit is 8 minutes.
Spontaneous Speaking involves a position speech prepared at the contest site. This event encourages logical analysis, organization, and effective delivery of information of a given topic. Contestants will draw 3 controversial topics 3 minutes prior to their speaking time. Contestants can use a notecard to prepare a speech on one of those topics. The speech is limited to 5 minutes.
Storytelling is the art of sharing a narrative with a listener. The storyteller must retell the story in an energetic way that helps the listener remember the story. The contestant must remain seated on a stool but can use body language, gestures, facial expression, and vocal techniques to enhance the telling of the story. The event is limited to 5 minutes.
Radio News Announcing involves selecting, editing, and delivering news material. Thirty minutes before performance time the participant is given wire copy that includes international, national and state news, weather, sports and a commercial to edit and present as a news report. During the presentation of the report, the speaker will be handed a "news flash" which must be read cold as part of the report. The report, which is read over a microphone our of view of the judge and audience, must be between 4 and 5 minutes.
Reviewing is an original memorized speech in which the presenter shares his/her evaluation of a book, movie (either feature or made for television), or dramatic work. Review encourages analysis of a work, organization and a conversational delivery. Quotations or excerpts may be read or shown, but they should be a minimal part of the speech. This speech is limited to 8 minutes.
Solo Musical Theater is similar to the acting category, but instead of a monologue, the performer can sing one song with recorded accompaniment. The student may add choreography but no dialogue. Performance is limited to 5 minutes.
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