Scholars of Speech Spring Slam

2024 — Irvine, CA/US

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Middle School Acting (5/10 Minutes)

Event Description:

Your performance may fit into one of the below categories. Props, aside from a book, are not allowed.

Declamation

A memorized performance of a speech, not written by the competitor. The speech must have been delivered in public. The speaker should present an introduction that states the title, author, and date of the speech they are reciting. Maximum time is 10 minutes including introduction.

Dramatic Interpretation (Drama)

A memorized performance of literature of literary merit, with the main intent to create a serious tone. Use of focal points and/or direct contact with the audience should be determined by the literature. Maximum time is 10 minutes including introduction.

Humorous Interpretation (HI)

A memorized performance of literature of literary merit, with the main intent to create humorous tone. Use of focal points and/or direct contact with the audience should be determined by the literature. Maximum time is 10 minutes including introduction.

Original Interpretation

An original memorized performance of drama, prose, or poetry by an individual or duo. The tone may be dramatic, humorous, or a combination. More than one written selection may be presented within the allotted time. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.

Poetry

A performance of poetry of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source. A primary focus of this event should be on the development of language. Maximum time is 10 minutes including introduction.

Prose

A performance of a single prose material (e.g. short stories, novellas, novels, articles, essays, etc.) of literary merit. A primary focus of this event is on the development of the narrative/story. Maximum time is 10 minutes including introduction.

Program Oral Interpretation

A performance of a program of literature of literary merit. A ‘program’ must consist of thematically-linked selections of literature chosen from two or three recognized genres of competitive interpretation (prose/poetry/drama). A primary focus of this event should be on the development of the theme through the use of narrative/story, language, and/or characterization. A substantial portion of the total time must be devoted to each of the genres used in the program. The material must appear in separate pieces of literature (e.g., a poem included in a short story that appears only in that short story does not constitute a poetry genre.) This is not an acting event; thus, no costumes, props, lighting, etc., are to be used. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.

Since this is merged with the 5 minute category...

Original Interpretation

An original memorized performance of drama, prose, or poetry by an individual or duo. The tone may be dramatic, humorous, or a combination. More than one written selection may be presented within the allotted time. Maximum time limit is 5 minutes including introduction.

Poetry

A performance of poetry of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source. A primary focus of this event should be on the development of language. Maximum time is 5 minutes including introduction.

Prose

A performance of a single prose material (e.g. short stories, novellas, novels, articles, essays, etc.) of literary merit. A primary focus of this event is on the development of the narrative/story. Maximum time is 5 minutes including introduction.

Storytelling

A memorized performance of a single published, printed story, anecdote, tale, myth, or legend. The story may be delivered standing or seated, thus one chair is permitted, however, this is not an acting event; thus, no costumes, props, lighting, etc., are to be used. Maximum time is 5 minutes including introduction.