SUNY Potsdam Invitational

2008 — NY/US

• Invite

Oral Interpretation

Event Description:

1) The speaker shall prepare two programs of literature from manuscripts. Each program shall consist of a single piece, a cutting, or a series of short pieces united by author or theme. One program shall be published prose; the other, published poetry. The intent is that all materials presented in interpretation events must be available to all members of the league. Each program shall contain an introduction for purposes of explication, setting, orselection transitions. Lines attributed to one character in the published source may not be attributed to another character in the performance. The author's words as published in the literature may not be altered for the presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted. Material being performed at the tournament must match the student’s original script.2) The literature chosen may include any form of prose or poetry, fiction or non-fiction, except drama and strictly oratorical composition written to be delivered in real-life, such as monologues from a play.3) No props of any kind are permitted with the exception of the speaker’s manuscript.4) Speakers should keep eye contact between audience and manuscript in reasonable balance. Speakers who fail to maintain the illusion of reading from the manuscript may not be ranked first.5) Speakers should keep gesture and bodily movement to a minimum. The selection must be delivered from center stage. Movement and gestures, if used, should be appropriate to the selection. Walking is not permitted. They should emphasize vocal variety and facial expression to enhance the literary interpretation. Any singing must be limited to a maximum of thirty (30) seconds total within thepresentation.6) Speakers may use a persona, and they may use character voices; but they are not necessary.7) Important consideration should be given to the quality of the selection.8) Time limits: Maximum - 10 minutes. This includes at most 1 minute of introductory and transition material other than the author's words. If the speaker goes over a 30 second grace period, that contestant may not be awarded first place. No minimum time.