RCS Cougar Cup
2020 — NSDA Campus, CO/US
Program Oral Interpretation
Event Description:
Program Oral Interpretation Rules:
POI is a program of oral interpretation of thematically-linked selections chosen from two or three genres: prose, poetry, drama (plays). At least two pieces of literature that represent at least two separate genres must be used. All selections must be verbally identified by title and author. Competitors are encouraged to devote approximately equal times to each of the genres used in the program. This distinction pertains to these two or three genres as a whole, not types of literature within a genre (such as fiction/nonfiction). The multiple pieces of Literature can be intertwined or give in succession.
The use of a manuscript during the performance is required. Common practices include the use of a binder or folder. Reading from a book or magazine is not permitted. The intact manuscript may be used by the contestant as a prop, so long as it remains in the contestant's control at all times. No costumes or props other than the manuscript are permitted. The contestant must address the script; however, introduction and transitional material may be memorized.
The oral interper recreates and shares a selection of material from printed, published source(s) that has (have) literary merit.
Material printed on the jacket of a recording is considered to be printed, published material.
There is no minimum time but the speaker may not exceed 10 minutes. After a 30-second grace period and an audible STOP, the judge will rank the speaker last, provided all timing rules were followed.
The interper must be careful to avoid violating the author’s intent.
Deletions of words from the original may be made, but words may be added only for transitional purposes.
The interper must provide an introduction that adequately identifies the title and author of the source(s).
If the interper uses a teaser from the selection in the introduction, that teaser is part of the selection and is subject to the rules of the event.
During the introduction and throughout the performance, the interper may use vocal, facial, and bodily expression as long as he/she does not detract from the meaning of the material.
Singing is allowed.