Big 8 Forensics Conference Tournament

2021 — Online, WI/US

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Group Interpretive Reading

Event Description:

Purpose of the Category

To develop skills related to the ensemble interpretation of a literary script.

Definition of the Category

Contrary to dramatic performance, the challenge of this category is to present a literary script in such manner that the audience imagines action being described rather than witnessing it being performed. Symbolic characterization and vocal and physical action rather than a literal dramatization or pantomime is required.

Rules

1. Group Interpretive Reading is an ensemble presentation by 2-5 readers of a literary cutting, a complete work, or compiled from a variety of sources. Published material is considered any material publicly or commercially available in print, online, audio, or video form. The material may be prose, poetry, or essay – or a combination of these forms – but drama is prohibited. Original material is allowed. The coach is responsible for providing access to a copy of the students’ original source of materials to provide to the Tournament Practices and Procedures Committee, should the validity be questioned. Multiple sources may be combined and creatively woven together to create a cohesive thematic performance.

2. An introduction, which includes titles, authors, tone and theme is required, and along with any necessary transitions, is to be presented without the use of notes. The introduction must be the original work of the speaker. The presentation may begin with a read portion of the selected material prior to the presenter’s personal introduction.

3. The selections are to be read from a manuscript or book. The material is to be interpreted, however, the participant will not be penalized whether or not the selection is memorized. Chairs or stools are not allowed.

4. Movements to suggest relationships, feelings, changes, ideas, moods, locales, etc., consistent with the offstage focus of the presentation are acceptable and subject to critique. Onstage focus (direct eye contact) and physical contact (touching) between participants is prohibited, except in the introduction. Costumes and props are not allowed, with the exception of the manuscript. The manuscript and /or binder containing the manuscript may be used as a prop or in other creative ways. Use of the manuscript is subject to critique.

5. Maximum time limit: 10 minutes, with an allowable 15-second grace period. There is no minimum time requirement. Any entry exceeding the grace period may not be ranked first in the round. If all entries in a round exceed the grace period, no first rank shall be given in that round.

Criteria for Evaluation

1. The extent to which the introduction and transitions contributed to the coherence of the presentation.

2. The extent to which the ensemble demonstrated an understanding of the intellectual, emotional, and sensory experiences inherent in the literature. Individual judges may lower the rank due to use of profanity or vulgarity.

3. The extent to which vocal aspects of the performance were appropriate and enhancing to the meaning of the literature, including such items as articulation, pronunciation, vocal clarity, volume, rate, and pitch.

4. The extent to which visual aspects of the performance were appropriate and enhancing to the meaning of the literature, including such items as the handling of scripts as well as gestures, facial expression, and bodily movement.

5. The extent to which the ensemble's interpretation constituted a well-paced and unified literary presentation.