KESDA Senior Junior State Tournament
2023 — Georgetown, KY/US
Junior Poetry
Event Description:
POETRY INTERPRETATION Junior and Senior Division
In Poetry Interpretation, the contestant will read from a manuscript a poem or collection of poems, using the face and voice to convey the intended meaning of the author/s. Song lyrics and drama written in verse may be performed as poetry. Please note that the selection does not have to rhyme. The contestant may choose a single long work or a program of shorter poems, either by one author or a collection of authors. If multiple poems are used, the student may incorporate brief transitions as necessary to provide clarity and unify the program.
An original memorized introduction should reveal the name of the literary work and the author and provide any necessary background information.
Though a manuscript is required, the student should aim for freedom from the script. Facial expressions, character voice/s and placement, vocal quality, phrasing, and eye contact are important performance aspects. There is no restriction on movement; blocking is permissible. Please note that students who choose to remain stationary may not be penalized for their choice. Movement should be motivated by the text.
Unpublished poetry works are not eligible for use in competition. The performance must be in English, though foreign words and phrases may be included. The maximum time for Poetry is 10 minutes. There is a 30 second grace period. A contestant who exceeds the time limit must be penalized by a minimum of 1 rank.