North Catholic Invitational
2025 — Pittsburgh, PA/US
A Storytelling ASYNC
Event Description:
Students select a single published story on any theme and perform the story for no more than 5 minutes.
Storytelling themes may include mysteries, heroism, fairy tales, or any story that would be appropriate for young children and the presenter should tell the story as if presenting it to that audience. The retelling must be true to the original tale. The contestant may not add original material or materially change the content of the story. The contestant does not need to perform the story verbatim, but they should not change the story or the author’s intent.
The delivery must be extempore, not “read.” No book or script may be used.
Students may express themselves in a variety of different ways. Gestures, pantomime, and characterization may be used with restraint, but the focus must be on the narrative.
The contestant may sing but singing should not dominate the performance.
All forms of scenery, set, props, costumes, makeup, etc., are prohibited, however the contestant may use a chair as long as it remains stationary. The contestant may not stand or kneel on the chair. Using “properties” means manipulating articles of clothing or objects to enhance the performance.
The title or author of the selection must be verbally identified in either the introduction and/or transitional phrases.
The maximum time limit, including the introduction, is five minutes, with a grace period of 30 seconds. If a student is more than 30 seconds overtime, the student cannot be ranked first in the round. Excessive time violations should be penalized more harshly. There is no minimum time requirement.
Any questions regarding rules infringements should be brought to the attention of the Tabulation Room staff and not the student.