RVSDL Holiday Head to Head

2025 — Dardanelle, AR/US

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Poetry Interpretation

Event Description:

Criteria:

In Poetry Interpretation (PO), students provide an interpretation of one or more selections with a time limit of five minutes including introduction. Poetry is characterized by writing that conveys ideas, experiences, and emotions through language and expression. Students may choose traditional poetry, often characterized by rhyme or rhythm, or nontraditional poetry, which often has a rhythmic flow but is not necessarily structured by formal meter (meter is a beat, pattern, or structure, such as iambic pentameter). Students may not use prose nor drama (plays).

• An introduction should be presented in a creative manner explaining necessary background of character(s) and selection.
• Title(s) and author(s) must be stated in the introduction.
• Students must use a manuscript. Scripts must be in a uniform black binder per NSDA-event rules adopted by ACTAA via the Qualifying Document.
• The performer may choose to incorporate limited movement into their presentation.
• Time limit, inclusive of introduction, is 5 minutes with a 30 second grace period (if the performer goes beyond the 30 second grace period, the performer may not be ranked first). There is no time minimum.
• Note: It is the expectation that performances are the artistic creation of the performer(s). If there is suspicion of plagiarism, please be prepared to cite the source that was copied and consult with the tournament director.
• All current NSDA manual rules must be followed in the round. All rule violations, with the exception of a time violation, will result in disqualification from the round. Piloted rules will not be applied to the State Tournament.