North Catholic Invitational

2026 — Pittsburgh, PA/US

• Invite
• Entries
• Judges
• Live Updates

A Programmed Oral Interp ASYNC

Event Description:

A. Programmed Oral Interpretation relies on the performer’s ability to portray a wide range of characters and literature all held together under a common theme. Using a combination of Prose, Poetry and Drama, students construct a program up to ten minutes in length using at least two out of the three genres. With a spotlight on argumentation and performative range, Programmed Oral Interpretation focuses on a student’s ability to combine multiple genres of literature centered around a single theme.

B. All materials presented in interpretation events must be available to all members of the league. All selections must be published or commercially available in print, audio, or video form.

C. The author’s words and original intent as published in the literature must not be altered for the presentation with the exception that cutting, re-arrangement, and brief transitional words or phrases are permitted, and obscenities may be replaced.

D. Transitions may only be used to clarify the logical sequence of ideas. They are not to be used for the purpose of embellishing the humorous or dramatic effect of the literature.

E. Lines which are attributed to one character in the published material must not be attributed to another character in the performance.

F . 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 is in the contestant’s control by remaining in contact with the body at all times.

G. Program Oral Interpretation will use multiple sources for the program. The title or author of all selections must be verbally identified in either the introduction and/or transitional phrases. The title may identify the primary source (e.g., book, anthology, journal, magazine, newspaper, approved website, etc.) or the specific title within the primary source (e.g., a poem, a play, a short story, a journal/magazine article, a newspaper article, etc.). If more than one author is attributed to the source, at a minimum, the primary author should be verbally cited. The purposes of the introduction are to arouse the interest of the audience and to provide the necessary background for full appreciation and understanding of the reading.

H. Although this is primarily a display of vocal ability, body language will play a part in the overall performance, and since it is a drama, more vocal and physical suggestion may be required in order to portray characters, conflict, and story. However, no physical action should be performed that will distract the listeners' attention from the drama being presented. The performance should display another world outside the performance setting.

I. Students may not move throughout the audience as part of their presentations.

J. Positions other than standing should not be excessive in length or dominate the performance.

K. The contestant may sing, but singing must not dominate the performance.

L. No costumes. scenery, set, makeup, or props other than the manuscript are permitted. Using “properties” means manipulating articles of clothing or objects to enhance the performance.

M. Pictures, graphics, and/or illustrations are considered a visual aid, even if included in the original manuscript, and are prohibited from being displayed

N. The contestant must address the script; introduction and transitional material may be memorized.

The maximum time limit, including the introduction, is ten minutes, with a grace period of 30 seconds. If a student is more than 30 seconds overtime, the student must not 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.