Duquesne University Invitational
2026 — Pittsburgh, PA/US
Humorous Interpretation
Event Description:
A. The selection must be primarily humorous in nature.
B. The selection must come from a single source. A single source is defined as a single play or a single fictional or nonfictional work. (Example of a single source: A cutting ofModern Family would be one source. However, a cutting of an episode of Saturday Night Live involving three different skits would not be a single source.)
C. All materials presented in interpretation events must be available to other schools. All selections must be published or commercially available in print, audio, or video form.
D. 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.
E. 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.
F. Lines which are attributed to one character in the published material must not be attributed to another character in the performance.
G. The interpreter shall give a brief introduction to the material. 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. The interpreter should project the character and action in the direction of the audience
I. The interpreter should maintain offstage focus rather than make eye contact with audience members except in case of direct address, e.g., the Stage Manager in Our Town.
J. 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.
K. Students may not move throughout the audience as part of their presentations.
L. Positions other than standing should not be excessive in length or dominate the performance.
M. The contestant may sing, but singing must not dominate the performance.
N. All forms of scenery, set, props, costumes, makeup, etc., are prohibited. Using “properties” means manipulating articles of clothing or objects to enhance the performance.