Duquesne University Invitational
2026 — Pittsburgh, PA/US
Poetry
Event Description:
A. Selections used in this event must be in poetic form
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. Each reader shall give a brief introduction to the reading. The purposes of the introduction are to arouse the interest of the audience and to provide the necessary background for the reading.
G. Speakers should keep gestures and bodily movement to a minimum. Movement and gestures, if used, should be appropriate to the selection.
H. The selection should be delivered from center stage. Speakers should not walk during performances. The speaker needs to remain with at least one foot on the floor.
I. The contestant may sing, but singing must not dominate the performance.