Collierville Holiday Classic

2026 — Collierville, TN/US

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Poetry Interpretation

Event Description:

Poetry

Judging Rules and Guidelines

a. Contest requirements

1. Literature

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) 2. Time

(a) (b) (c) 3. Performance

(a) Will be from a published printed work of poetry, but

may not be from a play. The material should be of recognized literary

merit. Song lyrics, even if they are used in a play or musical,

are acceptable materials for performance.

More than one poem may be performed. Poems should be related.

Transitions may be used.

Material from the Internet that is not printed and published in any other

media is prohibited.

A student may not use a cutting from a work of literature that the student

used in THSSDL competition in any previous contest year.

The original published source of any selections used must be immediately

available at the tournament, as well as a complete script of the cutting.

The literature may not be the student's own work.

The maximum time limit is five (5) minutes with a 30 second “grace”

period.

The introduction to the selection is considered part of the

overall time limit.

Penalties will be imposed for exceeding the time limit.

Vocal, facial, and bodily expressions may be used as

long as they do not call attention to the interpreter as a

performer, detract from the meaning of the material, or

constitute acting or impersonation.

Contestants must use a manuscript.

(b) b. Judging criteria

Oral Interpretation of Poetry will be evaluated on appropriateness

of the selection to the event and to the contestant. Of special

consideration will be the contestant's handling of the special

language problems presented by poetry — meter, rhyme,

imagery where applicable, and his/her ability to communicate meaning.

The judge will also consider the contestant’s vocal and physical control and

how well the contestant handled the manuscript.