Collierville Holiday Classic

2026 — Collierville, TN/US

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Middle School Storytelling

Event Description:

Storytelling

Judging Rules and Guidelines

Storytelling is one of the oldest performing art forms and contestants should consider the vast

heritage of this art. The purpose of this event is to give the student an opportunity to assume the

role of a storyteller and thus recreate for the listener the delights of an interesting story. As part of

this interpretation, the student should indicate an understanding of the atmosphere and/or culture

from which the story came.

a. Contest requirements

1. 2. 3. Stories may be from published, unpublished, retold or original

sources. If they are from any source other than the contestant, credit

should be given to the source in the introduction. Subject matter may

be humorous or serious in nature.

The story may be told in the contestant’s own words without the use

of notes. The contestant may use his/her own personal storytelling

style or adopt another appropriate style.

The contestant may use characterization and gestures while

telling the story, but the emphasis is on the storyteller and his/her

art. Movement is allowed. Hand props and costumes are not

allowed. The contestant may stand or be seated.

4. Time

(a) The maximum time limit is eight (8) minutes with a 30 second “grace”

(b) (c) period.

Any introduction given by the contestant shall be

considered part of the overall time limit.

Penalties shall be imposed for exceeding the time limit.

b. Judging criteria

Storytelling shall be judged on the choice of the story, the style of storyteller

(which includes both oral and physical skills that enable the contestant to

recreate the story in the mind of the audience), and on the ability to “tell”

rather than “recite” the story.