Limited Prep Event Rules

ASC qualifying tournaments are responsible for ensuring that all events rules, guidelines, and time limits are communicated to coaches, judges, and competitors in the tournament invitation and tabroom.

Impromptu Speaking (ISP) is a public speaking event where students have seven minutes to select a topic, brainstorm their ideas, outline, and deliver a speech. The speech is given from memory and utilizes an introduction, body, and conclusion.

• Speech should be well researched and organized with evidence, logic, emotional appeals, and humor (where appropriate) to convey a message.
• The speech is to be delivered from memory. Scripts may not be used; use of scripts is against NSDA-event rules adopted by ACTAA per the Qualifying Document.
• Time limit, inclusive of introduction, is 7 minutes with a 30 second grace period (if the performer goes beyond the 30 second grace period, the performer may not be ranked first). There is no time minimum. The time begins as soon as the speaker selects between the two topics presented by the judge.
• Note: It is the expectation that performances are the artistic creation of the performer(s). If there is suspicion of plagiarism, please be prepared to cite the source that was copied and consult with the tournament director.

In Duet Improvisation (IMPROV), a team of two competitors will draw three topics and choose one topic for performance. Performers will use creativity, plot development, and characterization to craft a short, original scene that tells a story and entertains. Use of stock plots, pre-scripted, or re-used material from round to round is strongly discouraged.

• No costumes, props or makeup may be used during the performance. Only one chair per performer may be used.
• Performers must present an introduction containing the topic, characters and necessary background.
• The speech is to be delivered from memory. Scripts may not be used; use of scripts is against ACTAA event rules per the Qualifying Document.
• Time limit, inclusive of introduction, is 7 minutes with a 30 second grace period (if the performer goes beyond the 30 second grace period, the performer may not be ranked first). There is no time minimum.
• Note: It is the expectation that performances are the artistic creation of the performer(s). If there is suspicion of plagiarism, please be prepared to cite the source that was copied and consult with the tournament director.
• All rule violations, with the exception of a time violation, will result in disqualification from the round. Piloted rules will not be applied to the State Tournament.