Event Sectioning & Rules

EVENT SECTIONING & RULES

Section A Synchronous Events: Soap Box, Novice/Senior Solo Improv

Section B Synchronous Events: Novice/Senior Extemporaneous Speaking, Novice/Senior Solo TV Commercial

Asynchronous Events (Videos Required): 6th Grade Prose, 7th Grade Prose, 8th Grade Prose, Individual Pantomime, Novice Vocal, Senior Vocal, Declamation, Novice Dramatic, Senior Dramatic, Novice Storytelling, Senior Storytelling, 6th Grade Poetry, 7th Grade Poetry, 8th Grade Poetry, Oratory, Novice Humorous, Senior Humorous, Individual Lip Sync

RULES

Asynchronous Event Rules:

Prose
5-7 minute individual performance sharing a story by using the voice, facial expression and simple gestures. Emphasis is on vocal control, eye contact, and showing understanding through interpretation. The performance should be presented from a notebook and the script should have a narrator. Duet, humorous and dramatic scripts are not suitable for prose. Movement below the waist should be minimal.

Individual Pantomime
3-5 minute individual performance suggesting a scene or abstract idea using only mime. No words should be used or mouthed during the scene. Background music without words may be used to accentuate tempo. No props, costumes or makeup - except one chair - may be used. Emphasis is on facial expression, exaggerated movements, and precise movements. Creativity and originality are appreciated. The title should be spoken as the introduction.

Vocal
3-5 minute individual performance that showcases the singing talent of the performer. The song may be performed acapella or can have background music. The emphasis is on showmanship. Props and costumes are encouraged. Choreography must fit the performance space.

Dramatic
5-7 minute memorized performance of published material that is serious in nature. Material should be cuttings from plays, monologues, or short stories. Monologues from movies are not permitted. Performance should encourage students to develop one or more characters through vocal control and physical interpretation. Movement should be limited to a 3 foot radius. No props or costumes may be used.

Storytelling
3-5 minute individual performance of a children’s story. The script must be published. The presentation should be memorized. Emphasis should be placed on exaggerated actions, vocal variety, and facial expressions. The goal is to engage the audience in the story.

Poetry
5-7 minute individual performance sharing a poem by using the voice, facial expression and simple gestures. Emphasis is on vocal control, eye contact, and showing understanding through interpretation. The performance should be presented from a notebook and the script should be written in a lyrical style. The literature does not have to rhyme, but needs to be recognized as poetry. Movement below the waist should be minimal.

Oratory
5-7 minute original speech written about a current topic of social interest. The student will research, write, and memorize the text of their speech. Emphasis will be on thoroughly developing a topic. The goal can be to inform or to persuade the audience. The presentation should be original and conversational.

Humorous
5-7 minute memorized performance of published material that is humorous in nature. Material should be cuttings from plays, monologues, or short stories. Standup comic routines are not appropriate. Performances encourage students to develop one or more characters through vocal control and physical interpretation. Movement should be limited to a 3 foot radius. No props or costumes may be used.

Individual Lip Sync
3-5 minute individual performance where contestants suggest they are a person singing the song. Lip synchronization should match the song vocals. Costumes and choreography are encouraged. All music choices and costumes must be appropriate. The title of the song serves as the introduction. 

Synchronous Event Rules:

Solo Improvisation
Each performer will be given 3 topics and will choose one. The performer will have 7 minutes to prepare and perform. They can decide how to divide the 7 minutes between prep time and performance time. The scene should develop their topic using character voices, facial expressions, actions and reactions. The topics will be theme related.

Soap Box Speaking
Individual impromptu speaking event designed to encourage students to develop their ideas and to voice their opinions about current social issues. Each speaker will be given 3 topics about current events and will choose one. The performer will have 7 minutes to prepare and perform. They can decide how to divide the 7 minutes between prep time and speaking time.

Individual TV Commercial
7 minute individual event. The performer will be given 3 topics suggesting imaginary products and will choose one. They can decide how to divide the 7 minutes between prep time and performance time. The goal is to create an infomercial to sell the product. The commercial should include information about how the product works, what it will do for the consumer, and how they can purchase the product. The performer should create testimonials and a product slogan. 

Extemporaneous Speaking
Students will be given 30 minutes to prepare a 7 minute speech on a current event. The speaker will go to Extemp Draw and wait until their speaker number is told to choose their topic. They will then be given 3 questions about current events and choose 1. The speaker will stay in Extemp Draw to prepare their speech. When their 30 minutes of prep time is over, they will go to their competition room and give their prepared speech. The goal of the speech is to answer the current event question with cited evidence from credible news sources. The speech can be given with a 3X5 notecard.