Interpretation Speeches

DRAMATIC DUO

A cutting from a play, humorous or serious, involving the portrayal of two or more characters presented by two individuals. This is not an acting event. Thus, costumes, props, etc. are not permitted. The presentation must be from manuscript and focus should be off stage. Maximum time is 10 minutes.

PROSE INTERPRETATION

Each contestant will present a 10-minute maximum program of prose literature including original introductory and transitional remarks.  A program may consist of single or multiple selections.  Plays are not eligible.  Use of manuscript is required.

POETRY INTERPRETATION

The contestant will present a program of poetic literature. Original introductory comments and transitional remarks are permitted. Programs may consist of single or multiple selections. Use of manuscripts is required. Maximum time is 10 minutes.

DRAMATIC INTERPRETATION

The contestant will perform dramatic literature, humorous or serious, that represents one or more characters from material of literary merit. This material may be drawn from stage, screen, or radio. Programs may consist of single or multiple selections. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time is 10 minutes.

PROGRAM ORAL INTERPRETATION

Contestants will deliver a program of thematically-linked selections of literary merit, chosen from two or three recognized genres of competitive interpretation (prose/poetry/drama). A primary focus of this event should be on the development of the theme through the use of narrative/story, language, and/or characterization. A substantial portion of the total time must be devoted to each of the genres used in the program. Different genre means the material must appear in separate pieces of literature (e.g., A poem included in a short story that appears only in that short story does not constitute a poetry genre.) Only one selection may be original. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time is 10 minutes.