Speech Arts and Drama

1.    Original copy of text must be presented to the adjudicator at time of performance. When a selection is edited, a clean, typed copy of the edited version must be presented to the adjudicator at time of performance, with the original.
2.    Title and author of selection/piece must be submitted. All time limits must be strictly observed (please time selections carefully to avoid disqualification)
3.    Own Choice selections must have appropriate/acceptable language and content that is suitable of all age levels of participants and audience except where specified.
4.    No props or costumes are to be used except where specified.
5.    Original books with selections for: Solo Poetry, Canadian Poetry, Dramatic Prose, Solo Scenes, Choral Verse, Group Scenes, Choric Drama, Reader’s Theatre, Original Poems, Humourous Poems and Favourite Poems must be in the hall during performance. Please Note: All books are the responsibility of the competitor. Although unclaimed items may be returned to the festival office, the committee takes no responsibility for missing items.
6.    Performance time must be identified on the registration for all “Own Choice” selections.
7.    All Solo entries must be memorized unless otherwise stated.
8.    Solo entries in age groups 6 years and under, 8 years and under and 10 years and under are for Adjudicator Only.
9.    Solo entries in age groups 13 years and under, 16 years and under, 19 years and under and 19-28 are competitive.
10.    For school classes, participants must be registered members of that school’s class.

Speech and Drama Definitions

Choric Drama: Drama in which the chorus plays a major role in the action, either as commentator or to advance the action.  The chorus may play in unison or have solo voices in combination.  Props/costumes/movement are permitted.
Contemporary Dramatic Monologue:  Dramatic Monologue that may contain words/themes some audience members may find offensive and may not be suitable for all audience ages. This category is for classes 15-16 years, 17-18 years and 19-28 years only. 
Contemporary Solo Scene: a dramatic sketch taken from a published play (excluding Shakespeare). The competitor plays the character. Movement is encouraged and a minimum of props and costuming is permitted. May contain words/themes some audience members may find offensive and may not be suitable for all audience ages. This category is for class 15-16 years, 17-18 years and 19-28 years only. 
Dramatic Prose: (Story Telling) Literacy expression that is NOT POETRY. Suitable selections will come from novels and short stories and will contain narration, description and dialogue. NOT TO BE ACTED OUT.  Presentation may make use of an “off stage focus”.
Dramatic Monologue:  A dramatic portrayal of a single character played by the competitor.  Movement is encouraged and a minimum of props and costuming permitted.  May be PROSE or POETRY, or from a published play.
Group Scene:  A scene of two or more people taken from a published play. Original compositions are NOT permitted.  Hand props and limited costuming may be used.  Please enter the names of all performers on the back of the entry form. Two or three performers are suggested.
Lyric Poetry: Lyric generally describes a short poem neither narrative nor dramatic, having, as its subject, the poet's personal feelings - real or assumed.  It could be in the form of a song, an ode or a sonnet, dealing with a single situation or idea.  NO MOVEMENT OR GESTURES. Senior students are encouraged to observe the conventions associated with the lyric style.
Narrative Dramatic Poetry: A poem that tells a story with dialogue. Limited movement and gestures. Simple costumes and props may be used.
Poetry Duo: A poem recited by 2 students.  Poems that have conversations, dialogues or have two distinct moods work well.
Readers Theatre:  Selection adapted from English literature. Could be a single story or a variety based on ONE theme. Actors read from a prepared script.  Two or more voices.  Costumes or props may be used.  Readers sit or stand to speak.  Characters and plot are conveyed through voice, facial expressions and a minimum of movement/gestures.
Shakespeare: This is an excerpt from a play by William Shakespeare in which the performer portrays ONE character. It is recommended that participants select a character appropriate to own age and gender.  A minimum of props and costuming is permitted.
Sonnet:  A lyric poem of 14 lines with a specific rhythm scheme or structure.
Story Reading: is reading a story. The book must be used; it may not be acted out.  Vocal characterization is encouraged.  Although eye contact with audience is important, the selection is NOT to be memorized.  Competitor may stand or be seated.

Reminder: The use of illegally copied books by any means will result in disqualification.