Interpretation Events
Interpretation of Literature allows students to find arguments in literature, or create arguments with literature, and then perform pieces of literature. Although students take on characters from the literature, there are no costumes, makeup, or sets, and the students must read from a manuscript in a small, black binder, which distinguishes this art form from acting.
Dramatic Interpretation
A cutting from a humorous or serious play that represents one or more characters. This material may be from the stage, screen, or radio. Use of manuscript is required. The maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.
Poetry Interpretation
A selection or selections of poetry of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source. Use of manuscript is required. Play cuttings are prohibited. The maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.
Prose Interpretation
A selection or selections of prose material of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source. Prose is writing that resembles everyday speech, or storytelling. It is straightforward, ordinary language rather than following a meter or rhythmic pattern like poetry. Use of manuscripts required. The maximum time is 10 minutes including the introduction.
Duo Interpretation
A cutting from one or more texts of literary merit, humorous or serious, involving the portrayal of two or more characters presented by two individuals. The material may be drawn from any genre of literature. This is not an acting event; thus, no costumes, props, lighting, etc. are to be used. Presentation is from the manuscript and focus should be off-stage and not to each other. The maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.
Programmed Oral Interpretation
Selections from two or more of the established genres of interpretation (prose, poetry, drama) that develop a theme. A manuscript is required. The maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.
Slam Poetry
Contestants will perform one self-authored poem. No introduction, other than the title of the poem, will be given. Scripts may not be used. The maximum time limit is 3 minutes.
Poems and performance
1) Poems can be on any subject and in any style.
2) Each poet must perform work that he or she has created.
3) No props, blocking, musical instruments, pre-recorded music or costumes.
The rule concerning props and blocking is not intended to squelch the spontaneity, unpredictability, or on-the-fly choreography that people love about the slam; its intent is to keep the focus on the words rather than poets who move and/or dance to convey the ideas and meaning inherent in the words of the poem.
Sampling
It is acceptable for poets to incorporate, imitate, or otherwise "signify on" the words, lyrics, or tune of someone else (commonly called "sampling") in their own work. If they are only riffing off another's words, they should expect only healthy controversy; if on the other hand, they are ripping off another poet's words, they should expect scornful contumely. However, only 150 words may come from a source other than the author.
The No Repeat Rule
Poems may not be repeated in prelims rounds. Students advancing to finals must perform one of their poems from prelims. Each poet should plan on bringing THREE original poems to compete.
The Three-Minute Rule
No performance should last longer than three minutes. The time begins when the performance begins, with the statement (or a similar equivalent): “My poem is entitled (called, named, etc)…” No other introduction is necessary. Judges will provide time signals. Performances lasting longer than three minutes and ten seconds should not be ranked first in the round.
