the head coach for both the Individual Events Speech Team and the Large Group Speech Team
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The following is some general information about the Independence Speech Club.
We are organized for performances at three specific contests- District Large Group, District Individual Events, and WaMaC (Large Groups and Individuals.)
Those who get "1" ratings at district advance to state contest. Those receiving outstanding ratings advance to All-State festival.
Although our fundraiser is held in the Fall, we don't start tryouts until the end of November for Large Groups and the beginning of January for Individual Events. Large Group contest is finished by the second week in February, Individuals is finished by the third week in March.
There are eleven events to choose from- Readers' Theater, Choral Reading, One-Act Play, Musical Theater(3), Ensemble Acting(3), Group Mime(3), Solo Mime(3), Tv Newscasting (2), Group Improvisation(3), Short Film (1) and Group Radio News (2).
There are 14 separate categories and three people can enter each one. There are Reading events (prose, poetry, literary program); Acting events (improvisation, acting humorous/dramatic/musical); Speech events (public address, original oratory, spontaneous speaking, after dinner speaking, expository address) (radio news, reviewing, storytelling).
You don't need a background in speech to do well at contest. You are trained during rehearsals. Interest and desire are most important. We always have parts for new people.
Large groups practice three times a week before and after school, depending on schedules. Individuals practice in 15 minute blocks each, before and after school 3 times each week.
Earn certificates for 1, 2 and Outstanding ratings at state contest, Pins for STATE contest 1 ratings, Medals for STATE Outstanding ratings, Medals for placing in WaMaC events, and Speech/Drama letters (15 Points Minimum needed) for being in speech and Spring Play or Musical.