FAQs

How am I chosen for speech team?

In large groups, you sign up for the group you want to be in, and auditions are held before Thanksgiving. Students who best fit the part are cast. For Individual events, you sign up (December) and if more than three are in any event, we have a runoff (January) to determine the three best performers

How many events can I be in?

A maximum of two large groups AND two individual events.

What events can I choose to participate in?

There are 10 different events (1-3 entries per event) in large groups: Readers’ Theater (1), Choral Reading (1), One-Act Play (1), Tv News (2), Radio News (2), Ensemble Acts (3), Group Mime (3), Solo Mime(3), Musical Theater (3), Group Improv (3), Short Film (1).

There are 14 separate individual events (3 entries in each event) broken down into Readings (Prose, poetry, Literary program), Acting (Acting, Solo Musical theater, Improvisation), Speeches (Spontaneous Speaking, Public Address, Reviewing, Original Oratory, Expository Address, After Dinner Speaking ), Storytelling and Broadcasting.

How often would I rehearse?

Groups rehearse approximately 20 minutes to one hour (depending on the group), three times each week from December through February. Individual events rehearse 15 to 30 minutes each, three times per week January through March.

How do I advance from one contest to the next?

Everyone performs at Conference and District contests. You must earn a 1 Rating at District to advance to the State contest. To qualify for All-State, you must be nominated as “outstanding” by at least two members of a three judge panel.

Who is in the WaMaC Conference?

There are two divisions EAST: Western Dubuque, West Delaware, Anamosa, Solon, DeWitt Central, Maquoketa, Dyersvile Beckman, and Mt. Vernon WEST: Independence, Marion, South Tama, Benton Community, Vinton-Shellsburg, Clear-Creek Amana, Williamsburg, Center Point-Urbana. Independence competes in the, WaMaC West Division, Northeast District, and Northeast State contests.

Do we have any home contests?

Independence rotates in hosting contest so most contests scheduled are in other towns.

How will we know when I perform at contest?

A schedule is handed out to you usually 4 -5 days prior to the contest listing the approximate performance time. Because of dropped performances though, you may perform ahead of schedule. Please try to be early in order to see when you perform.

Can I be in other activities (sports, band. etc.) and still be in speech?

Yes, you just need to know when your games, performances, and practices are so that when we set the rehearsal schedule, you can attend rehearsals.