Literary Interpretation

LITERARY INTERPRETATION (Click here for rubrics.)

1. Separate contests will be held in Solo Dramatic Interpretation, Solo Humorous Interpretation and Duo Interpretation (dramatic or humorous) in all classifications.

2. This contest is designed to showcase a performer’s ability to interpret narrative literature.

   1. Contestants may perform selections from prose, poetry, or dramatic literature.

      1. Selections should be narrative in nature and must be sourced from a published book, play, musical, or online written source.

      2. The following are not permitted: unpublished original pieces, selections from television or movie scripts, content from video games or social media platforms, or content from other visual media sources (such as YouTube).

         1. Coaches will verify during the notification of entry process that the presentations meet the established criteria and have not been copied from any visual media source.

   2. Contestants will be judged on how well they communicate the meaning, tone, and emotional depth of narrative literature through vocal and physical techniques.

      1. Each performance should include an introduction that provides the title, author, and context of the presentation. NOTE: The introduction may be embedded into the performance; it does not have to be given at the beginning.

      2. The material must be memorized and delivered without the use of a manuscript.

      3. The performance space should be completely vacant - CHAIRS ARE NOT ALLOWED. Additionally, costumes, props, music, and recorded sound effects are not allowed. NOTE: Props, as defined in The Stage and the School (1999, p. 600), are “all the stage furnishings, including furniture and those things brought onstage by the actors.”

         1. Performers should use pantomime for most physical actions. (For example, a pair of glasses becomes a prop when removed as part of the presentation.)

      4. Movement, physical contact, and eye contact are allowed.

   3. In solo interpretation (dramatic and humorous), contestants should portray a minimum of two characters. In duo interpretation, roles and characters should be balanced between the two performers.

   4. A student may participate in only one individual contest in Literary Interpretation, but may also participate in the group event of Duo. (Please refer to Rule C in General Information above.)

3. Each contestant’s interpretation must be a minimum of five (5) minutes and no more than ten (10) minutes in length. A five-second buffer will be allowed on either side of the scale.
   
   

   1. Any performance that does not meet the timing requirements will be scored, but cannot be ranked.

   2. The time allotment includes the introduction.

   3. The adult timekeeper will show time cards upon request, record times, and provide them to the event coordinator or tabulator at the end of the competition.

4. If the order of performance is not assigned by the GHSA, contestants shall draw for order of presentation upon reporting to the site of the competition.
   
   

   1. Contestants who are not present at the time of the drawing, will have their position drawn for them.

   2. Contestants who have conflicts with other Literary events should consult with the GHSA prior to the contest and may have early or late presentation positions designated for them.

   3. The first place winner in each Region competition shall advance to the State competition.

   4. One (1) substitution will be allowed in Duo between the Region Meet and the State Meet. (Please refer to Rule A1c in Region Information above.)

5. There shall be two (2) judges assigned to this competition at the Region and State levels.
   
   

   1. Judges shall use GHSA score sheets and shall follow scoring directions provided by the GHSA office

   2. The following criteria will be considered in the judging:
      
      

      1. Selection of material and preparation

      2. Vocal techniques

      3. Physical techniques

      4. Overall communication