Individual Events (IEs)

IHSSA Constitution - all rules can be found here!

Acting - A memorized presentation of a scene or monologue that can be either serious in tone, humorous in tone . Only a single chair may be used.

• Length: up to 8 minutes memorized

After Dinner Speaking - An entertaining original speech composed for and directed toward a specific audience or listening group centered around a theme. The speaker must identify a particular audience; the speech may be informative, impressive, inspiring, or entertaining.

• Length: up to 5 minutes memorized and/or with script

Expository Address - An original informative speech that may be enhanced by the use of audio and/or visual aids. Speech written by contestant on any subject appropriate for platform presentation.

• Length: up to 6 minutes memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a notecard, can use visual aid

Improvisational Acting - The art of creating and presenting a story using a given situation and two given characters. Contestants draw 2 situations and 3 characters and will return 1 situation and 1 character; with 3 minutes preparation time, participants will perform an improv using the chosen situation and characters. 

• Length: up to 5 minutes - imagination needed

Literary Program - A presentation that must include a poem (or poems) and prose which develop a common theme or message.  Facial and vocal expression are key.

• Length: up to 8 minutes with script

Original Oratory - An original speech written by the speaker that must be inspirational or persuasive, as opposed to solely informative. Oration written by the contestant on any subject appropriate for oratorical presentation.  A lectern may be used.

• Length: up to 8 minutes memorized and/or with script

Poetry/Prose - a student interprets works of either poetry or prose.  Interpretation and expression are essential.

• Length: up to 6 minutes with script

Public Address -The presentation of another author's material. This is a speaking category and not an acting category. The presentation of another person’s material that argues, persuades, moves, or attempts to convey understanding of human experiences; the speech must have a purpose beyond pure entertainment. 

• Length: up to 8 minutes memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a notecard

Radio News -The art of presenting a new program after selecting and organizing news copy within a limited amount of time. 30 minutes prior to performing, participants will edit, organize, and shape a given wire copy consisting of various areas and then deliver with a commercial and flash news announcement. Selections must be between 4-5 minutes in length. Script prepared in limited time   A speaker system is used with the audience located in another room.

• Length: between 4-5 minutes with script prepared in 30 min prep time before event

Review - a student writes and delivers a critical analysis of a book, movie, video game, or any other media. 

• Length: up to 8 minutes memorized and/or with script - can use visual aid

Solo Musical Theatre - a student performs one song from a musical using recorded music.  A single chair may be used.  

• Length: up to 5 minutes memorized

Spontaneous - A speech articulating a specific position with minimal time to prepare. Prepare and deliver a speech on a contemporary issue with three minutes of preparation time; notecards may be used.  Research is important in this category.

• Length: up to 5 minutes

Storytelling - a student tells a children's story with facial and body expression.  A stool must be used.

• Length: up to 5 minutes memorized