More information about these categories can be found at IHSSA's website, linked here.
Interpretive Reading:
Poetry - Interpretive Reading category - reading with memorized transitions, 6 min. time limit, judged on thought, emotion, rhythm, and voice interpretation
Prose - Interpretive Reading category - reading with memorized transitions, 6 min. time limit, judged on thought, emotion, rhythm, and voice interpretation
Literary Program - Interpretive Reading category - reading with memorized transitions, includes both Poetry and Prose - 8 min. time limit.
Memorization/Acting Categories:
Acting - Acting category - total memorization, 8 min. time limit, good for you if you are a strong memorizer!
Solo Musical Theatre - Acting category - performing a song from a Broadway musical that shows strong characterization. No costuming. 5 min. time limit.
Storytelling - Total memorization/storytelling - children’s stories and books, performed sitting on a stool, 5 min. time limit, good for expressive performers who have good “voices”
Improvisation - Drawing characters and situations, 3 min. prep time, 5 min. performance time - judged on characters, plot, creativity, and physical movement.
Speaking Categories:
Public Address - Notecard with 50 words or less, delivering a speech from another speaker, 8 min. time limit, some memorization required.
Expository Address - Inform about or clarify a topic; Use of visual aid is encouraged; Notecard with 50 words or less, 6 min. time limit
Reviewing - Provide analysis/insight on a book, movie, music, concert, or other form of media, 8 min. time limit, visual aids/video clips
Original Oratory - Can speak from a manuscript, performer writes the actual speech, purpose of speech: to persuade, 8 min. time limit
After Dinner Speaking - Notecard with 50 words or less, 5 min. time limit, written by performer, speaking to a specific audience with the purpose to entertain.
Spontaneous Speaking - Drawing topics and speaking on one, 3 min. prep time, 5 min. time limit for speech - great for debate students or those interested in current events!
Radio News Announcing - Allowed supplies and 20 minute prep time to choose stories and create news program, program must be between 4 and 5 minutes. Prepared on site.
Videocasting - This is currently an experimental category. This is the only prerecorded event available for Individual Events. This is a five minute production written and recorded by the student