The Interp in a Box is an original rendition by the competitor of a relatable story from a single published work of literature with a focus on plot and character development which captivates and moves the audience, using props to emphasize the interpretation. The presentation may range from dramatic to humorous genres; however, stand-up comedy or telling a series of jokes without a corresponding plot is not an interpretation. (Stoa website).
The piece is performed by one person. Maximum time is 10 minutes. No minimum time.
The published work the speech is based on must follow these guidelines. In summary, the play or literature needs an ISBN, ISSN, LCCN, or DOI number. Media transcripts and blogs cannot be used.
150 words can added to the published work, which includes the introduction. Please see the rules below for what words count in the word count.
All props must fit in a closed lidded box no larger than 18" X 15" X 11" and be in the closed box at the beginning and end of the speech. A cardboard banker's box fits within these dimensions as does 10 ream paper box and an 18 Qt Sterilite Latch Box.
Because this is a new event in Stoa, there are no example speeches available.
Click below to see the official Stoa rules and ballot for 2023-2024:
Interp in a Box Rules for 2023-2024
Interp in a Box Student Ballot for 2023-2024
What Are Acceptable Sources to Use for Interp in a Box Speeches
Script Submission Form for Interp in a Box 2023-2024
Helpful Tips about Interpretive Events:
Interp in a Box
The above video is about how to prepare and perform interpretive events in another league. Below are some of the corrections to the video in light of the Stoa rules:
The grace period is only 15 seconds; not 30 seconds. Really you should be through speaking at 10 minutes. 15 seconds is the grace period for the judge to turn off the timer.
If you do use notes (common at the Oct/Nov tournaments), you can still compete, but you will have a two rank penalty.
There is no rule that you cannot use one source only once at at tournament.
Interp in a Box allows props and costumes if all can be carried into the room inside a lidded container no larger than 18" X 15" X 11". Certain props are not allowed. Please see the rules above.
There is no rule in Interp in a Box about where the student should look while performing.
Other Stoa interpretive events are Interp in a Box (wildcard event) and Open Interpretation (can be written by competitor, no limited on added words, 6 minutes maximum)
Informative Video about How to Cut An Interpretive Piece:
The above video is about how to cut a piece of literature for an interpretive events. It talks about rules in another league. Below are some of the corrections to the video in light of the Stoa rules:
Script submissions are required at most Stoa tournaments. So make the extra xerox copies of the pages from the piece of literature at the beginning of the year with script submissions in mind. Script submissions will require your marked up xeroxed copy of the piece of literature as well as a copy of the title page and a copy of the page that contains the copyright and original publication date. See the link above for more information about the Script Submission.
In Stoa, interpretive events can have narration. They don't have to be entirely dialogue. The cutting for a Stoa interpretive piece may be more like the "Prose" he describes at the end of the video, where some narration is used.
In Stoa you can add a limited number of words. 150 words to be exact. Please refer to the rules above for Dramatic Interpretation to see what words count and don't count toward the 150 word count.
Speech Helps
Lasting Impact! Membership is $35 a year and gives you access to over 300 articles about speech, more videos about how to do different events, ask a coach feature where you can ask specific questions, and a discount on online classes like Extemp Round Table, which happens on Fridays beginning November 18th.
Helpful Hints for How to Do an Interpretive Speech from a Stoa Workshop
There are no examples of Interp in a Box speeches as this is a new event in Stoa for 2022-2023.