2024 Syllabus - Speech Arts & Drama
All Classes
Clowning
Using masks, perform a scene from original or published material.
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4601 - Elementary Group | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4602 - Solo | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4603 - Secondary Group | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4604 - Group - Any | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Drama - Classical
Perform a Monologue of your own choosing from memory. Time limit: 5 min
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4606 - Greek or Roman Monologue | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4607 - Classical Theatre (16th-19th C) Monologue | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Drama - Concert Performance
Perform one Monologue from a published play or anthology of Monologues, one Narrative Poem, and one selection of Prose or Lyric Poetry (or one of each, if time permits). Please read the instructions for Narrative and Lyric Poetry carefully before selecting and preparing your poems. Time limit: 20 min
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4608 - Beginner (ages 6-8) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4609 - Primary (ages 9-10) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4610 - Elementary (ages 11-12) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4611 - Junior (ages 13-14) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4612 - Intermediate (ages 15-16) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4613 - Senior (ages 17-18) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4614 - Open (ages 19-28) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4615 - Later Stages (ages 29 & over) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Drama - Group Scene
Perform a scene from a play from memory. Time limit: 10 min
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4616 - Primary - Elementary | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4617 - Junior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4618 - Intermediate | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4619 - Senior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4620 - Small Group (2-6 performers of all ages) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4621 - Large Group (7 performers of all ages) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Drama - Shakespearean
Perform a Scene or Speech of your own choosing from memory. Time limit: 15 min
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4622 - Monologue Beginner (ages 6-8) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4623 - Monologue Primary - Elementary | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4625 - Monologue Junior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4626 - Monologue Intermediate | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4627 - Monologue Senior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4628 - Monologue Open / Advanced ARCT for 2 + years | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4629 - Scene - Group Primary - Elementary | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4630 - Scene - Group Senior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Improv - 3 Word Improv
Working in groups of two or three performers, each group will pick three words at random out of a hat and meet for two minutes to develop a scene that uses those three words.
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4632 - Solo | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4633 - Primary Grades 1-3 | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4634 - Junior Grades 4-6 | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4635 - Intermediate Grades 7 & 8 | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4636 - Senior Grades 9 & up | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Improv - TV Channels
Imagine the adjudicator is watching different TV channels, switching back and forth. For solo classes, the performer portrays different characters, changing roles each time the adjudicator announces a new "tv program" such as Weather Report, Dance Competition or Toothpaste Commercial. For group classes, any number of performers can participate in each channel by tagging or adding in performers. Time limit: 7 min
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4637 - Solo | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4638 - Beginner / Elementary | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4639 - Junior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4640 - Intermediate | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4641 - Senior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Improv Solo - The Expert
Performer acts as an "expert" in his/her field. The "expert" delivers a two-minute monologue on a topic drawn from a hat. If they say 'uh' or 'um' the adjudicator honks a horn; if they rack up three 'ums' or 'uhs' they are stopped. Time limit: 5 min
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4645 - Junior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4647 - Senior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Improv Duo - First Line
Each pair is given two minutes to develop a scene based on the first line to be spoken, which the adjudicator will assign. Examples of first lines are "Haven't we met somewhere?" or "Is this seat taken?" Improvised stories should have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Time limit: 5 min
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4648 - Grades 1 - 3 | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4649 - Grades 4 - 6 | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4850 - Grades 7 & 8 | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4851 - Grades 9 & up | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Improv Duo - Tagline
Each pair is given two minutes to develop a scene based on the last line to be spoken, which the adjudicator will assign. Examples of last lines are "I told you we wouldn't make it out of here" or "That's what you get for being unprepared". Improvised stories should have a beginning, a middle and an end. Time limit: 5 min
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4652 - Grades 1 - 3 | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4653 - Grades 4 - 6 | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4654 - Grades 7 & 8 | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4655 - Grades 9 & up | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Improv Group - Four Square
Four performers stand in a square formation and create four different scenes based on suggestions given to each pair as they move around the square. The adjudicator will direct action forwards and backwards.
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4658 - Grades 1 - 3 | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4659 - Grades 4 - 6 | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4660 - Grades 7 & 8 | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4661 - Grades 9 & up | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Improv Group - Building a Scene (3+ players)
Two groups stand in a line or facing one another, depending on the size of the group. They begin telling a story one word at a time. The adjudicator can call out: "One word at a time!" or "Full Sentences!" or "Stop mid-word!" or "Make it Physical!" or "Sing the sentence in Opera!" The group must obey the request and try to keep the story unfolding. The group must listen and work together to find an ending. When the group feels organically that they have concluded the story with a strong ending, they stop and someone says "The End". Time limit: 7 min
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4662 - Group | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Improv with Props
The adjudicator gives an object (i.e. egg beater, remote control, bar of soap) to each solo performer or group. Competitors improvise a scene based on the object they receive. Preparation time: 2 min Performance limit: 5 min
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4666 - Solo | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4667 - Beginner / Elementary | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4668 - Junior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4669 - Intermediate | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4670 - Senior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Lyric Poetry
Perform one selection of your own choosing from memory. A Lyric Poem is contemplative. It is an expression of the inner thoughts or feelings of the speaker in the poem. Lyric Poetry is not dramatized, therefore, costumes and props are not appropriate.
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4673 - Beginner | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4674 - Primary - Elementary | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4676 - Junior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4677 - Intermediate | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4678 - Senior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4679 - Open | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4680 - Later Stages (ages 29 & over) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Mask
Using masks, perform a scene from original or published material. Provide the text used for the adjudicator. In addition to masks, props and costumes may be used; however, setup time should not exceed 2 min Time limit: 7 min
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4681 - Solo | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4683 - Elementary Group | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4684 - Secondary Group | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Memorized prose
Perform a memorized prose selection (fiction, non-fiction or sacred text) from a published source. Standing or seated in a relaxed but controlled position, the soloist delivers the selection making eye contact with the audience. He/she may use gestures for emphasis and, if the prose contains dialogue, should make a vocal distinction between the speakers in the dialogue and the voice of the narrator.
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4687 - Beginner | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4688 - Primary - Elementary | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4690 - Junior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4691 - Intermediate | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4692 - Senior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4693 - Open | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4694 - Later Stages (ages 29 & over) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Mime
Perform mime in silence or accompanied by an audio track or live music. You may use props and costumes; however, setup time is 3 min Time limit: 7 min
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4695 - Solo | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4697 - Elementary Group | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4696 - Group - Any | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4698 - Secondary Group | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Monologue - other than Shakespeare
Perform a Monologue of your own choosing from memory. There are three types of dramatic Monologues: Monologues that address an audience directly; Soliloquies spoken as if the character is alone (revealing inner thoughts); and Speeches directed at another character. If you perform a Speech, you may have another person on stage with you; however, your performance will be the only one evaluated. Time limit: 5 min
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4701 - Beginner | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4702 - Primary | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4703 - Elementary | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4704 - Junior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4705 - Intermediate | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4706 - Senior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4707 - Open | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4708 - LaterStages (ages 29 & over) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Narrative Poetry
Perform one selection of your own choosing from memory. Narrative Poetry tells a story. It is delivered directly to an audience as if the speaker is sharing the story. Gestures are allowed for emphasis but the poem is not dramatized.
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4709 - Beginner | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4710 - Primary - Elementary | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4712 - Junior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4713 - Intermediate | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4714 - Senior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4715 - Open | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4716 - Later Stages (ages 29 & over) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Original Scene
Write and perform an original scene with any number of characters. Props and costumes are allowed; however, setup time should not exceed 3 min. Time limit: 12 min
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4717 - Open - any # of characters | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Original Verse
Perform a selection of your own creation. Please submit a copy of your work with your entry.
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4718 - Beginner | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4719 - Primary - Elementary | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4721 - Junior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4722 - Intermediate | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4723 - Senior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4724 - Open | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4725 - Later Stages (ages 29 & over) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Public Speaking
While you may collect information from any reliable source, you must deliver your speech in your own words. In the live class, give your written speech to the adjudicator before you perform. In the virtual class, include a copy of your text in your entry. You may hold and refer to point-form notes as you deliver your speech (from a standing position) or use cue cards.
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4726 - Beginner | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4727 - Primary - Elementary | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4729 - Junior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4730 - Intermediate | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4731 - Senior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4732 - Open | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4733 - Later Stages (ages 29 & over) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Readers' Theatre
English- or French-speaking groups perform a scene of their own choosing without sets, props and costumes. Participants can stand or be seated. Readers can have copies of the script in hand but memorization is recommended. A narrator may introduce the scene. Other characters may have their backs to the audience until they turn forward to enter the scene. (Entrances and exits may also be conveyed by standing and sitting or by freezing in position, then becoming animated.) Time limit: 15 min
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4734 - Primary / Elementary | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4735 - Junior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4736 - Intermediate | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4737 - Senior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Sketch Comedy - Solo
Perform a comedy skit or sketch. You may use original or published works but must make materials available for the adjudicator. Props and costumes are allowed; however setup time should not exceed 2 min Time limit: 7 min
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4738 - Solo | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Sketch Comedy - Group
Perform a comedy skit or sketch. You may use original or published works but must make materials available for the adjudicator. Props and costumes are allowed; however setup time should not exceed 2 min Time limit: 7 min
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4739 - Grades 1-3 | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4740 - Grades 4-6 | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4741 - Grades 7&8 | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4742 - Grades 9 & up | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Spoken Word
Perform a selection of your own choosing, original or your own creation. Spoken Word is an oral art that focuses on the aesthetics of word play, intonation and voice inflection. This category includes poetry in the style of hip-hop, rap, or slam. Please include a copy of the work with your entry. Time limit: 7 min
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4754 - Beginner | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4755 - Primary - Elementary | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4756 - Elementary Group | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4757 - Junior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4758 - Intermediate | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4759a - Senior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4760 - Open | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4759b - Secondary Group | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4761 - Later Stages (ages 29 & over) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Stand Up Comedy
Budding comedians perform stand-up comedy routines or sketches. Props and costumes are allowed; setup should be limited to 2 min Time limit: 6 min
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4762 - Monologue 14 & under | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4763 - Monologue ages 15 - 18 | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4764 - Group (2-6 performers) Time guide: 4-6 min | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Storytelling
Select a folk tale or fairy tale that you would like to tell and decide who your audience will be -- children, teenagers or adults. Edit the story for length then retell the story in your own words from a standing or sitting position. Provide your text along with the original story for the adjudicator. Time limit: 8 min
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4765 - Beginner | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4766 - Primary | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4767 - Elementary | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4768 - Junior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4769 - Intermediate | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4770 - Senior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4771 - Open | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4772 - Later Stages (ages 29 & over) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Verse
Perform one selection from memory.
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4773 - Beginner | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4774 - Primary - Elementary | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4776 - Junior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4777 - Intermediate | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4778 - Senior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4779 - Open | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4780 - Later Stages (ages 29 & over) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |
Provincial Qualifying
Competitors must perform three (3) selections. Selections should show a contrast in mood (i.e. serious, comical, reflective)
Selections can come from, but are not limited to, the following categories: Drama (a scene depicting one character from a published play or published anthology of individual monologues), Prose, Lyric Poetry, Mime or Public Speaking. Performances must be from memory. Time limits range from 20 min (ages 12 & under) to 25 (ages 13-16) to 30 min (Senior & up). Simple costumes and portable props are permitted. If the selection is in a language other than English, a translation must be provided to the Adjudicator. Adjudicator will stop the performance after the maximum time.
| Class | Live | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class:4781 - Beginner | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4782 - Primary - Elementary | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4784 - Junior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4785 - Intermediate | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4786 - Senior | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4787 - Open | Live:closed | Virtual:closed | |
| Class:4788 - Later Stages (ages 29 & over) | Live:closed | Virtual:closed |