2026 Syllabus - Speech Arts & Drama

Using masks, perform a scene from original or published material.

Perform a Monologue of your own choosing from memory. Time limit: 5 min

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

Perform a scene from a play from memory. Time limit: 10 min

Perform a Scene or Speech of your own choosing from memory. Time limit: 15 min

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Perform one selection from memory.