DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE is an individual category in which selections are either dramatic or humorous. Selections are from published-printed novels, short stories, plays, or any other such materials. Presentations are memorized and made without props or costumes. At some tournaments, the event is split into dramatic and humorous categories.
Video of Humorous Interpretation: “Kick Me: Adventures in Adolescence” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd0UYrf5jrg&t=411s
Video of Dramatic Interpretation: “Not a Genuine Black Man” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK41EKohCW4
DUO INTERPRETATION OF LITERATURE is a two-person version of DP. Students cannot look at one another or make physical contact with each other during the performance.
Video of Duo Interpretation: “The Invention of Wings” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duJaYLOseiU
In ORAL INTERPRETATION OF LITERATURE, students select poetry and prose pieces for performance. Unlike DP or DUO, a student will have the manuscript in front of him or her in a small binder, and the performer must show a balance of eye contact between the script and audience. OI is not “acted out” to the degree of DP or DUO.
Video of Oral Interpretation/Poetry: “Kim and Carrie” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl3lhaESWfY
Video of Oral Interpretation/Prose: “The Things They Carried” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTz-tZAyDfI
PROGRAM ORAL INTERPRETATION should not be confused with Oral Interpretation of Literature. In POI, using selections from Prose, Poetry and Drama, students create a ten minute performance around a central theme. POI is designed to test a student’s ability to intersplice multiple types of literature into a single, cohesive performance. A manuscript is required and may be used as a prop within the performance if the performer maintains control of the manuscript at all times. Performances can also include an introduction written by the student to contextualize the performance and state the title and the author of each selection.
Video of Program Oral Interpretation: “Debate Like A Girl” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii5HtExwEDc
Generic Interpretation
Interp Script Summary and Review
Key Terms in Interpretive Events
Interpretation Worksheet – with answers
Rostrum Article – Miss Interp Explains It All For You
Dramatic Interpretation
Characterization in Dramatic and Humorous Interpretation
What to Expect Competing in Dramatic Interpretation
Duo Interpretation
On Writing Duo Interp Introductions
Rostrum Article – Duo Techniques
What to Expect Competing in Duo Interpretation
Humorous Interpretation
Characterization in Dramatic and Humorous Interpretation
What to Expect Competing in Humorous Interpretation
Oral Interpretation
Oral Interpretation Worksheet – Jupiter
Rostrum Article – Can I Shake My Binder?
Rostrum Article – Characterization in Dramatic and Humorous Interpretation
Program of Oral Interpretation