Dramatic Interpretation: Structure and Rules

The competitor will select and make a cutting of a published, printed work from a play, novel, short story, or poem. The cutting needs to be within time and tell a complete story (beginning, middle, end; introduction, rising action, CLIMAX, falling action, dénouement). The performer must also have an introduction to the piece. At competition, the performer will compete in three rounds and possibly a fourth if they break to finals. Interpretation is the key element to this event, so fully analyze the story and characters!

Rules are:
• Selections are to be dramatic in nature
• Selections must be from published, printed material of plays, novels, short stories, and poems
• Must be memorized
• Must be within time (ten minutes is normal, although some areas vary)
• An introduction is required (names author, title, gives any necessary information, and sets the tone) and given after a minute or so of the piece has been delivered, at a natural break-point
• No props or costumes
• All pops, or character transitions, are to be smooth, quick, and fluid
• Interpretation is most of what you will be ranked by, so know the plot, the characters, the theme, EVERYTHING
• All gestures, stances, facials, vocals/intonations need to support that character (and needs to be unique to that particular character), help tell story, and be clear
• Diction is important
• No moving—you must stand in one place, but are allowed to change stance for different characters
• Eye contact is a must