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IOWA HIGH SCHOOL SPEECH ASSOCIATION

Dubuque Senior High School is a proud member of the Iowa High School Speech Association.  Each year, Dubuque Senior competes in both Large Group and Individual
Events Speech Contests, with over eighty students participating.    Participation in IHSSA is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in acting, singing, dancing,
improvisation, oratorical skills, and ensemble performance.

What is the IHSSA?

The Iowa High School Speech Association consists of high schools from four districts in Iowa.  Dubuque Senior High School participates in the Northeast District of Iowa.  The
IHSSA hosts competition in Large Group and Individual Events (see description of events below).  At district contest, students must receive a Division I Rating to move on to
State competition.  At State, students must earn a Division I Rating AND receive nominations from judges to move on to All-State.  At Large Group All-State Festival, students
may earn the Critic's Choice Award from the judge as the best performance of the day.  

2013/2014 IHSSA Kickoff Meeting

Be sure to attend our annual team kickoff meeting held on Thursday, September 26 from 2:30-3:30 PM in the auditorium.  At this meeting, you will be able to learn about
the different categories, sign up for auditions, and see great performances from the past year.  This meeting is also important to the team to determine how many students
are interested in being involved so we can finalize coaching assignments.

2013/2014 Audition Dates

Monday, November 18 (3:00-5:00 PM)
Tuesday, November 19 (6:00-8:00 PM)
Wednesday, November 20 (3:00-5:00 PM)

- You will be able to sign up for a twenty-minute audition time slot beginning in late October on the
Callboard


Rehearsal Information

A detailed rehearsal schedule will be released when the IHSSA events are cast by the directors.  Most Large Group Events rehearse 1-2 hours per week.  Individual Events
rehearsals are scheduled by the students and are typically 30-45 minutes per week.  We will schedule around most conflicts, so you are able to participate in other activities
and/or work during the IHSSA season.

2013/2014 Contest Dates/Locations

    DISTRICT LARGE GROUP
    January 25, 2014
    Cascade High School
    Cascade, Iowa

    STATE LARGE GROUP
    February 8, 2014
    Waterloo West High School
    Waterloo, Iowa

    ALL-STATE LARGE GROUP
    February 21-22, 2014
    Iowa State University
    Ames, Iowa

    DISTRICT INDIVIDUAL EVENTS
    March 1, 2014
    Maquoketa Valley High School
    Delhi, Iowa

    STATE INDIVIDUAL EVENTS
    March 15, 2014
    Starmont High School
    Arlington, Iowa

    ALL-STATE INDIVIDUAL EVENTS
    March 31, 2014
    University of Northern Iowa
    Cedar Falls, Iowa



DESCRIPTION OF LARGE GROUP EVENTS

Choral Reading - a group of 2 to 15 students perform a collection of works with an emphasis on ensemble reading (may include singing).  Facial expression and vocal blend
are important.
Length: up to 15 minutes
with scripts

Ensemble Acting
- two to six students act out a scene from a play or book.  A table and chairs are the only props allowed, and no costumes or makeup is permitted.
Length: up to 15 minutes
memorized

Group Improvisation
- two to five students are given a situation and improvise a scene with limited preparation time.  Creativity, working together, and character
development are essential.
Length: 3-5 minutes
without scripts

Musical Theatre
- two to six students perform song(s) and scene(s) from a musical.  A table and chairs are the only props allowed, and no costumes or makeup is permitted.
Length: up to 10 minutes
memorized

One Act Play
- a group of two or more students perform one act of a play on the stage.  Costumes, makeup, props and sets are permitted.
Length: up to 35 minutes
memorized

Radio Broadcasting
- a group of up to 8 students gather, edit, and organize a radio broadcast which includes news, sports, and weather.  The performance is pre-recorded.
Length: between 5-6 minutes
with scripts

Readers Theatre
- a group of between 2 and 15 interpret a dramatic work or piece of literature with an emphasis on body and vocal expression.
Length: up to 25 minutes
with scripts

Short Film
- A group of between 2 and 15 students create an original film of no more than five minutes.  Length: up to 5 minutes memorized

Television News
- a group of 8-12 students gather, edit, and organize a news broadcast which includes news, sports, and weather.  The performance is pre-recorded and
requires on and off camera positions.
Length: between 12-15 minutes
with scripts



DESCRIPTION OF INDIVIDUAL EVENTS

Acting - a student acts out a monologue from a play, serious or humorous.  Only a single chair may be used.
Length: up to 8 minutes
memorized

After Dinner Speaking
- a student writes and delivers a humorous speech intended for a particular audience.
Length: up to 5 minutes
memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a notecard

Expository Address
- a student writes and delivers an informative speech on a topic of interest.
Length: up to 6 minutes
memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a notecard

Improvisational Acting
- a student draws characters and a situation and acts out a scene with limited preparation.
Length: up to 5 minutes
imagination needed

Literary Program
- a combination of prose and poetry is presented on a theme.  Facial and vocal expression are key.
Length: up to 10 minutes
with script

Original Oratory
- a student writes and delivers a persuasive speech on a topic of interest. A lectern may be used.
Length: up to 8 minutes
memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a notecard

Poetry/Prose
- a student interprets works of either poetry or prose.  Interpretion and expression are essential.
Length: up to 6 minutes
with script

Public Address
- a student selects a speech originally delivered by another, communicating the intent of the author.
Length: up to 8 minutes
memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a notecard

Radio News
- a student prepares a news program with given news copy in 30 minutes.  A speaker system is used with the audience located in another room.
Length: between 4-5 minutes
with script

Review
- a student writes and delivers a critical analysis of a book, movie, video game, or any other media.
Length: up to 8 minutes
memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a notecard

Solo Musical Theatre
- a student performs one song from a musical using recorded music.  A single chair may be used.  Length: up to 5 minutes memorized

Spontaneous
- a student draws a contemporary issue topic to speak about with 3 minutes of preparation.  Research is important in this category.
Length: up to 5 minutes

Storytelling - a student tells a children's story with facial and body expression.  A stool may be used.
Length: up to 5 minutes
memorized
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