2012-2013/1.1 - Kentucky High School Speech League

KHSSL Handbook 41 2012-2013/1.11. The selection must be a self-contained unit holding together a story itself.2. Dramatic and humorous selections should be given equal consideration.3. Criteria for judging include teamwork of the actors, timing, movement, consistentcharacterization, good speaking skills, pantomime of props, and the comedic ordramatic effect of the scene on the audience.4. The suitability of the material to the maturity level of the performer should beconsidered.HINTS FOR COACHES1. The selection must be an artistic, self-contained unit holding together a story itself --capable of being appreciated without one having heard the entire play, novel, shortstory, or movie script.2. Play titles and synopses can be found in publisher catalogues (e.g., Samuel French,Dramatist Play Service, Dramatic Publishing Company, Fireside Theatre, and DramaBook Shop).3. Other selections may be obtained from novels, short stories, or movies scripts.4. Choose material that corresponds to the ability and maturity of the performers.HINTS FOR STUDENTS1. Introductions should contain the title and author, as well as other information deemed necessaryfor the audience’s understanding of the script.2. Movement should encompass various parts of the performance area.3. A performer should not look at the audience while delivering lines unless the lines arewritten as an aside to be spoken to the audience.4. Read the whole play, novel, short story, or movie script from which the selection istaken.5. Do a character study in preparation. Consider how other characters see your character(e.g., physical characteristics, mental attributes, etc.) and how other characters feel aboutyour character.