Performing Arts
Performing Arts Contest Criteria
English Oratory
This is an original oration written and delivered by the entrant in English, based on the convention theme. The selection should be no more than 3 minutes 15 seconds in length, thoroughly memorized with cue cards or prompter permitted for emergencies only. The style should be similar to that of a classical orator. Judges will use the following criteria: introduction, conclusion, organization (use of the classics, use of theme, and grammar), content, originality, memorization, enunciation, voice control, audience contact.
Dramatic Interpretation
The passage must be thoroughly memorized. The head judge may prompt at his/her discretion. A false start will be allowed without a point deduction. Contestants should make sure their movements and gestures are appropriate to the content of the presentation. Advanced poetry must be recited in the appropriate meter, including elisions. Presentation will be judged on the following criteria: memorization, character portrayal and depth, pronunciation, enunciation, voice control and eye contact, natural gestures and appropriate movement, phraseology, and scansion (for advanced poetry only). Lower division is for Latin 1 and 2 students. Upper division is for Latin 3, 4 and 5 students. Passages will be mailed with the registration packet.
Latin Oratory
The passage must be thoroughly memorized. The head judge may prompt at his/her discretion. Costume and props are not used. An introduction should not be given. A false start will be allowed without a point deduction. Contestants will be judged on the following criteria: memorization, pronunciation, audience contact, natural gestures and oratorical style, enunciation and voice control, phraseology and interpretation of the passage. Passages will be mailed with the registration packet.
Costume Contest
The contestant will be expected to make a statement about the costume and how it relates to the character. The contestant must have knowledge of Roman or Greek clothing style and a broad knowledge of the character represented. The contestant should be prepared to speak about the color, style, props, etc. selected for his/her costume. The entrant should make his/her own costume. There are three categories for this contest: male character, female character, and couple. The characters for the year are announced at the fall planning meeting. The cost of the materials to make the costume should not exceed $35.00.Contestants will be judged on authenticity, neatness, craftsmanship, and creativity.
Drama
Performance of a section of ancient play or another play that is not original material but is classical in theme. The performance may be in English or in Latin. It should be 15 to 20 minutes in length and may have any number of participants. For groups larger than 3, the sweepstakes points awarded to individual participants may not total more than 40 points for a 1st-place group, 32 points for a 2nd-place group, and 24 points for a 3rd-place group; in such cases, each participant will receive the quotient of the appropriate number of group points divided by the number of participants and rounded to the nearest whole number. Dramas will be rated on authenticity, creativity, costumes, props, acting, and memorization.
Skit
Writing and performance of an original skit in English on any classical theme. The skit should be approximately 5 minutes in length and may have any number of participants. For groups larger than 3, the sweepstakes points awarded to individual participants may not total more than 40 points for a 1st-place group, 32 points for a 2nd-place group, and 24 points for a 3rd-place group; in such cases, each participant will receive the quotient of the appropriate number of group points divided by the number of participants and rounded to the nearest whole number. Skits will be rated on originality and creativity, literary quality, costumes, props, acting, and memorization.