Oral Interpretation is an event that is also called Poetry Prose because it consists of a performance of a poetry program literary interpretation and a prose literary interpretation. This event is a dramatic art that can also be called "dramatic reading" or "reader's theatre"; it is a scripted event meaning that the performer will perform with a binder holding the script. However, that does not mean that the performer does not have the material memorized; there is a balancing act between eye contact with the audience and a look at the text in order to give the semblance of reading.
The student will work on two performances that they will alternate between at a tournament. The day will begin with a coin toss that determines if the poetry program will begin the day or if it will be prose. The student will cut the piece of literature into a 10 minute performance; there is a 30 second grace for going over, but the performer should try to stick close to that 10 minute mark. The performance will include an introduction that serves to provide necessary background on the story, establish the mood, and provide information such as the title and author. There are no props used in the performance; there are some disagreements in philosophy about "binder tech" which is the use of the binder as a prop.
Rules of Oral Interpretation