2023-2024 Speech & Drama Website
Our Speech and Drama program is a class act!
Fall Drama Productions
In the fall of 2022, Decorah High School hosted a variety show complete with dancing, singing, theatre acts, and instrumental playing. The many talents of Decorah High School students were on full display. The drama department will perform its next variety show in the fall of 2024.
Fall musicals are presented during years opposite of the variety show. The most recent musicals have included Spongebob The Musical in 2023, Tarzan in 2021, Tuck Everlasting in 2019, and Shrek in 2017.
Large Group Speech
District and State large group speech events are typically held in January and February. Events include:
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. (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. (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. (3-5 minutes without scripts)
Group Mime – A group of 2 to 6 students act out a situation or story with their bodies, no talking is allowed. Music is allowed, but mime makeup is not permitted. (7 minutes, no dialogue)
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. (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.
(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. (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. (up to 25 minutes with scripts)
Short Film – A group of between 2 and 15 students creates an original film of no more than five minutes. (up to 5 minutes memorized)
Solo Mime – You act out a story or situation with your body and facial expression, no talking allowed. Music is allowed, but mime makeup is not permitted. (5 minutes, no dialogue)
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. (between 12-15 minutes with scripts)
Individual Speech Events
District and State individual speech events are typically held in March. Individual speech events include:
Acting – a student acts out a monologue from a play, serious or humorous. Only a single chair may be used. (up to 8 minutes memorized)
After Dinner Speaking – a student writes and delivers a humorous speech intended for a particular audience. (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. (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. (up to 5 minutes imagination needed)
Literary Program – a combination of prose and poetry is presented on a theme. Facial and vocal expression is key. (up to 8 minutes with script)
Original Oratory – a student writes and delivers a persuasive speech on a topic of interest. A lectern may be used. (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. Interpretation and expression are essential. (up to 6 minutes with script)
Public Address – a student selects a speech originally delivered by another, communicating the intent of the author. (up to 8 minutes memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a notecard)
Radio News – a student prepares a news program with a given news copy in 30 minutes. A speaker system is used with the audience located in another room.
(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. (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. (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. (up to 5 minutes)
Storytelling – a student tells a children’s story with facial and body expressions. A stool may be used. (up to 5 minutes memorized)
