Q&A: What to Expect in Dramatic Interpretation
VIDEO: Sample Dramatic Interpretation
From the National Speech and Debate Association:
Using a play, short story, or other published work, students perform a selection of one or more portions of a piece up to ten minutes in length. With a spotlight on character development and depth, Dramatic Interpretation focuses on a student’s ability to convey emotion through the use of a dramatic text. Competitors may portray one or multiple characters. No props or costumes may be used. Performances may also include an introduction written by the student to contextualize the performance and state the title and author.
Sample Pieces:
- 13 Things About Ed Carpolotti by Jeffrey Hatcher
- Fences by August Wilson
- Marilyn: Her Life in Her Own Words by George Barris
Interested in drama? Visit https://www.speechanddebate.org/competition-events/ to learn more, or visit the Jefferson City High School, MO team’s excellent website to find some ideas and resources for pieces.