Poetry Performed

SPOKEN WORD

(FKA: POETRY PERFORMANCE)

Description:

Craft an original poem or prose and bring it to life through a compelling monologue or dialogue that is performed.

Overview:
Your performance can incorporate various styles, including reading, singing, or acting. Spoken word is an art form designed to captivate and engage, so feel free to integrate elements like music, dance, or visual arts to elevate your presentation. Remember to infuse your performance with a sense of spontaneity through extemporaneous speaking, creating an experience that is both dynamic and unforgettable for your audience.

Notes for Judges ● Each contestant will have 3 minutes to present their performance and then the judging co-hort will have 7-10 minutes for any follow up questions and quick deliberations before the next contestant. Each contestant will only have an allocated time frame of 10 minutes. ● You should not under any circumstances engage with the students before or after the competition until the Awards Ceremony has concluded. ● You must provide honest constructive feedback for each contestant that you are judging. ● Scoring Rubric: ○ 95-100 - Qualifies as a Gold Medalist ○ 90+Up - Qualifies as a Silver Medalist ○ 85+Up - Qualifies as a Bronze Medalist ■ Please take heed that the identifying word here is “Qualifies”. There can be multiple contestants that can qualify as gold medalist and if that’s the case the highest score will receive the gold, and silver and bronze will be allocated to the next two highest scores. In the event the highest score is a 90 then there is no gold medalist and there’s only a possibility for a silver and bronze medalist as long as the remaining scores land within the 85+Up region.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Submission: Submit one notarized copy of your original poem or prose.

Email your poem to coraopolisnaacp@gmail.com by the March 10, 2027 Deadline

2. Formatting:

i Each page must include your name, page number, and unit name and number (Coraopolis NAACP #26AB-B).

ii Your work should be original, typed in 12 point Calibri or Times New Roman font.

iii Retain the original form of your piece (free verse, rhymed metrical poetry, etc.)

iv Do not exceed 3 pages

3. Performance:

i Perform your work from memory before a panel of judges.

ii Your performance must not exceed 3 minutes.

Exceeding this limit may result in point deductions or disqualification.

4. Contestant Introduction: State your introduction in full, per the Contestant Introduction Script, before beginning your
performance.

5. Statement of Integrity: Submit a completed Statement of Integrity Form with your application.

Necessary Equipment
This equipment is provided and standard at the national competition

Note: Contact your local ACT-SO Chairperson to see if this equipment is available at at the local level.

1. 1 Sound System w/2 Speakers, a microphone, and necessary cables that is electricity based, not battery powered

2. Outlet Surge Protector

Required Submissions

• Bio (PDF) → First_Last_Bio
• Contestant Photo (PDF) → First_Last_CP
• Statement of Integrity (PDF) → First_Last_SOI
• Written Project (PDF) → First_Last_WP

When uploading your documents, you must name each file exactly as shown above in order for it to be properly uploaded and integrated into our automated system.

Example: John_Doe_WP (using your own first and last name, followed by the file label shown for your category).

Note: If files are not received in these formats, they are out of compliance and ineligible until rectified. If they are not corrected before the deadline, the contestant will no longer be able to compete at this year's iteration of the National Competition

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

20 Points: Emotional/Physical Presence

Is the poet emotionally connected to the topic they are presenting?

Is the poet demonstrating eye contact, body language and poise?

20 Points: Original Thought

Has the poet tackled an interesting subject or created something new with their work, or are they simply parroting belief systems or ideas that they have heard from someone else.

20 Points: Voice and Articulation

Does the poet exhibit appropriate volume, pace, rhythm, intonation and proper pronunciation?

20 Points: Structure or Form, and Overall Presentation

How is the poem constructed?

Are there appropriate line and stanza breaks?

Does the poem have a strong title?

Does the poem contain appropriate grammar and punctuation?

20 Points: Evidence of Understanding/Accuracy

Does the poet comprehend the material they're presenting and makes the audience understand?

Does the poet miss written words or mispronounce words during their recitation?

100 Total Points

Point Deduction -0.25 per 15 sec
For every 15 seconds the performance exceeds the allotted time limit (3 minutes), 0.25 point is deducted.

Tips for Poetry Performance Contestants:

Choose a Topic You're Passionate About: Your enthusiasm will shine through in your performance.

Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse your piece multiple times to perfect your delivery.

Connect with Your Audience: Use eye contact to engage your listeners and create a personal connection.

Embrace Extemporization: Be prepared to think on your feet and adapt to unexpected situations.

Pay Attention to Detail: Proofread your work carefully and ensure your performance is polished.

Be Yourself: Let your unique personality shine through in your performance.

Enjoy the Process: Have fun and express yourself creatively!