Can I compete with the same speech in two different categories?
Speakers may not use the same speech in two separate categories at the same tournament. However, the same speech can be moved to a different category at a different tournament. If the speech qualifies to advance to a higher level (Regionals or Nationals) of competition in both categories the speaker will have to choose a category.
In selecting pieces for this year’s Thematic Interpretation, can I borrow from an interp which I am doing in another category this year or from a previous year’s interp?
No.
What is a published piece of literature?
A published piece of literature is a work of an author which is printed and available to the public.
Publish: To distribute copies (of a work) to the public. Black's Law Dictionary (7th Edition, 1999)
My piece of literature is not available at my local library. May I use the Gutenberg Press website for my Form 2 document?
No.
In my introduction or transitions between pieces, may I have the author or author's character(s) speaking with my own words to introduce my piece or create transitions between pieces?
No
Is there any limit to the number of words which I can use to introduce and transition between my selections of literary pieces?
No.
In cutting my piece, may I combine phrases from several sentences?
Yes.
For example, from a J.R.R.Tolkien Tale (Farmer Giles of Ham):
1.“Without warning or formality he wooped out to give battle. Down he came upon them with a rush and a roar." - may be cut to read: "Without warning or formality he came upon them with a rush and a roar."
In cutting my piece, may I use single words of the author to create new phrases or sentences?
No
In cutting my piece may I insert single words into sentences within the literature?
No.
Does material from each literary piece need to be kept separate, or can sentences/phrases from different literary pieces be combined into the same paragraph?
No, several literary pieces cannot be blended one sentence/phrase at a time into the same paragraph. The Thematic Interpretation should use the introduction and transitions between the separate literary pieces to develop the theme.
What is gratuitous vulgarity?
This refers to vulgar, obscene or profane language or gestures which are included for shock value. Gratuitous vulgarity is not appropriate.
Can I replace an objectionable word, such as vulgar or obscene language, in my piece with a less objectionable word?
The only words that may be substituted in interpretations are pronouns and verb tense. However, you may delete word(s). You might also delete the scene or that portion of the literature.
Can I add language that I believe to be consistent with what the author intended?
No, you may not add any language to any of the literary selections.
I would like to change the setting in my script. It is set in Scottsdale, Arizona and I would like it to be on a farm in Vermont. I would only need to change a couple of words. Is this acceptable?
You are free to interpret the setting of your piece any way you wish. You are not, however, allowed to change the author's words.
Can I take lines from one or more characters and give them to another character?
Yes.
Can I change the tenses of verbs in my Interp?
Yes.
May I repeat the author’s words or phrases when the author does not do so?
Yes.
How does the "No notes or prompting are allowed" rule apply to use of my script in the binder?
Only the script may be used in the binder. No notes may be used by the student as part of the speech.
Can I use Bible verses in my Thematic Interpretation?
Yes, use of Bible verses is permitted in TI. Each book of the Bible would be considered to be a different piece of literature and should be indicated as such in the script submission.
The rules say to use a 6" x 9" black binder. I can't find that exact size at my office supply store. Can I just use a standard size binder?
Different office supply stores carry different sizes of small binders from 5.5" x 8.5" to 6.5" x 9.5". Each of these sizes and any binder which is designed to hold 8.5" x 5.5" pages (half of a standard 8.5" x 11" piece of paper) is appropriate to use. You do need to use one of the small black binders. Other sizes and colors are not permitted.
What does it mean to "interact with the binder at all times"?
This is a great event because your binder can be a prop. You may read from it, hold it as a prop, drop it on the floor and pick it up, toss it and catch it, turn pages for emphasis and open and close it dramatically. Be creative as you incorporate it into your presentation. To interact with it means that you won't set it down and deliver your speech without the binder. It also means that if you decide to drop it, you do need to pick it back up.
The rules say my script has to be in the binder. Do I have to read it?
The point of having a binder is to appear to be reading a story. Just as in other interpretive events, however, the best thematic interpreters will have their scripts committed to memory. The second purpose of having a binder is that it can become a prop. When your binder doubles as a prop, you may not be looking at the script. It is up to the interpreter to find the balance between "reading" from the binder and using it as a prop.
Can I add sound effects to my interpretive piece if it is not in the piece of literature?
Sound effects may only be used if they are not recognizable words found in a published non-internet-sourced dictionary, and if they are motivated by the piece of literature.
My piece is pretty intense and may not be suitable for younger audiences. Is there a way for me to help protect them?
The best way to protect the younger or more sensitive members of an audience is to announce before your speech begins that it may not be suitable for all audiences. This will allow younger students, families and others with care of small children, and also the timekeeper to leave the room before the piece begins.
Can automatic script penalties be waived for a speaker with learning disabilities or difficulty with memorization?
The answer is that there can be no exceptions. Competitive forensics reveals strengths in young speakers who did not believe they were capable. Speakers are frequently unable to memorize until they "have to." When speech participants have to, they often try harder and achieve more than they thought they could. Finally, the purpose of this activity is not to win, but to grow in communication ability. The memorization requirement is included to encourage speakers to be the best communicators they can be.
My child has special needs and/or circumstances. Can he be considered an exception to a competition rule?
From a practical standpoint, an exception here would open the door for a host of exceptions. An unlimited number of participants could see themselves in need of exceptions and an infinite number of potential exceptions requested. It becomes highly complicated to communicate the variety of potential exceptions to the judges as well as competitors. The ultimate purpose for participating in competitive forensics is to improve communication skills. Special students have shown much improvement in this environment.
Is it legal for us to submit a copy of our scripts?
Traditionally many copyrighted works have been used under the "fair use" doctrine for the purposes of interpretive competition events in an educational setting. However, each family is responsible for making their own determination based upon the works they select if written permission from the publisher is required. Further information on copyright law may be found here (http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html).
If my script is accepted at the script submission check-in at my tournament, does that mean the script doesn’t have any problems?
No, there still may be issues with the script or the piece. The script submission check-in reviews the script for structural compliance, meaning that submission is structurally in compliance with the format for submitting a script. Script submission check-in verifies that the script paperwork is completed correctly, but the script may not be in complete compliance with all of the rules and FAQs for the event.
Should I bold the title and author on my typewritten script (format #1)?
No, do not bold the title and author, and do not include that in your added word count. The title of the work should be italicized.
May I add script-style character names to my format #1 after I finish cutting my piece?
Yes, after you cut the piece of literature, you may use a script-style format with the character names designated at the beginning of each line. If you choose to do this, do not bold the character names or include these in your added word count.
What is a proper script-style format?
Here is an example:
John: Please sit down now!
May I also add in stage directions to my script?
Yes, stage directions, if used, must be included in parenthesis and italicized. Do not include stage directions in your added word count.
Is there a preference for double- or single-spacing the typewritten scripts?
The preference (although not mandatory) is to double-space typewritten scripts.
