Pleasantville Speech & Drama Club
Iowa High School Speech Association Information
What is the IHSSA?
​
The Iowa High School Speech Association consists of high schools from four districts in Iowa. Pleasantville High School participates in the Southwest District of Iowa. The IHSSA hosts competition in Large Group and Individual Events (see description of events below). At district contest, students must receive a Division I Rating to move on to State competition. At State, students must earn a Division I Rating AND receive nominations from judges to move on to All-State. At Large Group All-State Festival, students may earn the Critic's Choice Award from the judge as the best performance of the day.
DESCRIPTION OF LARGE GROUP EVENTS
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.
Length: 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.
Length: 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.
Length: 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.
Length: 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.
Length: 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.
Length: 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.
Length: 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.
Length: up to 25 minutes with scripts
Short Film - A group of between 2 and 15 students create an original film of no more than five minutes. Length: 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.
Length: 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.
Length: between 12-15 minutes with scripts
DESCRIPTION OF INDIVIDUAL EVENTS
Acting - a student acts out a monologue from a play, serious or humorous. Only a single chair may be used.
Length: up to 8 minutes memorized
After Dinner Speaking - a student writes and delivers a humorous speech intended for a particular audience.
Length: 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.
Length: 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.
Length: up to 5 minutes imagination needed
Literary Program - a combination of prose and poetry is presented on a theme. Facial and vocal expression are key.
Length: up to 10 minutes with script
Original Oratory - a student writes and delivers a persuasive speech on a topic of interest. A lectern may be used.
Length: 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. Interpretion and expression are essential.
Length: up to 6 minutes with script
Public Address - a student selects a speech originally delivered by another, communicating the intent of the author.
Length: up to 8 minutes memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a notecard
Radio News - a student prepares a news program with given news copy in 30 minutes. A speaker system is used with the audience located in another room.
Length: 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.
Length: 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. Length: 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.
Length: up to 5 minutes
Storytelling - a student tells a children's story with facial and body expression. A stool may be used.
Length: up to 5 minutes memorized