Explanation of expectations and procedures for IHSSA Contest, include parent/audience etiquette

1. All you need to know about
SPEECH CONTEST

2. How Do You Advance?
District
Contes
t
One Judge*
I Rating
Moves group
to State
Oral & Written
Feedback
Jan 24 –
Location TBA
State
Contes
t
Three Judges
Average
Rating Score
Written
feedback only
Feb 7 – Valley
HS
All-
State
Festiva
l
By nomination
only.
(Requires 2/3
to nominate)
Feb. 21 - ISU

4. What’s In A Rating?
 I – Excellent
 II – Good
 III – Fair
 IV – Disqualification
 Outstanding Nomination (advances
to All State with 2/3 judges
nominating)

5. How does the contest day
work for spectators?
Know when your student
performs.
Arrive 30 minutes early to
performance center room.
$3 Donation at the main
entrance (for whole day of
performances)

6. Spectator Info. (continued)
We can only be identified with
school code
No school apparel or cheering
WHS
Do clap, react, support as
audience!
Do see as many groups as
possible – we love an audience
and you’ll help our performances
by being there.

7. Spectator Info.
 No photography or videotaping.
 No entering DURING performance.
 Cell phones off/no texting
 Patronize the host speech team
with concessions. Contest is a
fundraiser. We host to make
money!

8. Performer Info.
Make sure you have all needed
costumes, props, script, placard,
etc.
 Load bus on time so you aren’t left
behind. You may NOT drive
yourself to contest.
Make sure you all know times &
places to meet.

9.  No lounging in the gym
Use gym for coats, props, &
rehearsal.
No sleeping bags
No valuables

10.  Don’t text Mrs. P or Mrs. H unless you
have an emergency.
Solve problem yourself
Ask group members
Then find your coach
Ask Mrs. P or Mrs. H as a last resort!

11. Before You Perform
Get comment sheet from folder.
Be to your center at least 15
minutes early with all needed
materials.
Make a professional first
impression.
Wait to be introduced by school
code.

12. Interacting with Judges
 Don’t begin until you have judge’s
attention.
Perform your most-confident best!
 Wait for judge’s oral comments.
Only answer questions! Say “thank
you” after comments. Leave with
poise!

13. Ratings are posted during break
 For example:
8:00 Avenue Q
8:15 Grease
8:30 Little Shop of Horrors
8:45 Annie
9:00 Chicago
9:30 Les Miserables
9:45 Grease
10:00 Bat Boy
Comment sheets are taken
to the office and tabulated
before posting in the gym
or hall. Be patient please.
Do NOT ask for ratings
until posted.

14. Support Your Team & Others
 Performers are expected to stay for the duration of the
contest.
 You may leave with a parent for other school-sponsored
activities.
 Parents must present a note to your coach saying that
you will be riding with them. You may not transport
yourself.

15. Common Reasons for
Disqualification
Prompting from the audience
Costuming- except One Act Play
Leaving acting space
Touching walls, doors, or other
things not part of scene

16. How to get a IV, continued
Speaking after the time whistle is
blown.
Wearing WHS apparel on stage
See individual category rules for
specific rule violations.

17. Represent WHS
Remember
We are guests of the host school.
We are not judges or critics.
We are there to support each other
and other schools. Watch and learn.

18. Individual Events
 Rehearsal times will be posted for category “teams.”
 You can be part of whichever groups you choose.
 We have only 42 entries – 3 per category. Not
everyone will get to perform at districts.
 EVERYONE will get to perform for a judge here for
comments only if you don’t perform at districts.
 Meeting in 308 Monday to see comment sheets & set
up for individuals.

19. Thank You!