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Oral Interpretation

The Texas Forensic Association offers a variety of events in Oral Interpretation, which is also known as "competitive acting" or "interpretation of literature". All Oral Interpretation events are designed to engage students in the discovery and analysis of literature, acting theory, and how to effectively tell a story through performance. Use the buttons below to learn more about each event!

Dramatic Interpretation

Dramatic Interpretation is a 10-minute memorized event that comes from a single source of literature, including but not limited to plays, novels, and short stories. It is a performance that is dramatic in nature that showcases a student's ability to bring literature to life, conveying characterization and emotional depth.  

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Humorous Interpretation

Humorous Interpretation is a 10-minute memorized event that comes from a single source of literature, including but not limited to plays, novels, and short stories. It is a performance that is humorous in nature that showcases a student's ability to bring literature to life, conveying characterization and comedic timing.

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Duo Interpretation

Duo Interpretation is a 10-minute memorized event that comes from a single source of literature, including but not limited to plays, novels, and short stories. It is a partner performance that requires off-stage focus, translating to students not looking at/touching their partner. This event combines visual and character-driven storytelling. 

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Duet Acting

Duet Acting is a 10-minute memorized event that comes from a single source of literature, including but not limited to plays, novels, and short stories. It is a partner performance that allows partners to interact with one another and use two chairs. 

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Program of Oral Interpretation

Program of Oral Interpretation is a 10-minute event that comes from multiple sources of literature, including but not limited to plays, novels, short stories, news articles, poetry, and blogs. It is an event that uses a small black binder that has the text inside. Students are able to use the binder as a prop, creating visual representations of their environments and characters. Students are creating a social argument by combining literature that has multiple perspectives. 

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Prose and Poetry

Prose and Poetry are non-qualifying events that are offered as consolation events at the state tournament. Each year, the event offered rotates between Prose and Poetry. Both prose and poetry are 7-minute performative reading events, using a small black binder.  Prose can come from a single source or multiple sources, as can poetry. Prose must come from sources such as novels and short stories. Poetry must come from sources that are classified as poetry. 

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