Dubuque Senior High School is a proud member of the Iowa High School Speech Association. Each year, Dubuque Senior competes in both Large Group and Individual Events Speech Contests, with over 100 students participating. Participation in IHSSA is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in acting, singing, dancing, improvisation, oratorical skills, and ensemble performance.
What is the IHSSA? The Iowa High School Speech Association consists of high schools from four districts in Iowa. Dubuque Senior High School participates in the Northeast District of Iowa. The IHSSA hosts competition in Large Group and Individual Events (see description of events below).
2024/2025 IHSSA New Team Member Meeting If you have not participated on the speech team before, be sure to attend our informational meeting on Wednesday, September 25 or Thursday, September 26 during SUPPORT TIME in the auditorium. At this meeting, you will be able to learn about the different categories, sign up for auditions, and see great performances from the past year. This meeting is also important to the team to determine how many students are interested in being involved so we can finalize coaching assignments. 2024/2025 Audition Dates
Rehearsal Information A detailed rehearsal schedule will be released when the IHSSA events are cast by the directors. Most Large Group Events rehearse 1-2 hours per week.Individual Events rehearsals are scheduled by the students and are typically 30-45 minutes per week. We will schedule around most conflicts, so you are able to participate in other activities and/or work during the IHSSA season. 2024/2025 Contest Dates/Locations DISTRICT LARGE GROUP January 25, 2025 Cascade High School Cascade, Iowa STATE LARGE GROUP February 8, 2025 Decorah High School Decorah, Iowa ALL-STATE LARGE GROUP February 21-22, 2025 Iowa State University Ames, Iowa DISTRICT INDIVIDUAL EVENTS March 1, 2025 TBD STATE INDIVIDUAL EVENTS March 15, 2025 Starmont High School Arlington, Iowa ALL-STATE INDIVIDUAL EVENTS March 31, 2025 University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, Iowa 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 8 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. Interpretation 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 |
DUBUQUE SENIOR DRAMA
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