Creative Expression

Here’s a category for someone who likes to write. Your written piece is then performed by you and can be serious or humorous in nature. Competitors are judged on the performance as well as the quality and creativity of the writing.

Creative Expression

Official Rules - 2013

Creative Expression is the performance of material written by the contestant, so no more than 20% may be material from other sources. All materials quoted, paraphrased, or summarized from other sources must be documented orally and in the written text.
Because the presentation has been created by the student, judges should consider evidence of creative imagination in both writing and performance. The mood may be serious, humorous, or both. The objective is to encourage creativity through a variety of genre and performance styles. The total performance should reflect a unity of style, tone and theme.
The contestant may use pantomime, storytelling, interpretive reading, impersonation, or any combination of these performance styles. Properties, costumes, instrumental music, and stage makeup are NOT allowed.
An introductory statement, included within the eight (8) minute time limit, must precede the presentation. This introduction may, at the student's discretion, include a "teaser."
A copy of the script must be filed with the Contest Manager before each contest. Updated copies of the script must be submitted at Subsection, Section, and State levels.
The use of a script is optional, provided it is not used as a prop.
THE TIME LIMIT IS EIGHT (8) MINUTES, INCLUDING THE INTRODUCTION. IF THE SPEAKER HAS BEEN WARNED THAT TIME HAS EXPIRED, THE SPEAKER MAY ONLY FINISH THE SENTENCE ALREADY BEGUN. A THIRTY (30) SECOND GRACE PERIOD SHALL BE PROVIDED AT ALL LEVELS OF COMPETITION.

Complete speech rules and FAQs on rule interpretations can be found on the MSHSL website.

illustration by Milt Kahl