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MSHSL Rules and Guidelines
- Serious Prose Interpretation uses any published selection of prose, fiction or non-fiction. "Novels in verse" are typically considered Serious Poetry. Any selection, with literary merit and appropriate to the reader, that is not poetry, a play or part of a play, or a delivered speech is considered prose. The mood of the cutting must be essentially serious.
- The student should be judged on ability to get and give meaning through the use of vocal and bodily expression.
- Poise, vocal and physical delivery, and appropriateness of the selection to the interpreter should be considered.
- 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 MAXIMUM TIME OF PRESENTATION, INCLUDING THE REQUIRED INTRODUCTION, IS TEN (10) MINUTES. IF THE SPEAKER HAS BEEN WARNED THAT TIME HAS EXPIRED, THE SPEAKER MAY ONLY FINISH THE SENTENCE ALREADY BEGUN.
