Spuds Speech Invitational

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Extemporaneous Musical Theater

Extemporaneous Musical Theatre

“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human.”  

— Oscar Wilde

Preliminary Round: In the prelim rounds, the singers may choose their own song (they may not use a song that is listed for the finals). The only requirement for song choice is that it must fit within the musical theatre genre. Examples include “The Impossible Dream” from The Man from La Mancha, “The All-American Prophet” from The Book of Mormon, or anything from Scott Alan’s songbook. Pop songs (i.e. Adele’s “Hello”) are not allowed unless they have become part of the musical theatre canon (e.g., American Idiot, Rock of Ages, or Jersey Boys). Each singer is required to bring whatever sound system they need to perform eg:  CD and boombox, mp3 player and speakers, ipad and speaker dock.  Media outlets will not be provided by the hosting tournament, but there will be plug-ins available.

Like all rounds, the singer/speaker will begin their song with a brief introduction that includes the title of the song and credits the composer/lyricist. The judge will adjudicate the singer/speakers on the following qualities: eloquence of the introduction, pitch, intonation, musical lyricism, breath support, commitment to the emotional journey of the character, and physicality.

THIS YEAR, BY SPECIAL REQUEST - speakers may choose to perform solo or in a duo.  Songs for both divisions will be listed for finals.  If you choose to perform in a duo - please list BOTH names as you register in Speechwire (eg:  Sutton Foster/Raul Esparza).  Contestants competing as a pair must also follow the same rules as duo and may not make eye contact or touch during their performance.    

Final Round: The singers will convene PRIOR to the start of other final rounds. Each singer will draw three songs and choose one to perform in the final round (like all other extemporaneous events). However, unlike traditional extemporaneous events, we cannot guarantee the typical half-hour prep period as the final round for Extemporaneous Musical Theatre will occur during and after all other final rounds. It is expected that many finalists will double break and will have to manage both final round schedules. Space can be provided for finalists who wish to rehearse but the host tournament cannot guarantee the full half hour.

The final round occurs in the auditorium at Moorhead High School and finalists will have a handheld microphone (duos will have access to 2).  While the finalists may be “on script,” the host tournament will not provide lyrics for the final round songs.