Features
Preparing to compete
After receiving 14 division I ratings at districts drama participants are in full force preparing for Iowa High School Speech Association (IHSSA) speech state contest.
Participants are in their final week rehearsing before state Feb. 6 The categories- mime work, choral reading, reader’s theatre, improvisation, musical theatre, ensemble acting and a one act play- all have specific guidelines and areas of focus, whether it is character development, effective speaking or creativity.
Coach Billy Kirby is directing the one act play, group improvisation and ensemble acting making this his third year coaching. He has high expectations for all IHSSA participants.
“I expect that they (participants) take it seriously and try to grow and put on good theater, regardless of judges’ ratings. I want them to take risks and try something new and have a lot of fun in the process,” Kirby said.
With only a short preparation time, groups prepare for judging with several rehearsals a week. Depending on the category, rehearsals consist of specific techniques whether it is physical exploration in mime, line memorization, blending as an ensemble for choral reading or learning how to think on the spot with improvisation.
Drama director and IHSSA coach Chelsea Cunningham enjoys the one- on- one time she gets with small groups to work on the quality of the performance.
“I want students to get comfortable enough to think outside of the box and really push to develop their characters. You’ve got to perform what’s honest for you and that character,” Cunningham said.
Depending on the score given by the judges, participants can excel to the next level of competition, potentially making it to the highest honor of
All-State.
“All-State is exciting because you get recognition of a job well done in someone’s opinion. Some people get trapped in the mind set of competition. And if your goal is to win, you’re not going to do as well as if your goal was doing the best you could do, despite what other people say,” Cunningham said.
Sophomore Jay Jacobson made it to All- State his freshman year, with his musical theater group.
“I like finally being able to perform in front of the judges because it’s what we’ve been rehearsing for. I get nervous, but it’s always good to have a professional’s view on your acting. And you’ve got to take their constructive criticism because it’ll make you better in the future,” Jacobson said.
This year Jacobson is working on his role as the bad guy in the one act play from The Kentucky Cycle and rehearsing music from Little Women for musical theater.
“I think about what the character’s thinking, by the script. The point of acting is to know their personality and exactly what they’re thinking,” Jacobson said.
This is sophomore Katie Steingrabe’s first year participating in speech contest. She works alongside Jacobson in the one act, and is working on an action packed group mime.
“It’s a lot of fun to work with my group. It betters my acting talent and broadens my horizons,” Steingrabe said.
Steingrabe feels that her group has the drive and commitment to make it to All-State.
“I just want to overall become a better actress,” Steingrabe said.
Cunningham pushes participants to discover something new, and not be scared to try different categories.
“The feeling of accomplishment is so much greater when you didn’t think you could do it,” Cunningham said.
By participating in IHSSA speech contest, Kirby believes that students can learn self confidence, public speaking and communication skills. The real rewards are shown when students use what they learn and apply it to the world of theater.
“I could care less what we get from judges; to put on good theater and give the best performance-that’s what we work for,” Kirby said.