2026 Syllabus - Drama-Speech Arts
DRAMA-SPEECH ARTS SOLO classes are grouped by AGE for those performing drama & spoken word pieces.
Memorization is required, except for Public Speaking where cue cards are allowed.
Neurodiverse participants requiring accommodations must contact the Festival Administrator directly admin@kiwanismusicfestival.net.
Participants must provide the adjudicator with an original copy of the work being performed. Failure to do so will result in a "for adjudication only" performance.
SOLO SELECTIONS
All selections must be taken from published works unless otherwise specified.
- Monologues from published works, plays or monologue anthologies
- Stand-alone monologues form "free" websites (monologue archive.com, ace-your-audition.com, dramanotebook.com, stagemilk.com, etc.)
- Poetry from published sources and collections, public domain (poets.org, famouspoetsandpoems.com, etc)
The RCM Speech Arts Syllabus is a good resource for examples of poetry & prose excerpts for all ages.
Competitors will be evaluated on age appropriate selections, poise, elocution, and stage presence.
If the selection is in a language other than English, a translation must be provided to the Adjudicator.
Selection(s) can come from one or more of the following categories:
Poetry (Lyric, Narrative, Humorous, Canadian, Original, Slam):
Lyric Poetry: a short poem that is contemplative, an expression of the inner thoughts and feelings of the poet. It includes sonnets, odes and elegies. Selections exhibit a graceful musical rhythm and flow. The content is reflective and emotional, typically written in the first person, and the story element is of secondary importance to the emotion/feeling. Not dramatized. No (or limited) movement or gestures so that attention is never drawn away from the language. (Examples include select works of Dickinson, Shelley, Keats, Rossetti, Tagore, etc.)
Narrative Poetry: a poem that tells a story, or recounts an event, through verse. It contains a plot, characters, and a setting. It often contains action and dialogue but is told from the narrator's perspective. Usually written in metered verse but does not need to rhyme. Gestures are allowed for emphasis but it is not dramatized. Any movement should flow naturally from the text and the narrator's interpretation. (Examples include select works of Poe, Longfellow, Tennyson, St. Vincent Millay, etc.)
Humorous Poetry: a light or humorous poem (examples include select works of Roald Dahl, Shel Silverstein, Ogden Nash, etc.)
Canadian Poetry: a published poem written by a Canadian/Indigenous poet. (Examples include select works of Roberts, Service, Carson, Lampman, Atwood, Cohen, Montgomery, Ondaatje, Thomas, etc.)
Original Poetry: Competitors perform their own original poem from memory. Performance will be assessed on content, delivery, creativity and originality.
Slam Poetry: Original spoken-word poetry that is performance-based, rhythmic, passionate and has a "rise" (climax). Slam poetry makes a clear statement or point on a theme or subject people can relate to. Hip hop music and urban culture are strong influences in this style. Performance will be assessed on content, enthusiasm and style. Props, costumes and music are not allowed. (A recommended resource: Poetry Slam by Gary Glazner).
Prose: An excerpt (in paragraph form) from a published story, novel, or essay (fiction or non-fiction). The passage may be abridged to form a unified whole. Prose is non-metrical writing and thus, stories written in verse are not permitted. Selection should include narration, description and dialogue. It should be spoken in a story-telling style and not performed as a dramatic scene. No acting and limited movement around the stage. Competitor may stand or be seated.
- Fiction Prose Solo
- Non-Fiction Prose Solo
- Humorous Prose Solo
- Canadian Prose Solo
Shakespeare: A scene or play by William Shakespeare.
Simple portable props and simple costuming are allowed.
For soloists: The scene may be abridged so that the monologue includes only the words of one character.
Other Than Shakespeare: A scene from a published play or published anthology
For soloists: The scene may be abridged so that the monologue includes only the words of one character.
Movies, TV and Musical: A scene from an original movie, TV show or musical.
For soloists: The scene may be abridged so that the monologue includes only the words of one character.
Storytelling: Competitors may write their own original story (own composition), or retell, in their own words, a folk, fairy tale, myth or legend. Participants must provide a printed copy of their piece.
Public Speaking: Competitors will prepare and present an original organized speech on a topic of their choice. Content must be suitable for all ages/audiences. The speech should have a defined purpose and clear structure. The speech may be delivered to entertain, influence, or inform the audience. Cue cards are permitted, but eye contact should engage the audience.
Mime: Own choice from an original or a published work. Mime is a silent art form that uses body and face as instruments of communication and expression so as to express a mood or present a scenario. Performance may take place in silence, be accompanied by recorded music or live music. Competitors must clearly communicate character, storyline, location and emotion. Economy of movement, eye focus, ability to position objects and maintain consistency of distance are vital. Simple costumes are allowed.
Stand-Up Comedy: Perform a comedy skit or sketch, either published material or original. Simple props and costumes are allowed. Content must be suitable for all ages/audiences.
PROPS & COSTUMES
Costumes are allowed, but will not be judged.
One stage and one hand prop is permitted.
AWARDS
Enter a minimum of two (2) classes in this discipline to be eligible for a Festival Award.
PROVINCIALS
All levels are eligible for Provincial nomination.
The adjudicator recommends one piece for performance at Provincials. The second contrasting piece is the performer's choice but must match the discipline's criteria.
Check Provincial rules at www.omfa.ca the Ontario Music Festival Association's website.
Solo - Beginner, 6-8 yrs
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:06000 - Lyric Poetry | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06001 - Narrative Poetry | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06002 - Canadian Poetry | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06003 - Original Poetry | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06004 - Slam Poetry | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06005 - Prose | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06010 - Public Speaking | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06015 - Drama | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06020 - Shakespeare | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06025 - Canadian Drama | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06030 - Stand-Up Comedy | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06035 - Storytelling - Own Composition | Fee:$29.00 | Closed |
Solo - Primary, 9-10 yrs
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:06100 - Lyric Poetry | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06101 - Narrative Poetry | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06102 - Canadian Poetry | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06103 - Original Poetry | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06104 - Slam Poetry | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06105 - Prose | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06110 - Public Speaking | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06115 - Drama | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06120 - Shakespeare | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06125 - Canadian Drama | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06130 - Stand-Up Comedy | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06135 - Storytelling - Own Composition | Fee:$29.00 | Closed |
Solo - Elementary, 11-12 yrs
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:06200 - Lyric Poetry | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06201 - Narrative Poetry | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06202 - Canadian Poetry | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06203 - Original Poetry | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06204 - Slam Poetry | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06205 - Prose | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06210 - Public Speaking | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06215 - Drama | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06220 - Shakespeare | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06225 - Canadian Drama | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06230 - Stand-Up Comedy | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06235 - Storytelling - Own Composition | Fee:$29.00 | Closed |
Solo - Junior, 13-14 yrs
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:06300 - Lyric Poetry | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06301 - Narrative Poetry | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06302 - Canadian Poetry | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06303 - Original Poetry | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06304 - Slam Poetry | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06305 - Prose | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06310 - Public Speaking | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06315 - Drama | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06320 - Shakespeare | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06325 - Canadian Drama | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06330 - Stand-Up Comedy | Fee:$27.00 | Closed |
| Class:06335 - Storytelling - Own Composition | Fee:$29.00 | Closed |
Solo - Intermediate, 15-16 yrs
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:06400 - Lyric Poetry | Fee:$29.00 | Closed |
| Class:06401 - Narrative Poetry | Fee:$29.00 | Closed |
| Class:06402 - Canadian Poetry | Fee:$29.00 | Closed |
| Class:06403 - Original Poetry | Fee:$29.00 | Closed |
| Class:06404 - Slam Poetry | Fee:$29.00 | Closed |
| Class:06405 - Prose | Fee:$29.00 | Closed |
| Class:06410 - Public Speaking | Fee:$29.00 | Closed |
| Class:06415 - Drama | Fee:$29.00 | Closed |
| Class:06420 - Shakespeare | Fee:$29.00 | Closed |
| Class:06425 - Canadian Drama | Fee:$29.00 | Closed |
| Class:06430 - Stand-Up Comedy | Fee:$29.00 | Closed |
| Class:06435 - Storytelling - Own Composition | Fee:$31.00 | Closed |
Solo - Senior, 17-18 yrs
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:06500 - Lyric Poetry | Fee:$31.00 | Closed |
| Class:06501 - Narrative Poetry | Fee:$31.00 | Closed |
| Class:06502 - Canadian Poetry | Fee:$31.00 | Closed |
| Class:06503 - Original Poetry | Fee:$31.00 | Closed |
| Class:06504 - Slam Poetry | Fee:$31.00 | Closed |
| Class:06505 - Prose | Fee:$31.00 | Closed |
| Class:06510 - Public Speaking | Fee:$31.00 | Closed |
| Class:06515 - Drama | Fee:$31.00 | Closed |
| Class:06520 - Shakespeare | Fee:$31.00 | Closed |
| Class:06525 - Canadian Drama | Fee:$31.00 | Closed |
| Class:06530 - Stand-Up Comedy | Fee:$31.00 | Closed |
| Class:06535 - Storytelling - Own Composition | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
Solo - Advanced, 19-28 yrs
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:06600 - Lyric Poetry | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06601 - Narrative Poetry | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06602 - Canadian Poetry | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06603 - Original Poetry | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06604 - Slam Poetry | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06605 - Prose | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06610 - Public Speaking | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06615 - Drama | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06620 - Shakespeare | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06625 - Canadian Drama | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06630 - Stand-Up Comedy | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06635 - Storytelling - Own Composition | Fee:$35.00 | Closed |
Solo - Adults, 29 yrs and above
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:06700 - Lyric Poetry | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06701 - Narrative Poetry | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06702 - Canadian Poetry | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06703 - Original Poetry | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06704 - Slam Poetry | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06705 - Prose | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06710 - Public Speaking | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06715 - Drama | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06720 - Shakespeare | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06725 - Canadian Drama | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06730 - Stand-Up Comedy | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:06735 - Storytelling - Own Composition | Fee:$35.00 | Closed |
Ensembles - Duologue
Ensembles are grouped by AGE for those performing drama & spoken word pieces.
Memorization is optional, but strongly encouraged.
Participants must provide the adjudicator with an original copy of the pieces chosen. Failure to do so will result in a "for adjudication only" performance.
CLASS SELECTION
Competitors must enter the class that matches the oldest competitor's age.
'Adult' is defined as anyone age 19 or older.
'Teacher' is defined as anyone who is a drama/speech teacher (this would include parents/grandparents, etc. if they are teachers).
AWARDS
For Duologues & Triologues, only one piece is required for award or Provincial nomination.
For Small Ensembles, perform two (2) contrasting pieces in your class to be eligible for Provincial nomination.
PROVINCIALS
Duologues & Triologues are eligible for Provincial nomination. Only one piece is required.
Small ensembles are eligible for Provincial nomination. Two pieces are required.
Check Provincial rules at www.omfa.ca the Ontario Music Festival Association's website.
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:07000 - Beginner, 6-8 yrs | Fee:$31.00 | Closed |
| Class:07005 - Primary, 9-10 yrs | Fee:$31.00 | Closed |
| Class:07010 - Elementary, 11-12 yrs | Fee:$31.00 | Closed |
| Class:07015 - Junior, 13-14 yrs | Fee:$31.00 | Closed |
| Class:07020 - Intermediate, 15-16 yrs | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:07025 - Senior, 17-18 yrs | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:07030 - Adult and Child | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:07035 - Teacher and Child | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:07040 - Advanced, 19-28 yrs | Fee:$35.00 | Closed |
| Class:07045 - Adult, 29 yrs and above | Fee:$35.00 | Closed |
Ensembles - Triologue
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:07100 - Beginner, 6-8 yrs | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:07105 - Primary, 9-10 yrs | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:07110 - Elementary, 11-12 yrs | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:07115 - Junior, 13-14 yrs | Fee:$33.00 | Closed |
| Class:07120 - Intermediate, 15-16 yrs | Fee:$35.00 | Closed |
| Class:07125 - Senior, 17-18 yrs | Fee:$35.00 | Closed |
| Class:07130 - Adult and Child | Fee:$35.00 | Closed |
| Class:07135 - Teacher and Child | Fee:$37.00 | Closed |
| Class:07140 - Advanced, 19-28 yrs | Fee:$37.00 | Closed |
| Class:07145 - Adult, 29 yrs and above | Fee:$37.00 | Closed |
Ensembles - Ensemble, 4-15 people
| Class | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Class:07200 - 10 yrs and under 4-15 people | Fee:$43.00 | Closed |
| Class:07205 - 12 yrs and under 4-15 people | Fee:$45.00 | Closed |
| Class:07210 - 16 yrs and under 4-15 people | Fee:$47.00 | Closed |
| Class:07215 - 19 yrs and under 4-15 people | Fee:$49.00 | Closed |
| Class:07220 - 19-28 yrs 4-15 people | Fee:$49.00 | Closed |
| Class:07225 - Adult, 29 yrs and above 4-15 people | Fee:$49.00 | Closed |