Excitement is building as 11 large group speech students are preparing their Reader’s Theater and Group Improv pieces for the SE Districts on January 25 at South Tama High School.
Melcher-Dallas students Izzy Carter, Gabby Overgaard, Jorja Gravett, Lotty Nolte, Chloe Carter, Carter Lang, Brenya Johnson, Austin Remster, Kaden Schrader, Sophie Lamb, Sydney Busick and coach Emily Benedict (aka as Miss B) are ready. This is especially true because the Reader’s Theater Group is performing the hilarious skit, 10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse, which they prepared and did not get to perform at districts last year due to bad weather.
In Reader’s Theater, students use vocal and facial expressions and gestures to bring a story to life. At districts, if the group receives an “I” rating, they qualify to advance to the State contest, which will be held on February 8 at Cedar Rapids Washington High School.
Students Austin Remster, Brenya Johnson and Izzy Carter are also performing in Group Improv. They will be given a topic and a short amount of time to prepare a five-minute skit. Improv takes a lot of confidence and creativity since they are unable to prepare anything in advance. Groups that earn an “I” rating advance to State.
Coach Miss B is incredibly proud of the students for their hard work. After large group competition, Miss B and students will turn their attention to the individual speech competition that takes place on March 1. Students who participate in speech improve communications skills, develop critical thinking and become more comfortable speaking in front of any audience, a skill that is valuable for any profession.
Good luck speech students!