Speech & Drama competes at State

by Natalie Kirton

On Saturday, Feb. 4, all 11 large group Speech & Drama teams traveled to Washington High School in Cedar Rapids to perform for State Competition. 

Each group acted in front of three judges, as well as other contestants and audience members.
Every group did their best, improving performances from Dress Rehearsal Night and even District competition. 

Judges were given a ballot to comment on as they viewed different performances from across the southeast portion of the state. They were also given a rating from I-III, with I being excellence. 

Three groups were rated three straight I’s, the best possible score you can achieve at competition. They were Reader’s Theatre in “The 11^th”, Freshmen Choral Reading in “Magic Theatre”, as well as an Improv group consisting of Niall Lyons, Zach Gibson, and Matthew Armstrong.

Four teams received two I’s and a II, which is an overall I rating: Varsity Choral Reading in “Move,” Short Film in “Dreamscape,” the Ensemble group “Party for Three” and the Improv group of Kaylee White, Cassie Corbin, and Dayton Pringle. 

Three groups got two II’s and a I: Radio Broadcasting “KFIT,” the Ensemble group “The Supers,” as well as the Ensemble “Elevator Games.”

Musical Theatre, performing “Legally Blonde,” received three II’s from the judges.

Some groups receiving an overall I rating are then invited to the All-State competition held in Ames on Feb. 18. 

Normally, I-rated contestants are told the Monday after State performances whether or not they can advance to All-State competition, but due to winter weather, the southwest State competition had to be postponed until Saturday, Feb. 11.

On Sunday evening, it was announced that Varsity Choral Reading, Freshmen Choral Reading, and Reader’s Theatre were nominated for All-State Non-Performing. Altogether this has been a great season for the large group Speech & Drama teams.