Quince Orchard Forensics!
Here's some advice from our coach, Mr. Hepner on choosing your next forensics piece:
Find a piece you like, of course, but strive to find pieces of originality. As a former judge, I can tell you some pieces get more wear and tear than others. A piece that hasn't been done "to death" should get you full points in the "quality of piece" category, admittedly not that hard to get, but more to the point, should gain you added attention and appreciation from judges, who won't be forced to listen--again--to insert name of hackneyed piece here--and will be more likely to respond favorably.
Antoher thing always to be aware of is how the words will sound when spoken
aloud. Pretty obvious, but pieces of alliterative assonantial or onomatopoetic
resonance provide you a showcase for your talents, and will be rewarded by judges.
Current suggestions include:
- A selection from Charlotte's Web might be nice for children's, or even dramatic, near the end. The book is largely dialogue.
- I also think something like One Fish Two Fish would be outstanding. Tests
allows you to show off your ability to enunciate and love the language, due to
its nonsense, tongue-twsiting quality. Good way to impress the judges. Plus they'll enjoy it. they all grew up learing to read with Dr Seuss. Maybe you, too. Even the very simple Hop on Pop can be a lot of fun. It is supposed to be fun, especially with Children's Lit.
- Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel, The Little Red Lighthouse, Caps for Sale, are just a few other titles that are oldies but goodies many judges will
appreciate. May well need editing to 10 min. The Five Chinese Brothers and The Story of Ping are also good old faves that judges witll remember from Captain Kangaroo. Some of us will....
- Edward Lear's nonsense book has many limericks to select from. Can be read in Children's or Humorous. May lose something without Lear's hilarious pictures. But worth a look. Bill Geist is an unused source of humor. Google him up. He currently has been working for CBS Sunday Morning show. Al Franken gets a little R rated sometimes but is truly hilarious.
That's it for now!