Original interpretation

Original Interpretation is a former NCFCA interpretive speaking event in which the competitor must write an original script. This event replaced Dramatic Interpretation in NCFCA in 2011, and was eventually ended in 2013. Original Interpretation was also wildcard event in Stoa during the 2011-2012 season.

Goal
The goal of Original Interpretation is that the student learns how to write and perform an original script, using skills of creativity, blocking, accents, and facial expression.

Rules
The presented piece must be an original work (or works) written by the competitor. A maximum of 60 words of directly quoted material may be used in the script, and doesn’t necessarily have to be cited in the verbal delivery, but must be cited in the typewritten script. The speech may be used only for the current NCFCA speech season. If the topic is unsuitable for younger audiences, the speaker should warn the audience before the speech begins and allow families and younger audience members to leave the room. As with any NCFCA speech, gratuitous vulgarity is prohibited.

All action in the presentation should generally be performed center-stage. Singing and dancing is allowed, if it flows naturally with the story. No visual aids of any kind may be used, and no costumes (clothing related to the speech) of any sort may be worn. The competitor must must wear tournament attire, and only feet may touch the floor at any time.

The script of the speech must be submitted at the registration of every tournament. For script submission, the competitor must turn in the full typewritten script of the speech, following the guidelines of script submission, which can be found on the NCFCA website. The competitor must follow the submitted script during all the rounds of competition.

The speech script must be memorized, and the script or notes cannot be brought into a round, otherwise a 2-rank penalty will ensue at any National Open, Qualifier, or Regional tournament. If a script is used at the National Championship, the competitor will be disqualified. Prompting from audience members is also not allowed. If audience laughter causes the speech to go overtime, the speaker should not be penalized. The speaking time limit is ten minutes, and there is no minimum time. 

Primary Judging Areas
Original Interpretation is judged on the writing, presentation, blocking, and often whether or not the piece has moral value.