Check out the Weekly Updates section on this website! Here, I'll be posting the slideshow that students will see during our team meetings every Tuesday. You’ll also find registration and tournament details for the upcoming week.

In addition, we’ll be using a Remind account, which is super easy to use. When I send a message, it will go straight to your phone! I’ll use Remind to keep you updated on transportation information, new posts on our website, and more. Send a text to 81010 and text this message: @pnhs4n6

8:30: General meeting for competitors and coaches

8:30: Extemp/Broadcasting/Duo Comm draw (prep room)

9:00: Round 1

10:30: Round 2

12:00: Round 3

Lunch between Round 3 and Semis

1:30: Semis

3:15: Finals

5:30ish: Awards (in the auditorium)

A typical tournament day follows this schedule. On days when we travel by bus, we will meet at the PN Bus Loop at a designated time. Most tournaments conclude around 7 PM, not including travel time back home.

Your child will need to bring their piece, boards (if they have any), stools and blocks (if they have any), and a water bottle to stay hydrated.

For lunch, they may either pack a sack lunch or bring cash to buy lunch at the tournament. There will always be concessions and lunch food that are not too pricey!

Every Sunday at 6 PM, the updated rehearsal schedule will be sent to each student. Students are required to sign up for at least two rehearsals each week. Rehearsals will take place Monday through Friday, between 3:00 and 6:00 PM, and will last approximately 15-30 minutes.

Students have the flexibility to choose their preferred day and time for rehearsals, whether it's all on the same day or spread throughout the week. The expectation is that each student rehearses independently at least once a week after school on the 3rd floor, where teachers will always be in the building while students are rehearsing.

Our team meetings on Tuesday at 4 pm and then their POD meetings. POD meetings are when everyone from one event comes together with their captain and talk about their pieces and perform them. POD meetings are different for each event and your child will know the day/time. Besides team meetings, they should be rehearsing with a coach twice a week and working on their own on the 3rd floor once a week (duration of the rehearsal is up to the student).

"Yes, parents are allowed to take their child home after the tournament. The student just needs to let me know before the day of the tournament and check in with me before they leave.

Yes, of course! Your child is guaranteed the first three rounds, and after that, it will be decided if they make it to the semifinals or not. They’ll know exactly where they’re competing. Each round will be in a different room, so you can ask them in the morning or even walk with them to their room!

If your child is in an Interp event (acting), they should wear something comfortable that lets them move easily. They might want to choose a color scheme that fits their character.

For a PA event (public speaking), your child should go for a more formal look. A suit, khaki pants with a nice shirt, or a dress are all good options!

Blocking refers to the planned movements and gestures a performer uses to enhance their performance.

Key Aspects of Blocking in Forensic Acting:

1. Purposeful Movement – Every movement should serve the performance, whether to emphasize emotions, distinguish characters, or enhance storytelling.

2. Character Differentiation – In events like Duo Interpretation or Dramatic Interpretation, actors often play multiple characters. Distinct movements, postures, or spatial shifts help make each character clear.

3. Spatial Awareness – Competitors typically perform within a small space (e.g., a taped-off area or an imaginary "stage"), so blocking must be intentional without excessive movement.

4. Gesture and Facial Expressions – Because forensic acting is judged up close, detailed facial expressions and subtle gestures can be more impactful than large theatrical movements.

Choose a PA Event if…

✅ You enjoy researching and writing speeches. ✅ You want to inform, persuade, or inspire your audience with structured arguments. ✅ You like logical organization and using evidence to support your points. ✅ You’re comfortable delivering a speech in a more traditional way, without playing characters. ✅ You prefer minimal movement, focusing more on vocal delivery, gestures, and audience engagement.

Examples of PA Events:

• Informative Speaking (teaching about a topic)

• Persuasive Speaking (convincing the audience of a viewpoint)

• Original Oratory (inspiring with a speech you write)

• Extemporaneous Speaking (answering current event questions with limited prep)

Choose an Interp Event if…

🎭 You love acting and storytelling. 🎭 You want to embody different characters with distinct voices, emotions, and movements. 🎭 You enjoy using blocking, facial expressions, and vocal variation to bring a script to life. 🎭 You’re comfortable with memorized material from plays, books, or scripts. 🎭 You like dramatic, comedic, or poetic performances rather than structured speeches.

Examples of Interp Events:

• Dramatic Interpretation (DI) (serious, emotional pieces)

• Humorous Interpretation (HI) (funny, high-energy performances)

• Duo Interpretation (two-person performance with no direct interaction)

• Program Oral Interpretation (POI) (mixing different types of literature for a unique performance)

Still Unsure? Try This!

• Ask yourself: Do I want to play a character (Interp) or share my own ideas (PA)?

• Watch videos of past performances in both categories.

• Experiment! Try both in practice rounds or club meetings to see which feels more natural.

Your child's piece needs to be ready by Mock Tournament/MSU Tournament on February 14th. There piece should be ready to perform by this day.

Anytime there is a tournament that is not in Portage, we will take a school bus to the destination and return on a school bus. For Portage Central and Portage Northern, students will need to arrange their own transportation there.

Yes, you can definitely become a judge! Just email me or fill out the form in the contact section. It's so much fun!