Written by Kaden Bormann
Speech competed in a District large group competition at Manson Northwest Webster High School on Saturday, January 25th. Five events from AHS were included in this competition: Ensemble Acting, Group Improv, two Musical Theaters groups, and one Radio Broadcasting event. Ensemble Acting consisted of Abby Smith, Lydia Dose, and Grace Luitjens. Group Improv included Luitjens, Elijah Garrett, Deitra Broesder, Kennedi Blair, and Braxton Whitacre. Musical Theater included Catherine Hart and Blair. The other Musical Theater group included Hannah Severson and Garrett. Radio Broadcasting included Flynn McCann, Waverly Espe, and Whitacre.
Large group speech started in November and students have been rehearsing with their groups since then. Each event requires different skill sets. For example, in Musical Theater you have to be able to sing. For Improv, you need to think on your feet and outside the box.
Entries that earn a Division I rating from Districts enter into State, which will be held at Spencer on February 8th. Outstanding performances at State are rewarded with All State nominations. All State will be held on Iowa State’s campus in Ames on February 22nd.
Out of the five entries that went to Manson, three will be going to State. Radio Broadcasting and both Musical Theater groups received a Division I rating. Mrs. Westling, speech advisor, states, “It was a very positive experience. The three groups thought it was a good experience and had a lot of fun.” Those three will be going to Spencer for State. Ensemble Acting and Group Improv received a Division II rating.
Individual speech happens after large group State, so be on the lookout for information about individual speech soon.