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  • 1.  Forensics?

    Posted 03-17-2017 14:34
    My VHSL coordinator has just informed me that "forensics" is actually an improv team.  Is this true?  How do I get more info about forensics, competitions and the like?

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    Charlotte Kauffman
    English & Theatre Teacher
    Chesapeake VA
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  • 2.  RE: Forensics?

    Posted 03-17-2017 15:15
     Most states have their own Leagues formed.

    Ours is the Louisiana High School Speech League. There is no improv in our competitions.

    We are also members of  NSDA- National Speech and Debate Association
    and NCFL- National Catholic Forensic League. 

    Both are great organizations with opportunities for National tournaments (Fun Travel!) and recognition.

    Events that are common are:

    Dramatic Interpretation
    Humorous Interpretation
    Original Oratory
    Duo Interpretation
    Oral Interpretation Prose/Poetry
    Extemporaneous speaking
    Lincoln Douglas Debate
    CX Debate
    Declamation

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    Erika Trahan
    Kaplan LA
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  • 3.  RE: Forensics?

    Posted 03-18-2017 06:04
    I work with forensics in Virginia, and there is no improv category.  However, the term impromptu is used in describing a couple of the categories of performance.  Perhaps your coordinator is mistaking one word's meaning for another's.

    There are several forensics competitions in the state that are not run by the VHSL. Let me know if you want help connecting with the sponsoring groups.

    You can go to the VHSL website and click on the Activities tab at the top, towards the right.  There you can find all of the rules, guidelines, etc., you need for coaching forensics.  And if you find an improv category, please let us all know -- that would be awesome!

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    Makala Witten
    Christiansburg VA
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Forensics?

    Posted 03-19-2017 12:39
    I’m surprised no one from California has responded about ComedySportz - an improv competition run by theatre educators. Schools join the league and have scrimmages and matches that can sometimes double as fundraisers. (In some schools, the faculty will participate in those.) While there are no ribbons or trophies gives, the experience gained is invaluable!


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  • 5.  RE: Forensics?

    Posted 03-18-2017 11:09
    Ah, forensics. 8 years of my life being asked "Do you, like, solve crimes and stuff?" Um, no.

    Check out the National Forensic League website. While drama is my passion and my career, forensics is what got me through 4 years of high school and 4...ish years of college without completely losing my mind.

    I would be more than thrilled to talk to you further about this if you'd like to know more.

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    Jodi Disario
    Director of Drama
    Willow Glen High School
    San Jose CA
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Forensics?

    Posted 03-18-2017 11:54
    I have not coached a speech team in many years, but when I did the only competition that even came close to improv would have been impromptu speaking.  But I would not call it improv in the same way that theatre does.  In impromptu speaking, a student would be given a topic; perhaps a word, a current event, or a quotation; and a very brief time to create a speech with a definite introduction, body, and conclusion.  Then they would deliver the speech in front of a judge.   I last coached forensics in 2004 or 2005, so I do not know if areas of competition have changed, but I would be doubtful if forensics and improv have any definite correlation.

    Hope this helps,


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    Kenneth Robinson
    Drama Club Sponsor
    Wapahani High School
    Selma IN
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Forensics?

    Posted 03-19-2017 20:31
    Kentucky has a pretty active speech/forensics team circuit - the meets do include improvisation. However, improv isn't an option at National Competitions. 

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    Jane Dewey
    Director of Arts Education
    Danville Independent School District
    Danville, KY
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Forensics?

    Posted 03-25-2017 20:03
    NJ has the NFL (National Forensics League) and the NJDFL (NJ Drama and Forensics League). I have competed the the latter which included improv and acting categories. They do have a website you can check out for more info.

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    Carolyn Little
    High School English Teacher
    Toms River Board of Education
    Beachwood NJ
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