Original Prose and Poetry (O.P.P.)

A memorized acting exercise written and performed by the performer. This event is the culmination of both writing and acting; the student can create any story, one from personal experience, the next movie plot line … literally anything and then tell it to an audience within a ten minute timeline. “C’est La Mort”

Rules:

• Your piece must be your original work. You may not use the same subject in competition in the same event, or in Expository, Advocacy, or Oratory in the same year or in any other years

• The presentation may be one long work, short story, play, essay, narrative poem, or several short works.

• You cannot add more than 150 quoted words.

• The speech must be memorized.

• Your presentation cannot go over 10 minutes long (though some tournaments allow a 30 second grace period).

• There is no minimum time, but speeches that do well are usually not shorter than 5 or 6 minutes

• No props and/or costumes are allowed.

• Your manuscript must be prepared in advance. The manuscript must follow the MLA style guidelines for internal citations and must include a “works-cited” page, or shall include a disclaimer from the student indicating that the composition was accomplished without access to or use of any published source. Presentations which include impersonations, depictions or distinctive work or phrases based wholly or in part on the creative work of another, or upon the public personal of any professional performer, living or dead, must include appropriate acknowledgement in the submitted script (either within a “Works Cited” page or a separate “Personalities Cited” page). In addition, such words or phrases must be included in the total count of words quoted.

Event Checklist:

• Notebook and pencil for reflections

• Try to know who you are competing against in your round

• Figure out what room you will be performing in

Some Tips From People Who Have Excelled in this Event:

Never let the topic of other people in this event discourage you. Because people have the freedom to write about whatever they want in OPP often times when you’re in round you’ll hear people telling stories of their depression or something sad. Now I’m not trying to invalidate anyone’s experiences, but let OPP be a gateway to your creativity and come up with something different. Look deep into your inner story teller and allow yourself to advocate for the things in life you’re passionate about through your speech.

— Brianna McGee

I would say the biggest thing to remember while writing a story, pick a topic that has an important message pertaining to today's biggest problems. Telling stories is one of the most powerful means that individuals have to influence, teach, and inspire. Write stories that create a lasting impact.

— Nidhi Bhaskarabhotla