What counts in each event
These come from MIFA’s ballot for each event. Open the event’s page for the full wording.
Dramatic Interpretation. A serious or humorous selection from a play, for the stage or for film, radio or television. A novel, poem or story counts only in a version written for performance.
Dramatic Interpretation →Duo Interpretation. Two performers, one selection of humorous or serious literature from any genre, or one that combines genres.
Duo Interpretation →Multiple Interpretation. Three to five performers, prose, poetry, drama or any mix. Musical theater and musical film are allowed only when the State tournament falls in an odd year.
Multiple Interpretation →Poetry Interpretation. A single poem or a compilation of poems.
Poetry Interpretation →Prose Interpretation. Fiction, such as a novel or short story, or non-fiction, such as an essay or memoir. Humorous or serious.
Prose Interpretation →Program Oral Interpretation. Several selections sharing one theme, from at least two of prose, poetry and drama, performed with a binder.
Program Oral Interpretation →Storytelling. Material from children’s literature for any age, including myths, legends, fairy tales and folktales.
Storytelling →Declamation (middle level). An oration written by someone else.
Declamation →Your own words. Oratory, Informative, Sales, Original Poetry and Original Prose are written by the student. There is nothing to find; there is something to write.
How do I cut a piece to time?
Times are a range. The judge notes the time; whether it affects the rank is up to the judge.
Look up your range
High school: Duo 7:00–10:00, Multiple 10:00–15:00, most other Interpretation events 5:00–8:00. Middle level: Duo 5:00–8:00, Multiple 8:00–12:00, most others 4:00–7:00. Each event’s page lists its own.
All the events →Read the whole work first
Know the full story before you decide what to keep.
Keep the through-line
Pick the moments a listener needs to follow the story or the idea. Cut what they can live without.
Count your introduction
Your introduction and any transitions are part of your time.
Read it aloud with a timer
Time it out loud, more than once, then trim. Your coach will help you decide what stays.
How do I cite it?
Write a full citation in MLA style: author, title, and where it was published.
A piece cannot go into the team’s piece library without a citation. Each piece shows “+ Add the citation” until it has one.
In an Interpretation event, keep a script with you. The judge may ask to see it during the round.
Using the piece library
Every team page has a Piece library: every piece the team has performed or wants to. Anyone on the team can add one.
Find a piece
Searches free, public-domain texts, only within what your event’s rules allow, and adds your pick with its MLA citation filled in. There is no finder for events in your own words.
Or add a piece
Press “Add a piece” and fill in the citation.
Claim it
A piece marked Open is free to claim. Active means someone is performing it this season. Resting means it was performed last season or is held by a coach; it opens again after a year.
Questions people ask
Does my duo partner need their own copy in the library?
No. A duo performs one piece with one title, so it is one entry for both of you.
Can I change pieces during the season?
Ask your coach. For Original Poetry and Original Prose, MIFA’s ballot says you may use the same selection every round or more than one.
Is a piece appropriate?
MIFA asks for literature suited to the level of competition and to the performer. Your coach makes that call with you.