Performance Arts, Drama, Music and Speaking Contest

March 1st, 2025 | Thorp Elementary School

Join Clark County 4-H in show casing your talents while having fun with your fellow 4-H youth! The Performance Arts Festival has many category options to choose from. Continue below to check out the different options!

*See each area of interest for Registration/ evaluation information and guidelines*

Cloverbuds

Registration Form-Cloverbud ,193KB PDF(Speaking, Demonstration, Varied Talent)

Cloverbud Evaluation Form ,234KB PDF(Judges Form)

Drama (Drama/ Mini Drama/Skit)

Registration Form – Drama,117KB PDF

Drama/ Mini Drama/Skit Evaluation Form,259KB PDF (Judges Form)

Rules and Regulations,232KB PDF

DRAMA

1. Performances must include two or more actors/actresses.
2. Each group is limited to one play of any length up to 30 minutes, including set-up and take-down time. It is suggested that performances be about 20 minutes in length (if the group wishes to go to State Fair).
3. All actors/actresses must be 4-H members. The director(s) may be 4-H member(s) and/or adult 4-H volunteer(s).
4. A few basic props may be available (upon request), such as a table and chairs. Drama groups should plan to furnish any special props and sound equipment they need.
5. No special stage lighting or sound will be available.
6. No hay bales, straw bales, candles, or real fire can be used.

MINI DRAMA / SKIT

1. Mini dramas and skits can be performed at or in any setting and might include puppetry, creative dramatics, etc. No stage lighting will be provided (beyond the county level).
2. Mini dramas may use props and costumes.
3. Skits use minimal props and costumes (less is better).
4. Performance length can be up to 15 minutes, including set-up and take-down time.
5. All actors/actresses must be 4-H members. The director(s) may be 4-H member(s) and/or adult 4-H volunteer(s).
6. No hay bales, straw bales, candles, or real fire can be used.

The Music/Drama/Speaking Committee would like to encourage and recommend that pieces selected for Music/Drama Festival and Speaking Contest are prepared for these 4-H events and not for other events such as Forensics or Solo/Ensemble.   Work should be original work of the 4-H members under guidance of 4-H Youth Leaders or4-H Volunteer Leaders.

Music

Registration Form – Music,89KB PDF

Music Evaluation Form,175KB PDF (Judges Form)

GENERAL RULES and GUIDELINES

1. Groups and all soloists must supply any props needed including piano/keyboard and folding chairs.
2. No microphones allowed for any performances.
3. Accompaniment and direction can be by 4-H members or adults.
4. Group performances must be no longer than 15 minutes in length, including set-up and take down. Make sure that your performance, not only the music, singing, etc. but everything you do on stage fits within the 15 minute time limit.  If you go over the 15 minute limit, you may be dropped a placing (at judge’s discretion).
5. Solos must be 10 minutes or less – includes set-up and performance.
6. Adult accompanists or directors are not allowed to sing along with their group/soloist presentation.
7. Leaders, parents, and family members, as well as participants, are encouraged to attend evaluation sessions, following their performance.
8. No hay or straw bales, candles or real fire can be used.

VOCAL

• Must have 3 or more vocalists with or without accompaniment, with or without props.
• Accompanists may be recorded, but must not include vocals.

INSTRUMENTAL

• Instrumentalists with standard musical instruments, with or without costumes and props.

DANCE

• Must have ONE or more dancers. (change for 2023)
• Accompaniment may be recorded, with or without costumes or props.

NOVELTY

• Must have 3 or more vocalists, instrumentalists or dancers or any combination of these three.
• Must express themselves and place emphasis on musical expression.
• Pantomiming to recordings is not permitted.
• Accompanists may be recorded, but must not include vocals.

SOLOS / DUETS

• Piano solos and duets and other instrumental solos and duets will be judged separately.
• Piano and other instrumental performances must provide sheet music for the judge.
• Music does not have to be memorized.
• Vocal solos/duets may have a live accompanist or a CD.
• If using CD there can be no vocal on the CD.
• Instrumental solos/ duets may only use taped accompaniments.

The Music/Drama/Speaking Committee would like to encourage and recommend that pieces selected for Music/Drama Festival and Speaking Contest are prepared for these 4-H events and not for other events such as Forensics or Solo/Ensemble.   Work should be original work of the 4-H members under guidance of 4-H Youth Leaders or 4-H Volunteer Leaders.

4-H Creed Speaking Contest

Registration Form- 4-H Creed,265KB PDF

Evaluation Form-4-H Creed,183KB PDF (Judges Form)

Below are the rules for the 4-H Creed Speaking Contest,274KB PDF

Any current 4-H member may enter regardless of his/her project enrollment

• Cloverbuds: 4-H members ages 5-8 years as of 1/1/25
• Junior: 4-H members ages 9-12 years as of 1/1/25
• Senior: 4-H members ages 13-19 years as of 1/1/25

Tracks:

• Track 1: This track will be for those participants that feel confident in reciting the 4-H Creed from memory. Participants may enter as an individual or as a team of 2 youth
• Track 2: This track will be for those participants that wish to have a copy of the 4-H Creed available to them during the recitation. Participants may enter as an individual or a team of 2 youth
• Track 3: This track is for Cloverbuds only. They may participate in groups of 2 or 3 and may read the 4-H Creed.

Presentation Requirements

• Opening:
  • Greetings to the audience
  • State 4-H member name, age, and club
• Body:
  • State “I (we) will be reciting the 4-H Creed, written by an anonymous author.”
  • Recite the creed as follows:
    • “I believe in 4-H Club work for the opportunity it will give me to become a useful Citizen.”
    • “I believe in the training of my HEAD for the power it will give me to think, plan and to reason.”
    • I believe in the training of my HEART for the nobleness it will give me to be kind, sympathetic and true.”
    • I believe in the training of my HANDS for the ability it will give me to be helpful, skillful and useful.”
    • I believe in the training of my HEALTH for the strength it will give me to enjoy life, to resist disease, and to work efficiently.”
    • I believe in my country, my state, and my community and in my responsibility for their development.”
    • In all these things I believe and am willing to dedicate my efforts to their fulfillment.”
• Closing:
  • After completing the 4-H Creed, say “Thank you.”
  • Each participant (except for those in track 3) will respond to one of the questions listed below.
    • How will 4-H club work help you to become a useful citizen?
    • In what way does 4-H train you to think, plan, and reason?
    • What is a Creed?
    • Why did you compete in the 4-H Creed contest?
    • What is the 4-H Motto and what does it mean to you?
    • What is your 4-H Club work?
    • How have you and your club helped in the development of your community?
    • Describe some of the ways that through your club projects, you have become helpful, useful, and skillful?
    • How hqave you shown that you have taken responsibility for the development of your community, state, and country?
    • Do you think the creed is rue for youth of today? Why or why not?
• Scoring:
  • Presentations will be scored using a 50 point rubric. A maximum of 10 points can be earned in each of the following categories: words correct, voice, manner and appearance, questions, and opening and closing.
    • 45 points and above- GOLD
    • 40-44 points- BLUE
    • 30-39 points- RED
    • Below 29 points- WHITE

Speaking

Registration Form- Speaking,122KB PDF

INTERPRETIVE READING

Interpretive Reading Evaluation Form,189KB PDF (Judges Form)

1. Selections may be prose or poetry, original or a selected reading. If not an original reading, the author should be credited.
2. Participants use full size copies of their selections.
3. Facial expression, hand gestures, and limited body movement to express your interpretation of the reading is expected.

SPEECH

Speech Evaluation Form,200KB PDF(Judges Form)

1. Entrants select their own topic area and develop the speech themselves.
2. Speech should be memorized and notes used only as a reminder.
3. No posters/props may be used.
4. A podium will be provided for those choosing to use one.

1. Option selected should be memorized
2. Use of props, costume, chair, podium, or standing are allowed for interchangeable use
3. Introductions are encouraged and should include name, 4-H club, title, type and the author.

STORYTELLING

Storytelling Evaluation Form,273KB PDF (Judges Form)

1. The story may be original (written by storyteller), written by someone else, true, or make-believe. If not original author should be credited.
2. Storyteller must sit in a chair.
3. Costumes and props are permitted.
4. Introductions are encouraged and should include name, 4-H club, title, and the author.
5. Story must be memorized.

DYNAMIC DUOS

Dynamic Duo Evaluation Form,280KB PDF (Judges Form)

1. Selections may be original or a selected reading.
2. Dynamic Duos are performed by two 4-H members, any combination of grades. This is an interpretive reading consisting of a dialogue for two.
3. If not an original work the author should be credited.
4. Participants should use full size copies of their selections (not note cards).

 DEMONSTRATIONS

Demonstration Evaluation Form,246KB PDF (Judges Form)

A 4-H demonstration is a chance to show others what you have learned in a project or activity.  It is a planned presentation that puts words into action.  It is a step-by-step presentation showing how to do something or an illustrated talk using charts to explain an idea or procedure.  Demonstrations may be done as an individual or as a team.

Varied Talent (Magic, Juggling, etc.)

Registration Form- Varied Talent, 185KB PDF

Varied Talent Evaluation Form,231KB PDF(Judges Form)

Varied talent general rules & guidelines

1. Performances may be by individuals or groups
2. All performers must be 4-H members
3. Performances may be up to 15 minutes in length
4. Props or costumes may be used
5. No hay bales, straw bales, candles, or fire can be used