Creative Expression

**wasoe** · 07-06-2006, 09:58 AM

Creative Expression is a category which, as far as I know, is exclusive to the good old state of Minnesota. In Illinois, it takes on a different form known as Original Comedy. If it goes by different names in other states, please say so.

Creative Expression is a unique category in which the performer writes and performs his or her own piece. The tone can be humorous, dramatic, or a little bit of both. Personally, I think this is one of the most overlooked speech events in the country. If you come and watch a good Creative round (such as the 05-06 Eastview final round), it's amazing to find how funny some of these pieces can be.

Well, I've spoken my part. What do you think?

**nirorivers6** · 07-06-2006, 10:42 AM

wow, that's awesome, I wish we had that here in Virginia! I would love to do that!

**tgjdlc** · 07-06-2006, 12:19 PM

It's called OPP (Orginal Prose/Poetry) here in California...You write your own 10 Minute Drama/Humor script...it's kind of like a duo competition (drama and humor mixed, not the partner thing). Some rounds can be really dull, but at a good tournament, it's actually very entertaining...and it seems to be the only even that Logan doesn't absolutely dominate. haha.

**popper2014** · 07-06-2006, 02:19 PM

in Indiana it is known as Original Performance (OP) and can be humorous or dramatic or a little bit of both

**nirorivers6** · 07-13-2006, 09:55 PM

is it pretty common amoung invitationals?

**popper2014** · 07-14-2006, 02:08 PM

in Illinois, yes

**bwspeechteam** · 07-14-2006, 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by nirorivers6

is it pretty common amoung invitationals?

Original Comedy is offered at every tournament in Illinois. It's a little different than what some of you are talking about, though, as we don't have an original event for dramatic material.

**nirorivers6** · 07-14-2006, 08:39 PM

what about Glenbrooks?

**DrFushman** · 08-13-2006, 10:39 PM

Creative Expression is a pretty popular category in Minnesota. A lot of people in Eastview trade HI for it because you have so much more freedom with it. It is very much like an HI exept you write the scripts, and I think that you have to somehow convey some sort of message. I don't know if it is a requirement, but I know that most people do it, so that it isn't just 8-10 minutes of havoc. I have seen sone truly great pieces including, one where this girl talks to God and he leads her through a day and makes her discover like a good life lesson (Caroline Hittler did that piece), A piece where Chirstopher Walken makes people dissapear and this one kid tries to stop him, another where God goes to school and goes to a school dance and other funny incidents. I mean the only limitations you have are time, otherwise you are free to do anything that you want to with the script, and with the blocking (HI rules apply to the blocking).

Another popular category here is storytelling.

**mangotwentytwo** · 08-13-2006, 10:49 PM

Yeah, in Illinois we have Original Comedy...we do it at regionals/sectionals/state so it is consequently offered at all invitationals. Its strictly comedy though, which isnt as cool as "Creative Expression"