test

The art of staging or acting plays

Requirements:

1. The performance must be a minimum of three (3) minutes and maximum of five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the minimum and maximum time requirements are subject to point deduction and/or disqualification.)
2. All material must be from a published play. Students should not perform poems, sermons stand-up routines, or excerpts from movies.
3. The selection must be of literate quality.
4. The material must be memorized.
5. Costumes, makeup, and props are optional, but not required.
6. Puppetry, oratory, and forensic pieces may not be used.
7. Monologues from Musical Theater are permitted, however accompanying songs may not be used as part of the piece.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Projection (10 pts)
  

• Structure (10pts): Does the performance have transitions/beats and a clear beginning, middle, climax, and end?
  

• Memorization (10 pts)
  

• Movement (10 pts) : Is the blocking clear and does the actor commit to and follow through with his/her movements and gestures?
  

• Emotional Connection and Honesty (10pts): Is the actor really “selling” that he or she is becoming this character or are they simply “play-acting” ?
  

• Imagination and Creativity (15pts) : Is the actor bringing something different to the piece or is he or she just reciting lines?
  

• Stage Presence (10pts)
  

• Character Work (10pts)
  

• Specificity of Acting Choices (10pts): Clear pursuit of Actions/Objectives
  

• Creation of the Space (5pts)

The art of performing with a device used to produce music with tones of the late 18th and 19th centuries characterized by an emphasis on balance, clarity and moderation.

Requirements:

1. The musical selection must be one specifically written for solo performances. The performance may be an excerpt and may not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirements are subject to point deduction.)

2. Contestants must bring six (6) copies of the sheet music to present to the judges at the time of competition.

3. If the selection chosen is written with piano accompaniment, it must be performed in that manner. Contestants must bring their own accompanist.

4. The composition to be performed must be consistent with the nature of the instrument and the level of musical proficiency of the performer.

5. The selection of music and instrument is solely the decision of the contestant.

6. The only instrument provided for the performances will be a piano.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Interpretation, Expression, Tempo, Phrasing, and Historically appropriate style (20 pts)

• Intonation and touch (piano) (20 pts)

• Stage presence, choice of music (20 pts)

• Technique, articulation, Breathing, Rhythm, Facility and Accuracy (20 pts)

• Tone quality, Beauty, Control, Characteristic timbre (20 pts)

The art of performing with a device used to produce music with the tones of the present.

Requirements:

1. The musical selection must be one specifically written for solo performances and may not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to point deduction.)

2. The selection performed should feature a solo performance. Contestants must provide additional musicians if they are needed for their performance.

3. The only instrument provided for performance will be a piano. Contestants must provide additional instruments/equipment as needed.

4. The selection of music and instrument is solely the decision of the contestant.

5. Examples of contemporary music are R&B, Broadway, Jazz, Gospel, Blues, etc.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Effectiveness of style, Improvisation (20 pts)

• Intonation, Touch (piano) (20 pts)

• Stage presence, Choice of music (20 pts)

• Technique, Articulation, Breathing, Tonality, Rhythm, Facility (20 pts)

• Tone quality, Beauty, Control, Characteristic timbre (20 pts)

The art of performing with the human voice rhythmic tones or sounds of the late 18th and 19th centuries characterized by an emphasis on balance, clarity, and moderation.

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) song is to be performed, and it must not exceed five (5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to point deduction.

2. Competitors should not perform to a CD. For the regional competition, they must provide their own accompanists.

3. Contestants must present six copies of the sheet music to the judges at the time of competition.

4. The material must be memorized.

5.. Costumes are not required.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Choice of Music (10 pts)

• Diction (25 pts)

1. Correctness of pronunciation

• Interpretation (10 pts)

1. Expression

2. Phrasing

3. Historically appropriate style

4. Tempo

• Intonation (10 pts)

• Stage presence (10 pts)

• Technique (10 pts)

1. Breathing,

2. Posture

3. Rhythm,

4. Accuracy

• Tone quality (25 pts)

1. Beauty of sound

2. Control

The art of performing with the human voice rhythmic tones or sounds to produce music with the tones of the present.

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) song is to be performed, and it must not exceed two and one half (2.5) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to point deduction..)

2. Musical accompaniment must be provided by the contestant either live or using a standard CD. The CD should contain only the instrumental version of the song. Contestants are encouraged to provide a backup CD.

3. The material must be memorized.

4. Costumes are not permitted.

5. Microphones are permitted and will be provided.

6. Examples of contemporary music are Broadway, Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Blues, Soul and Country and Western.

7. The only instrument provided will be a piano.

8. Contestants must provide their own piano accompaniment.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Choice of Music (15 pts):

1. Matched to vocal ability

• Interpretation (20 pts):

1. Expression, Phrasing, Style

2. Tempo

3. Arrangement

• Stage presence (15 pts):

1. Comfort on and control of stage,

2. Posture,

3. Rapport with audience

• Technique (25 pts):

1. Breathing

2. Posture

3. Rhythm

4. Accuracy

• Tone quality (25 pts):

1. Beauty of sound

2. Control

3. Intonation and Diction

The art of speaking in public eloquently and effectively. (This is not a dramatic presentation.)

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) speech is to be presented, and it must not exceed five (5) minutes.
2. The selection of the speech is the decision of the contestant; it should either be an
original (written by the contestant) or an excerpt from a speech written by a famous
individual or historical figure.
3. The speech is not to be presented as a dramatic presentation.
4. Costumes and props are not permitted.
5. The material must be completely memorized.
6. Contestants are encouraged to prepare and deliver original selections. However, if the
contestant decides to present a selection already published, we recommend that they
not limit their selection to speeches delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. There are
many great speeches by famous people, such as Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth,
Malcolm X, etc.
Note: The deadline for submission of National registration documents is the first Friday in May.
No materials or copies will be accepted at the National Competition..
Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:
• Delivery (25 pts)
a. Voice
b. Diction
c. Pronunciation
d. Enunciation
e. Gestures
f. Emphasis
• Interpretation (25 pts)
a. Content
b. Subject Adherence
c. Theme
d. Logic and Color
• Platform Presence (25 pts)
a. Poise
b. Appeal,
c. Impression,
d. Attitude and Effect
• Projection (25 pts)
a. Voice
b. Emphasis
c. Tone
d. Pitch
e. Volume

An original poem or prose performed as a monologue or exchange involving extemporization.

Requirements:

1. Submit one (1) notarized original poem, along with six (6) copies of the notarized

original, two (2) weeks prior to the regional competition.

2. The top of each page must include the contestant’s name, page number and unit name and number. (Westchester Region NAACP ACT-SO Coalition – Unit #2161)

3. Poems should be typed, using 12 point Times New Roman, Verdana, Georgia, or Comic Sans. Please no other fancy typefaces or graphics. Poems should retain original form that they were created in and do not have to be double-spaced. Individual poems may be free verse or rhymed metrical poetry containing stanzas . Poems should not exceed 3 pages.

4. The contestants must perform their work before a panel of judges. The performance must not exceed three (3) minutes. (Contestants not adhering to the maximum time requirement are subject to point deduction and/or disqualification.)

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

Emotional/Physical Presence (20)- Is the poet emotionally connected to the topic they are presenting? Is the poet demonstrating eye contact, body language and poise?
Original Thought (20) – Has the poet tackled an interesting subject or created something new with their work, or are they simply parroting belief systems or ideas that they have heard from someone else.
Voice and Articulation (20) – Does the poet exhibit appropriate volume, pace, rhythm, intonation and proper pronunciation?
Structure or Form, and Overall Presentation (20) – How is the poem constructed? Are there appropriate line and stanza breaks? Does the poem have a strong title? Does the poem contain appropriate grammar and punctuation?
Evidence of Understanding/Accuracy (20) – Does the poet comprehend the material they’re presenting and makes the audience understand? Does the poet miss written words or mispronounce words during their recitation?

Plans for and models of structures and outdoor spaces.

Examples may include but are not limited to: Building designs, landscape designs, interior designs, urban plans. Can include 2D work such as hand-drawn sketches, computer-aided designs, blueprints, and floor plans, OR 3D work such as scale models made from foam core; balsa wood, cardboard, wooden blocks, polystyrene, found or reused objects, etc.

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) original project may be submitted. The project must be the creation of the competing contestant, rather than a replication of another architect’s design.

2. Six (6) copies of a typed 8-½ inch by 11-inch double-spaced paper must accompany the project. The content of the paper, which should not exceed five (5) pages, should include overall statement of goals and processes, design objectives, the history of the project and execution of the project. The student’s name, page number, unit name and number must be on the top of each page. The six (6) copies of the paper must be submitted two (2) weeks prior to date of the regional competition. the student’s name, page number and branch must be on the top of each page. (Westchester Region NAACP ACT-SO Coalition, Unit #2161)

3. Blueprints of the project must be 24 x 36 inches in length or width. The contestant must also submit a site plan, floor plan, a minimum of two (2) elevations and a section of the design at appropriate scale.

4. Contestants are required to make an oral presentation, not to exceed five (5) minutes, explaining his/her project. This time limit does not include the time required for the judges to ask questions and the contestant to respond to the judges.

5. Contestants are required to construct a scaled model of his or her project. (Display tables and electricity will be provided.)

6. Contestants must submit a STEM Verification form from a qualified architect with an earned professional degree or license. This person can also serve as a coach, working closely with the student during the course of the project to ensure the accuracy of the student’s research and qualification for entry.

7. Gold medalists advancing to the national competition will be required to upload images of their entries to a designated site.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Complexity of Project/Originality (15 pts)

• Planning and Space Concepts (10 pts)

• Aesthetics (10 pts)

• Consistency and Validity of Design Concepts (10 pts)

• Drawings (15 pts)

1. Quality of line work

2. Organization of drawings

• Model (10 pts)

1. Workmanship

2. Scale

• Site Analysis/Design (15 pts)

• Construction Materials/Methods of Construction (5 pts)

• Written Statement (5 pts)

1. Explaining Project

2. Establishing Parameters

3. Identifying Project Limitations and Design Objectives

• Verbal Presentation (5 pts)

The science of life or of the origin, structure, reproduction, growth and development of living organisms collectively. Projects in this category could involve the biology of organisms from the macroscopic scale to the microscopic scale (e.g. , bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, yeast, genes, etc.

The science that deals with the composition, structure and properties of chemical processes and phenomena of substances and the transformation that they undergo. Projects in this category could involve physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, materials, plastics, fuels, pesticides, metallurgy, soil chemistry, etc. This category also includes the chemistry of life processes such as molecular biology, molecular genetics, enzymes, photosynthesis, blood chemistry, protein chemistry, food chemistry, hormones, etc.

The science that deals with the theoretical aspects of computers including storage and the transformation of data using computers. This category pertains to the study and development of computer hardware, software engineering, internet networking and communications, graphics (including human interface), simulations/virtual reality or computational science (including data structures, encryption, coding and information theory).

The body of sciences that include geology, mineralogy, physiography, oceanography, meteorology, climatology, astronomy, speleology, seismology, geography, etc. Projects in this category could also be concerned with environmental science such as the study of pollution (air, water and land) sources and their control as well as ecology.

Technology. Projects that directly apply scientific principles to manufacturing and practical uses. Projects in this category could involve civil, mechanical, aeronautical, chemical, electrical, photographic, sound, automotive, marine, heating, refrigerating, transportation, and environmental engineering; electronics; etc.

The science of numbers and their operations, interrelations, combinations, generalizations, and abstractions of spaced configurations and their structure. Development of formal logical systems or various numerical and algebraic computations and the application of these principles.

Projects in this category could involve calculus, geometry. number theory, statistics, complex analysis, probability, etc.

The study of diseases and health of humans and animals.

Projects in this category could involve dentistry, pharmacology, pathology, ophthalmology, nutrition, sanitation, dermatology, allergies, speech and hearing, etc.

Theories, principles and laws governing energy and the effect of energy on matter.

Projects in this category could involve solid state physics, optics, acoustics, particle physics, nuclear physics, atomic energy, superconductivity, fluid and gas dynamics, thermodynamics, semiconductors, magnetism, quantum mechanics, biophysics, etc.

The following Requirements apply to all of the STEM categories except Architecture.

1. Only one (1) project can be entered per competitive area.

2. Six (6) copies of a typed 8-½ inch by 11 inch, double-spaced scientific paper must accompany the project to be submitted. The content of the paper, which should not exceed five (5) pages, should include: a short introduction describing the background and purpose of the work, an experimental section including both methods and results, and a concluding section discussing the results and their implications. Tables, graphs, charts, maps, photographs, raw statistical data, etc. should be included whenever possible. They must also include references used and acknowledgments of any individuals who served as direct academic resources. The student’s name, page number and unit name and number must be on the top of each page. (Westchester Region NAACP ACT-SO Coalition – Unit # 2161). Six (6) copies of the supporting documents, as well as the six copies of the paper must be submitted two (2) weeks prior to date of the regional competition.

3. The contestant is to make an oral presentation explaining his or her project. The oral presentation should not exceed five (5) minutes. This time limit does not include the time required for judges’ questions and contestant’s responses.

4. Contestants are responsible for providing their own equipment.

5. Contestants must provide a display board for each qualifying entry. No display boards are permitted to appear in more than one competition. Additionally, the content of each display board must be relevant to the competition. Items used for demonstrations can be transferred if needed.

6. Electrical power and display table will be provided.

7. Contestants must submit a STEM Verification Form from a qualified scientist or science teacher with an earned professional degree or license. This person can also serve as a coach, working closely with the student during the course of the project to ensure the accuracy of the student’s research and qualifications for entry. A STEM verification form must be submitted for each qualifying STEM competition entry

STEM Projects will be judged by the following criteria:

• Quality of Research

Scientific Approach/Method (20 pts.).

Validity of Information (10 pts.)

Validity of Conclusion(s) (10 pts.)

• Depth of Understanding / Oral Presentation

Knowledge Gained and Creativity (20 pts.)

Thoroughness & Individual Work (20 pts.)

• Written Report (10 pts)

• Visual Presentation (10 pts)

ACT-SO SAFETY PROCEDURES In order to ensure a safe environment for our contestants, we request that you carefully review the NAACP ACT-SO Safety Procedures listed below. The NAACP ACT-SO Program prohibits the use of the following materials for display:

• Living organisms (ex: plants, animals, and microbes)

• Dried plant materials • Taxidermy specimens or parts

• Human or animal foods

• Human/animal parts or bodily fluids (e.g. blood, urine. Note: dried animal bones, histological dry mount sections, wet mount tissue slides, teeth, hair, and nails are acceptable)

• Soil or waste samples

• Preserved vertebrate or invertebrate animals (inclusive of embryos)

• Laboratory chemicals, including water

• Dry ice or other sublimating solids (i.e. solids which vaporize to a gas without passing through a liquid phase

• Poisons, drugs, controlled substance, hazardous substances or devices (i.e. firearms, ammunition, or reloading devices)

• Sharp items (syringes, needles, or pipettes)

• Flames or highly flammable display materials which vaporize to a gas without passing through a liquid phase

• Batteries with open top cells Contestants are advised to use photographs and other visuals for presentation. Due to the potential for serious harm to the contestants and others, any project that displays any of the above items at the National ACT-SO Competition will be disqualified.
SCIENCE PAPERS SHOULD BE IN THIS FORMAT:

Image

Please click on: “A Handy Guide For Planning, Executing, and Presenting ACT-SO Science Projects”

STEM VERIFICATION FORM

The art of representing forms and figures on a surface by means of lines executed by hand or computer (digital) generated processes.

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) project can be submitted.

2. The contestant is required to make an oral presentation, which will not exceed three (3) minutes, explaining the methods or techniques used in developing the project. Mounting and matting is preferred.

3. The submission should be no larger than 36 inches by 48 inches. Framing is optional.

4. The contestant must be available to answer questions from the judges.

5. Gold medalists advancing to the national competition will be required to upload images of their entries to a designated site.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Composition (20 pts)

• Line/Form (20 pts)

• Presentation (20 pts)

• Technique/Craftsmanship (20 pts)

• Theme (20 pts)

The art and process of making motion pictures.

Requirements:

1.Only one (1) film is to be entered. in DVD format.

2. The running time of the film must not exceed five (5) minutes excluding closing credits.

3. Two (2) copies of the film should be submitted on a single DVD, packaged in a standard 5 1/4 x 7 1/2 plastic DVD case. Do not put labels on the DVD. DVDs must be compatible with standard set-top DVD players.

4. A playback unit will be provided.

5. The contestant must shoot all footage. The use of stock footage, or any other footage not shot by the contestant will result in immediate disqualification.

Do not simply burn a QuickTime or AVI file to a disc as data. This may render your film unplayable. Make sure your disc plays in a standard DVD player before you submit your entry.

6. A storyboard or project theme must be associated with the film.

Please note: Storyboards are NOT stills taken from the film, rather they are original drawings, sketches, etc. completed PRIOR to the execution of the film.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

• Creative (25 pts)

1. Storyboard (10 pts) – how effectively did the competitor execute the ideas presented on the storyboard in their piece?

2. Originality (15 pts)- Did the competitor try to challenge him/herself to do something different and interesting? Did he or she have a new and interesting way of retelling an old story/concept? Creativity of approach or concept.

• Production (35 pts)

1. Direction/Structure (25 pts) – the use of camera, choice of shots to help convey the story, framing, camera movement, clarity of story.

2. Use of light (10 pts) – Are actors and/or environment lit effectively?

• Sound (15 pts)

1. Use of audio effects /music (10 pts)

2. Audibility (5pts) – Is dialogue audible?

• Post Production (25 pts)

1. Editing (20 pts)– Approach in editing to tell the story more effectively.

2. Titles. (5 pts)

Art created by applying pigment on a two-dimensional surface with a brush, knife, or hand and/or the manipulation of digital processes with a computer.

Examples include but are not limited to: Oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, tempera, ink, encaustic, fresco, spray paint, etc. applied on canvas, canvas board, paper, mixed media or any flat surface.

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) project can be entered.

2. The submission should be no larger than 36 inches by 48 inches. Framing is optional.

3. The contestant is required to make an oral presentation, which will not exceed three (3) minutes, explaining the methods or techniques used in developing the project.

4. The contestant must be available to answer questions from the judges.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Color (20 pts)

• Composition (20 pts)

• Craft (20 pts)

• Line/Form (20 pts)

• Theme (20 pts)

The process, art and technique of capturing images with an analog or digital camera.

Examples include but are not limited to: Black and white photographs, color photographs, digital or analog photographs, photograms, other experimental photography, etc.

Requirements:

1. No more than six (6) photographs can be submitted or one (1) collage of work.

2. The photographs and/or mounting boards must be no larger than 20×16 inches and mounted on white, black, or gray color boards.

3. The contestant is required to make an oral presentation, which will not exceed three (3) minutes, explaining the methods or techniques used in developing the project.

4. Gold medalists advancing to the National Competition will be required to upload their entries to a designated site.

5. All photos must be the contestants’ original work. Contestants entering unoriginal work will be disqualified.

6. Composite images and photomontages are permitted; however, each element of the composite image/photomontage must be the student’s original photograph. Digital composites are allowed.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Choice of Film (15 pts.)

• Cleanness (15 pts)

• Composition (20 pts)

• Effective use of light (35 pts)

• Mounting of photographs (15 pts)

The art of making three-dimensional forms or designs.

Requirements:

1. Only one (1) project can be entered.

2. Each contestant is required to make an oral presentation, not to exceed three (3) minutes, explaining the methods or techniques used in developing the proj

3. Craft projects (i.e. ceramics, macramé, etc.) will not be accepted.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

• Concept (20 pts)

• Composition (20 pts)

• Craftsmanship (20 pts)

• How well the medium was applied (20 pts)

• Dimensional Form (20 pts)