Speaker 1

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

1 - Columbus and the Egg
Story Source: Public Domain, adapted by Center for Urban Education By James Baldwin (Adapted) From Thirty More Famous Stories Retold.
Original Copyright, 1903, by American Book Company. 

This is a story about Columbus, the explorer who “discovered” America. We have put “discovered” in quotation marks because actually other people already lived on the continent long before Columbus made his voyage in 1492. This is a story about what might have happened long ago when he was back in Spain. Is it accurate, did it really occur? That’s not known, but it is a story that could have happened. Stories such as this are passed from generation to generation and sometimes are based on facts. 

When Columbus came back from his trip to the Americas, many people praised him. He was made an admiral, he had made a remarkable voyage despite many challenges. People said what a great thing he had done, discovering the Americas. However, not everyone appreciated him, there were some who were jealous of all the adulation. 

One day Columbus was at a party that a Spanish gentleman gave in his honor. People were saying, “What a great discovery you have made!” Several persons were present who resented this great admiral's success. They were proud and conceited, and they very soon began to try to make Columbus uncomfortable. 

“You have discovered strange lands beyond the seas,'” they said, “but what of that? We do not see why there should be so much said about it. Anybody can sail across the ocean; and anybody can coast along the islands on the other side, just as you have done. It is the simplest thing in the world. All you need to do is sail West, that’s not a remarkable feat.” 

Columbus made no answer; but after a while he took an egg from a dish and said to the company: “Who among you, gentlemen, can make this egg stand on end?” 

“That’s impossible,” the host replied. “You would need to be a magician to do that.” One by one those at the table tried the experiment. When the egg had gone entirely around and none had succeeded, all said that it could not be done, it was defying gravity.

Then Columbus took the egg and struck its small end gently upon the table so as to break the shell a little. After that there was no trouble in making it stand upright. 

“Gentlemen,” said he, “What is easier than to do this which you said was impossible? It is the simplest thing in the world. Anybody can do it—AFTER HE HAS BEEN SHOWN HOW!”

Speaker 2

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

2 - A Good Student

I was extremely glad I had been to the freshman orientation. The high school was tremendously large, so the orientation helped me immensely. I figured out where my classrooms were located, and I was also able to meet some of the teachers. I even had a new friend. I met another student who was really interested in sports, like me, and we were both going to try out for the basketball team. I really hope we make the team. 

Today was my first day, and it was very difficult. We only have four minutes to get from one class to another. Even though I knew where the classrooms were, I still had to manage to get from one end of the building to the other in that short amount of time. I wanted to go to my locker and drop off my book, so I did just that. However, that took some time, and I worried about being late. Unfortunately, I did end up arriving late to my math class. My math teacher told me, “Just be on time tomorrow, because I know you are finding your way, but that’s it. I am serious—only one late-to-class is allowed. After that, you must go to the office to request a pass, and I will mark you tardy. Once you are tardy three times you must serve a detention.” 

I really enjoyed my art class that first day. The teacher showed us how to create portraits. We just made drawings today, but I know it’s going to be a wonderful class. While I very much enjoy drawing, I had no idea it was so closely related to math. I divided my page into equal sections, using a ruler, and then worked on my sketch. 

I like my English class, too. Today we wrote about ourselves. The teacher said to just write what you think in the form of a paragraph or a poem, and that we will focus on grammar later. I composed a poem about myself, and I believe it is a good poem. 

Lunch was particularly hurried. I went to my locker first before rushing to the cafeteria. I scanned the cafeteria for my friend, but he wasn’t there, so I sat with people I hadn’t met. Everyone was eating very quickly. There were several lunch choices, but tomorrow I will choose differently. The food I got today looked tasty, but I didn’t like it very much. 

There is an after-school club I can join. It is a club for people who want to learn more about computers, and I think I’ll sign up. But there is another club after-school that interests me, too: the chess club. I enjoy playing chess. I also need to learn how to use a computer. My social studies teacher claims it is the one skill you need to learn every subject. My English teacher said the one skill I need in every class is writing. I think I need both skills. So many possibilities—it’s going to be a good year.

Speaker 3

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

8- The Red Apples
Source: Public Domain, adapted by Center for Urban Education, may be used with citation. 

One windy day in March, Kitty Miller was on her way to school when she glanced into a store window and saw a great pile of lovely red apples. "Oh", she exclaimed, "how lovely! If only Mamma could have one!" 

Kitty’s mother was extremely poor. She had been a dressmaker ever since Kitty’s father died, and had to work hard to earn a living for herself and Kitty. Unfortunately, she had recently become very sick and was obliged to lie in bed all day long. When Kitty was away at school, the house was incredibly lonesome. She missed her little angel—that is what she called Kitty. Kitty took great care of her mother. She cooked her food, mostly soup. They could not afford fresh fruit. Kitty would even sing to her mother at night. 

When Kitty reached the school that day, her thoughts were full of her sick mother and the lovely red apples. She was usually an excellent student, but that day she made so many blunders that the teacher looked at her in surprise. The little girl could only sit at her desk, with her book before her, and dream of those red apples. 

When school was dismissed, Kitty started slowly homeward. She had walked only a short distance when she saw a man in front of her drop his wallet. Running quickly forward, she picked it up. The wallet felt quite heavy in Kitty's little hand. 

"There must be a good deal of money in it," thought Kitty. "How I wish I could keep it, so that I would then be able to purchase a red apple for Mamma, and so many other things she needs." 

Kitty knew this would not be right, so she hurried after the man. Touching him on the arm, she said, "Please, Sir, you dropped your wallet back there." 

"Thank you, dear," said the man taking the wallet. Then, noticing how poorly she was dressed, he said, "Why did you not keep the wallet, my child?" 

"Because that would be stealing," replied Kitty. "But," she confessed honestly, "before I thought I must give it back to you, I did wish I could keep it, for then I could buy Mamma a red apple." 

The gentleman smiled kindly and said, "You are a good little girl to return my wallet. I would like to give you a little present and then you can buy a red apple." He handed her a dollar and then said goodbye. 

Kitty was so surprised that she started hastily for home, forgetting all about the red apples until she stood in front of the store. The store owner happened to look out and saw the same little girl who stood looking so longingly in at his window in the morning. He quickly picked out the biggest, roundest, reddest apple he could find. He took it out to Kitty and said, "Would you like this one, my dear?" 

She took the apple and gave him the dollar. “No charge,” he said, returning it. She thanked him—“for my mother,” and the good man thought of it for many a day. When Kitty reached home with her treasures, she found her mother fast asleep. She put the apple and dollar on a plate where her mother could see them when she awoke. 

When Mrs. Miller was told the wonderful story, she kissed her little daughter and said, "What have we learned from this wonderful day?"

Speaker 4

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

4- John’s Bright Idea
Source: Public Domain, adapted by Center for Urban Education, may be used with citation. 

This is an old story. It was written 100 years ago. So you will find it has a different style from stories people read and write today. For example, you’ll read that the children sell popcorn for 5 cents a bag and are thrilled. Today, that’s not enough money to buy much. 

Mrs. Meredith was a most kind and thoughtful woman. She spent a great deal of time visiting the poor. She knew they had problems. She wanted to help them. She brought food. She brought medicine, too. 

The family lived in a small community with some people who were poor and others who were rich. In the town, some people worked but others had no jobs, and families needed money to pay their bills. Some families were poor because the parents had lost jobs, and the economy was in decline. People tried to help each other meet these challenges. 

One morning she told her children about a family she had visited the day before. There was a man sick in bed, his wife, who took care of him and could not go out to work, and their little boy. The little boy--his name was Bernard--had interested her very much. 

"I wish you could see him," she said to her own children, John, Harry, and Clara, "he is such a help to his mother. He wants very much to earn some money, but I don't see what he can do." 

After their mother had left the room, the children sat thinking about Bernard. "I wish we could help him to earn money," said Clara. “His family is suffering so much.” 

"So do I," said Harry. “We really should do something to assist them.” 

For some moments, John said nothing, but, suddenly, he sprang to his feet and cried, "I have a great idea! I have a solution that we can all help accomplish." 

The other children also jumped up all attention. When John had an idea, it was sure to be a good one. "I tell you what we can do," said John. "You know that big box of corn Uncle John sent us for popping? Well, we can pop it, and put it into paper bags, and Bernard can take it around to the houses and sell it." 

When Mrs. Meredith heard of John's idea, she, too, thought it a good one. Very soon, the children were busy popping the corn, while their mother went out to buy the paper bags. When she came back, she brought Bernard with her. 

In a short time, he started out on his new business, and, much sooner than could be expected, returned with an empty basket. Tucked into one of his mittens were ten nickels. He had never earned so much money before in his life. When he found that it was all to be his, he was so delighted he could hardly speak, but his bright smiling face spoke for him. After he had run home to take the money to his mother, John said, "We have corn enough left to send Bernard out ever so many times. May we do it again?" 

"Yes, said Mrs. Meredith, "you may send him every Saturday morning, if you will pop the corn for him yourselves. John, will you agree to take charge of the work?" 

"Indeed I will," replied John, and he kept his word. For many weeks, every Saturday morning, no matter what opportunities there were to play, he saw that the corn was all popped, the paper bags filled, and arranged in the basket when Bernard arrived. 

People began to watch for the "little pop-corn boy," and every week he had at least fifty cents to take home, and often significantly more, income that supported his family. All of this was because of the way John carried out his bright idea.

Speaker 5

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

5- Making a Difference
Source: Center for Urban Education © 2009 

When I was in 7th grade last year, we had a special project. We were getting people to register to vote. I learned that it was so easy to register. I did not understand why more people did not register. It is a very important part of being an American. We learned in social studies that some countries do not allow people to vote. We learned that in US history at some times people have not been allowed to vote. Now everyone who is 18 can vote. 

Our class decided to make a change in our community. So we made a plan to get people registered. We started with our own families. The school set up a voter registration day. It was part of the school’s open house. So many people would be there. We made sure our parents were there and registered. We asked people why they had not registered before. Most people said they did not care much about it. 

My brother was 18. He was going to high school. I asked him if he was registered. The answer was no. I told him how important it was and that he could come to the Open House. He said he would do better than that. I did not know what he meant. 

My brother surprised me. He called the registrar’s office. He was calling to find out where he could register. But he learned more. He found out he could be a volunteer registrar. He would have to go to a training session. Then he would be able to help others get registered. So he went downtown. He registered as a voter. Then he took the training. 

My brother talked with his high school social studies teacher. He said he wanted to help other students get registered. If you are 18, you can register to vote, but many 18-year-olds don’t register. It could be that they don’t know they can register. 

The teacher set up a voter registration table in the lunchroom. My brother sat there every day for a week. When students came in, if they were 18 they could go to register at his table. At the end of the week, 108 students had registered. My brother had done all that himself.

Speaker 6

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

6- My Father’s Miracle
Source:Teacher.depaul.edu

In school we learned about the earth. We learned that rivers flow from higher ground to lower ground. They usually end at a bigger river or go into a lake or ocean. I can see that every day in Chicago. Our river goes into the lake. It’s a giant lake. 

We used to go fishing on the river every summer. Most days you would find me and my grandfather there, fishing. My father was busy working for the city. I did not know what his job was. He said it was in the Sanitary and Ship Canal. He left early each morning and came home at night, always very dirty. 

My grandfather would take me to the river. We’d sit all day and catch fish. I would listen to my grandfather tell about the times he had when he first came to Chicago. He had built our home by himself. ”In the old days,” he said, “This was a clean stream. “Now look at it. It is filthy.” 

That day was the end of our fun. We would see boxes floating by. Sometimes we even saw dead fish floating on it. When we brought the fish home, my mother would throw them out. “We can’t eat this. This is dirty, bad fish.” She sounded angry. But I thought she really liked my grandfather. 

So my grandfather and I stopped bringing the fish home. Sometimes we would go to fish and throw them back. But mostly we just stayed at home. We were sad about it. 

Then one Christmas my father was so busy he was not home. He even went to work on Christmas day. That New Year’s day he worked, too. My mother was worried. “It is too cold.” But he went anyway. 

Then two days later the newspaper said, “It is a miracle!” That was the headline. I read the article. It told how the workers on the Sanitary and Ship Canal had done something impossible. They had reversed the Chicago River. They dug such a great hole that the river rushed away from the lake. It now went to the west. Now you could go on the river and canal all the way to the Mississippi River. 

I was excited. So was my grandfather. He said, “Now we can go fishing this summer.” We both laughed. So did my mother. My father smiled a lot, all day long.

Speaker 7

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

7- My Painting
Source: teacher.depaul.edu

I wanted to show people how I felt about my new country. My family had moved here 5 years ago when I was just 7 years old. When we came I did not know any English. Everything was new and I was surprised every day. I had lived in a remote village far from the city. Now I was living in a city where there were so many people. 

We would take the elevated train downtown. There we saw buildings that noted architects had designed. These architects were so famous that people all over the world knew their names. But I had never heard of them before. I looked up and was astonished at how high the buildings were. 

I went to a school that was bigger than my whole village. More than 1,000 students go to the school. I remember my first day. The principal was friendly. So was the teacher. But I was mystified. I could not understand what the teacher and students were saying. Then another student came up to me during lunch. She said hello in Russian. I was so glad. 

The teacher asked her to sit next to me for the rest of the school year and help me understand what they were saying. She was my official translator. But I wanted to learn English. So every day after school we would go to my home. She would help me learn English. To reciprocate, my mother would cook her family dinner. Once a week they would come to dinner. We would try hard to learn English, so instead of Russian everyone would talk in English. 

Now I have learned English, and I have learned a lot about the United States. I will put some symbols in my painting that show how I feel about this land. It is a land of helpful people. It is a land of many heritages. It is a land of collaboration. People here work together to help each other make progress. I'm thinking of putting a flag on the background and then putting people holding hands in the foreground. I'll make a sketch first and then will paint it. 

Making a painting is a lot like writing an essay. First you think of the idea you want to express. Then you think of ways to communicate that idea. I think my painting will be a great way to tell people how I feel about my new homeland.

Speaker 8

9 - The Train Ride
Source:teacher.depaul.edu

"Hurry up, Tee, or we're going to miss it." 

My name is actually Terrence, but you'd never know it from listening to everyone around me. The only person who ever called me by my proper name was my grandmother, but since she's been gone, Tee is all I hear. 

"Get out of the fridge. We don't have time, and you already finished the last of the macaroni." 

Mom generally moves at 90 miles an hour, but she's really in overdrive this evening. Since this whole thing began, she's been watching the news every night, clipping newspaper articles, and talking about nothing but politics to anyone who'll sit still and listen for more than a minute. Except for the times when she's chasing after me, I've never seen her so energized. The way she's been talking about it all week long, you'd think that she was the one delivering the acceptance speech tonight. 

"If you're not ready in 30 seconds, I'm leaving you here," she yells from the front door. But I know she wouldn't leave without me. "You'll be grounded for a month of Sundays if we're still on the train when he begins." 

The truth is that she managed to get me excited about the election, too. I'm not quite as excited as she is. I don't think anybody is. But seeing someone who looks like me, a skinny kid with big ears, become President of the United States, well, it makes me think anything is possible. That thought is enough to get me to slam shut the refrigerator door, grab my sweatshirt, and race down the hallway for the door. 

As we speed walk towards the station, I have to almost run to keep up with Mom. I never saw her hurry like this. 

Finally, we're at the station, and I feel like we're really on our way now. When the train pulls in, I can't believe my eyes. Each train car is packed full. There's standing room only, just like rush hour. It seems like everyone is talking, and even the silent few are smiling. I've never seen any of these people in my life, yet people are talking with me. 

The intercom crackles: "47th Street, 47th Street. No smoking or radio players. Next stop 35th." 

I look over to my mom, who's lost in thought. I know she can't tell whether or not I understand everything that's going on -- that's been going on for these last 12 months. I don't know if I do, but I feel a tingling inside that tells me I might. 

"Harrison... Harrison. No smoking or radio players. Next stop, Jackson. That’s Grant Park." Everyone cheers—it is so exciting. 

I feel my heartbeat quicken as I realize that, for once in my life, I won't be reading about the big things that make it into history books. I'll be watching it unfold in front of my eyes. 

I look over at my mom and catch her looking at me, nodding. We've arrived.

Speaker 1

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

1. Violet Beauregarde From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

(Chewing ferociously on gum, waving arms excitedly, talking in a rapid and loud

manner, from somewhere in audience)

I’m a gum­ chewer normally, but when I heard about these ticket things of Mr

Wonka’s, I laid off the gum and switched to candy bars in the hope of striking it

lucky. Now, of course, I’m right back on gum. I just adore gum. I can’t do without

it. I munch it all day long except for a few minutes at mealtimes when I take it out

and stick it behind my ear for safe­keeping. To tell you the honest truth, I simply

wouldn’t feel comfortable if I didn’t have that little wedge of gum to chew on every

minute of the day, I really wouldn’t. It may interest you to know that this piece of

gum I’m chewing right at this moment is one I’ve been working on for over three

months solid. That’s a record, that is. It’s beaten the record held by my best friend,

Miss Cornelia Prinzmetal.

Speaker 2

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

1. Veruca Salt’s Monologue from Willy Wonka

As soon as I told my father that I simply had to have one of those Golden Tickets, he went out

into the town and started buying up all the Wonka candy bars he could lay his hands on.

Thousands of them, he must have bought. Hundreds of thousands! Then he had them loaded on

to trucks and sent directly to his own factory. He’s in the peanut business, you see, and he’s got

about a hundred women working for him over at his joint, shelling peanuts for roasting and

salting. That’s what they do all day long, those women ... they just sit there shelling peanuts. So

he says to them, ‘Okay, girls,’ he says ‘from now on, you can stop shelling peanuts and start

shelling the wrappers off these crazy candy bars instead!’ and they did. He had every worker in

the place yanking the paper off those bars of chocolate, full speed ahead, from morning ‘til night.

Then suddenly, on the evening of the fourth day, one of his women workers yelled, ‘I’ve got it!

A Golden Ticket!’ And my father said, ‘Give it to me, quick!’ And she did. And he rushed it

home and gave it to me.

Speaker 3

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

1. “Coat Hanger Sculpture” from You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

A 'C'? A 'C'? I got a 'C' on my coathanger sculpture? How could anyone get a 'C' in

coathanger sculpture? May I ask a question? Was I judged on the piece of sculpture itself? If

so, is it not true that time alone can judge a work of art? Or was I judged on my talent? If so,

is it fair that I be judged on a part of my life over which I have no control? If I was judged on

my effort, then I was judged unfairly, for I tried as hard as I could! Was I judged on what I

had learned about this project? If so, then were not you, my teacher, also being judged on

your ability to transmit your knowledge to me? Are you willing to share my 'C'? Perhaps I

was being judged on the quality of coat hanger itself out of which my creation was

made...now is this not also unfair? Am I to be judged by the quality of coat hangers that are

used by the dry cleaning establishment that returns our garments? Is that not the responsibility

of my parents? Should they not share my 'C'?

Speaker 4

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

1. “Queen” from You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Do you know what I intend? I intend to be a queen. When I grow up I’m going to be

the biggest queen there ever was, and I’ll live in a big palace and when I go out in my coach,

all the people will wave and I will shout at them, and...and...in the summertime I will go to

my summer palace and I’ll wear my crown in swimming and everything, and all the peo ple

will cheer and I will shout at them... (hears someone of stage) What do you mean I can’t be

queen? Nobody should be kept from being a queen if she wants to be one. It’s usually just a

matter of knowing the right people....well.... if I can’t be a queen, then I’ll be very rich then I will

buy myself a queendom. Yes, I will buy myself a queendom and then I’ll kick out the old queen

and take over the whole operation myself. I will be head queen.

Speaker 5

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

1. “Lunchtime” from You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

I think lunchtime is about the worst time of day for me. Always having to

sit here alone. Of course, sometimes, mornings aren't so pleasant either. Waking up and

wondering if anyone would really miss me if I never got out of bed. Then there's the night,

too. Lying there and thinking about all the stupid things I've done during the day. And all

those hours in between when I do all those stupid things. Well, lunchtime is among the worst

times of the day for me. Well, I guess I'd better see what I've got. Peanut butter. Some

psychiatrists say that people who eat peanut butter sandwiches are lonely...I guess they're

right. And when you're really lonely, the peanut butter sticks to the roof of your mouth.

Speaker 6

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

1. Snoopy’s Red Baron Monologue from You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown

Here’s the World War I flying ace high over France in his Sopwith Camel, searching for the

infamous Red Baron! I must bring him down! Suddenly anti­aircraft fire, archie we used to call

it, begins to burst beneath my plane. The Red Baron has spotted me. Nyahh, Nyahh, Nyahh! You

can’t hit me! (Actually tough flying aces never say Nyahh, Nyahh) I just ah ... Drat this fog! It’s

bad enough to have to fight the Red Baron without having to fly in weather like this. All right,

Red Baron! Where are you! You can’t hide forever! Ah, the sun has broken through ... I can see

the woods of Montsec below ... and what’s that? It’s a Fokker triplane! Ha! I’ve got you this

time, Red Baron! Aaugh! He’s diving down out of the sun! He’s tricked me again! I’ve got to

run! Come on, Sopwith Camel, let’s go! Go, Camel, go! I can’t shake him! He’s riddling my

plane with bullets! Curse you, Red Baron! Curse you and your kind! Curse the evil that

causes all this unhappiness! Here’s the World War I flying ace back at the aerodrome in France,

he is exhausted and yet he does not sleep, for one thought continues to burn in his mind ...

Someday, someday I’ll get you, Red Baron!

Speaker 7

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

8. Samwise Gamgee ­ Lord of the Rings

I know. It’s all wrong. By rights we shouldn’t even be here. But we are. It’s like in the great

stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And

sometimes you didn’t want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could

the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it’s only a

passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun

shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant

something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do

understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they

didn’t. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something. That there’s some good in

this world, Mr. Frodo... and it’s worth fighting for.

Speaker 8

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

7 - The Goonies

Situation: A group of friends are exploring a seaside restaurant that is supposedly the location of

a hidden treasure. One of the friends, Lawrence Chunk gets caught red­handed by the owners of

the restaurant, the Fratellis. They are extremely angry to see Chunk trespassing their property.

In reply to their questions, Chunk says the following:

Everything. Okay! I'll talk! In third grade, I cheated on my history exam. In fourth grade, I stole

my uncle Max's toupee and I glued it on my face when I played Moses in my Hebrew School

play. In fifth grade, I knocked my sister Edie down the stairs and I blamed it on the dog. When

my mom sent me to the summer camp for fat kids and then they served lunch I got nuts and I

pigged out and they kicked me out. But the worst thing I ever done, I mixed a pot of fake puke at

home and then I went to this movie theater, hid the puke in my jacket, climbed up to the balcony

and then, then, I made a noise like this: hua­hua­hua­huaaaaah and then I dumped it over the

side, all over the people in the audience. And then, this was horrible, all the people started

getting sick and throwing up all over each other. I never felt so bad in my entire life.

Speaker 1

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

1 - Glass Slippers By: Finn M., Los Angeles, California, USA, Age 12 

I recognize you! You’re Prince’s best pair of shoes! I know I look fancy now but you’ll never believe how I got this way. When I started out, I was just an ugly pair of ordinary shoes. The kind of shoes people wear to wash clothes or clean out the fireplace. I was pretty worn out. And then one day, this strange woman appeared. Not a woman, really, more like a fairy. She called herself a Fairy Godmother. So, she comes flying into our room and uses her fairy magic on me. With a few magical words, poof! I’m completely transformed into a pair of sparkling glass slippers for my lady to wear! Crazy, right? She was so excited to try me on. She kept screaming, “I’m going to the ball! I can’t believe I’m going to the ball!” Then that fairy poofed her into this incredible gown and a gorgeous hairdo and then led us outside. Get this! She took a pumpkin from the field and poofed it into a grand carriage! You’d never believe me if I told you who she got to pull it. Anyway, we were swept away to the Royal Ball where my lady danced the night away with a very handsome prince. We had a wonderful time but I sure was tired out. I must have fallen asleep and missed all the excitement because when I awoke, this scary looking lady was trying to cram her giant foot into me. She was no size five, let me tell you. More like an eleven! It was quite painful but, thankfully, the Prince realized that I did not belong to her. He found my lady and he slipped me on her delicate foot with no effort. I really sealed that deal because they were married shortly afterward. If you think about it, they would have never found each other and lived happily ever after if it weren’t for me!

Speaker 2

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

2- Punctuation Society

By: Sophie W., Los Angeles, California, USA, Age 11 

Welcome everyone to the Punctuation Society! This is our first, of many weekly meetings. As you may have noticed, Comma is not here. I specifically did not invite her. This is a Comma-free society. Hey that rhymes! (Smiles but then frowns again.) I, Exclamation Point have finally found something NOT to be excited about. COMMA! She keeps talking on and on and on! When you finally think she is done she just links what she is talking about to something else! It is so annoying. And when I am annoyed, I leave, and everything gets pretty boring. Question mark, Period, Semicolon, and all the rest of you, I know you’re with me on this. No, ellipsis, we will not be taking a vote! I am the President. I have final say. Parentheses…stop whispering. Do you have something to share with the rest of us? Oh, you like her? I don’t care if you like her. She will make it impossible to get anything done. Hey, you in the back, quiet down. Stop shouting! Wait…how’d a bunch of capital letters get in here. Get out! This is for punctuation marks only! Okay, now, back to business. No, Period… the meeting is not over. Sit back down. Ugh. This is exhausting. No wonder people don’t use Exclamation Points very often. 

Speaker 3

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

3- Fake Friends

By: Jessica C., Los Angeles, California, USA, Age 11 

The game went great. All I could hear was the crowd screaming my name. I could feel the sweat dripping down my face, all the eyes staring at me, and the taste of the dry air. I had to make that basket. Everyone was counting on me. The ball leaves my hand and the crowd gasps and jumps to their feet. The ball spins in the air, circles around the rim, then… IT MAKES IT IN! The crowd goes wild! My teammates lifted me up over their heads and I felt amazing! At least, I did for a little while until it was all ruined. 

After the game, I saw Angelica. She talked to me for a few minutes. We haven’t spoken in a while. She told me that I played really well in the game. I blushed and thanked her. I wanted to talk more but her mom showed up in the car and she had to go. I love everything about her. I have for a long time. I love her silky, brown hair, her beautiful light brown skin, and her eyes. They’re this magnificent hazel color. But the thing that I love the most about her is her personality. She’s funny, sweet, and super smart. (Beat) None of that matters now. 

See, right after she left, my friend Angel walked over to me. We haven’t seen each other in a while and he had this strange look on his face. He says, “Hey bro, I want to tell you something but please don’t get mad.” He starts to tell me how Angelica asked him out a few weeks ago and they’ve been dating. He’s been avoiding me because he knew I liked her but then he goes on to say that he always liked her, too. My head was spinning. He never mentioned that he liked her once. He knew how I felt about her and he betrayed me anyway. I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. He was still talking but I couldn’t hear anymore. I finally just screamed at him, “Leave me alone! I don’t want to talk to you ever again.” He kept saying he was sorry but I didn’t care. He looked like he was going to cry and I said, “I don’t trust you anymore. You are not my friend.” I just walked away while he stood there. I thought about it the whole way home. He was never a real friend, just a fake one and I will never trust anyone with my feelings or secrets ever again. 

Speaker 4

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

4- An Elf’s Complaint 

By: Nicole N., Madison, Alabama, USA; Age 10 

I am an elf and I need to file a complaint! If you if you think that Santa is a nice, jolly, old fella, then you are WRONG!!!!! I work twenty hours a day, seven days a week. Yes, Santa gives us a nice home, but it’s in the North Pole and we have to share it with three other elf families. He does feed us well, but he makes us do all the cooking. He makes all the elves work ALL THE TIME. Of course we get holidays off…NOT!!! The only day off we get is on Christmas Eve, after we’ve loaded up his sleigh. When I am not making toys, I am either at the mall with Santa, or I am taking care of his reindeer. The biggest concern I have is for my children. They’ve never been to school! Santa really needs to offer some sort education for these kids! The only thing they know how to do is to make a bouncy ball! Seriously? Santa has not been good to us elves. HE should be put on the naughty list, for a change! Oh, did I forget to mention it? WE DIG THE COAL, too!!! It is a very dirty job. Don’t get me wrong. I love seeing all the children’s faces when they open all the presents we’ve made for them on Christmas day, BUT THAT IS ONCE A YEAR!!!!! Well, I’ve said everything I came to say. I’ve got to get back to work. AS ALWAYS! An elf’s work is never done. 

Speaker 5

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

5- The Woes of Oregano

By: Kaitlyn J., Madison, Alabama, USA, Age 11 

Hi, I’m Oregano. I am so depressed and I do not think it is fair. (sighs) I mean, Cinnamon and Chili Powder were used in one of the most important things in the universe: a science fair project. They even got to go to the regional fair! All because they helped make their rosemary plants the healthiest while I lay in the dark cupboard, alone, unused, and with nothing to do. (sniffs) What’s worse is that Sugar got to go and she isn’t even a spice or a herb. I am much better than Sugar! Technically, Sugar is only used in unhealthy things while I am not. I should have gone instead of Sugar. Plus, I would bet that if I was used, than my rosemary plant would be so much healthier than Chili Powder’s, Cinnamon’s, or Sugar’s. Even some of the rosemary plants agreed. I asked the plant that used Cinnamon and he said that his roots burned when he sucked in that Cinnamon water! He said that he wished he had me!! (beat) I wish I had the chance to go to the science fair. (sighs) I will go next time. I must! If not, I shall threaten to explode and then no one will ever have Oregano again! 

Speaker 6

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

6- Life of a Tree 

By: Cohen Y., Madison, Alabama, USA; Age 10 

Everyone thinks trees are just living decorations. No, we are much more than that. True, we are used for holidays and special events but, we can also be used for shade and so much more. The real life of a tree is magnificent. When humans aren’t looking, we actually move. I know you don’t believe me since you’ve never seen it happen, but it’s true! We all meet up and talk every night we while you humans are asleep. We take showers in the rain. We also like to read. History books are our favorite, but we also enjoy comedy, fantasy, and tall tales. Don’t think being a tree is all good, though. Now, let’s talk about Christmas. It can be very uncomfortable for us! When you are hanging ornaments on us, please be CAREFUL. Those metal hooks can really hurt, and then when you take them down, you always forget one. They can get very itchy! But the real problem for us trees, is that you humans our hurting our world. All the coal and chemicals you use smell horrible and are polluting our air. We simply can’t live like this. Well, I hope you have learned something, because I don’t feel like talking anymore. Come on people! Take care of our Earth! Take care of us trees! 

Speaker 7

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

7. Grass 

By: Caroline S., Madison, Alabama, USA; Age 10 

Hey guys! It’s me, grass! I know you think you know everything about grass, but you don’t. I mean, are you aware of all the different types of grasses? My friend, Bluegrass, is very lush type of grass. And my cousin, Centipede, is a low maintenance type of grass. All of us different kinds of grass have one big problem in common. Do you know what the problem is? Well, I’ll tell you! It’s them thoughtless, selfish humans!!! I hate it when the giant humans step all over me like they’re the boss of everything. THEY haven’t been around for millions of years like I have! I also hate it when the tiny humans sit on us and tear us out of the ground. That decreases our population! One of the hardest things to get through is the cold season when we all get sick and turn brown. Then it gets even worse! We’re super delicate and when the giant humans stand, walk or run all over us, we die! And if that wasn’t bad enough, we’re all…OH, NO! Not another giant human! RUN! Oh, wait, I forgot we can’t run! HIDE! Oh, wait, I forgot we can’t hide! MOVE out of the way! Oh, wait, I forgot we can’t move! Let the winds come and move us out of the way! (gently sways) Thanks, wind! OH, NO! Not again! Come back, wind! HELP!!! (closes his eyes, takes a beat then opens them) Whew, that was close! Well, at least it’s raining. 

Speaker 8

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

1. Big Dreams 

By: Kellen B., Age 12, Washington State, USA 

When I grow up I want to be a famous astronomer. My parents laughed and said, “That’s not going to happen. You’re probably going to wind up homeless like your older brother Leo.” But I will prove them wrong. I will be the most famous astronomer that ever was. I will discover 500 planets and they will be named “Max’s (or Maxine’s) favorite”. Not something like HD 189733-B. What? It’s not egotistical. I just want everybody to know who discovered those planets. Do you know Stephen Hawking? He once said, “The galaxy created itself because it wanted to create itself, and it created itself out of nothing.” But I say no! Something that is created is always created with help of something. Take for example, a water bottle. Let’s say a water bottle wanted to turn into a giraffe. It can’t just turn into a giraffe and not be a water bottle and live and have offspring. It is physically impossible for something to turn into something it is not. It is simple logic. When I found that they don’t have astronomy classes for students in grade school, I flipped out, then I started protesting and formed an advocacy group. We are students who want college classes in grade school. CCGS for short. We have a bunch of members, and naturally, I’m the president. Wait, I am creating something out of nothing in a way. Maybe Stephen Hawking has a point. Yeah. Laugh all you want, parents! I’m not going to be homeless. I’m going to be an astronomer and you can’t stop me! 

Speaker 1

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

1. Lonely Leprechaun 

Jordan E, Age 11, Ontario, Canada 

It’s lonely here at the end of the rainbow. All I do all night and day is guard this pot of gold. No one told me when I took this job that I’d be here forever and ever. With no one to talk to. No one to share my strawberry jam and cheese sandwiches with. No one to play balloon stomp with. Oh yeah, I get the occasional butterfly or ladybug stopping by, but they only like to talk about flowers, and let me tell you…petunias and daffodils get boring after hundreds of years. If only someone would find this pot of gold. I see them headed straight for me all the time, and then they veer off in the wrong direction. I shout, “Hey, over here! It’s right here!” and they look through me as if I’m invisible. If it weren’t for the King Leprechaun threatening to turn me into a bridge troll if I ever quit, I’d walk away from this stupid pot of gold right now. Wait. Here comes another one. “Hey! Over here!” Uh oh. It’s Bigfoot again. No. Not over here. (Hides behind pot of gold. Whispers and points.) No, go that way. That way. There’s nothing to see here. 

Speaker 2

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

1. Elves on Strike 

By: Jeremy K., Age 12, Idaho Falls, Idaho, USA 

As the leader of the Union of the Order of the North Pole Elves, I stand here today and urge you to say no to Santa! No more working from sunup to sundown without so much as a snickerdoodle break! What does Santa think we are, robots? No, we’re elves, and we have rights! Tinsel, remember when he made you clean Dasher’s stall after he got into that barrel of chocolate? Cleaning chocolate poo is not in the elf job description! And Snazzy, there was that time when he ordered you to let Mrs. Claus use you as a mannequin for the little girl’s dresses she was making. Humiliating! I mean, what the falalala was he thinking? I mean he makes us wear these ridiculous Pinnocchio outfits and sing while we work, while he sits on his big fat butt watching the weather channel. And on Christmas day, he takes ALL the credit. (Imitating children.) “Mom, Santa came! Ooooh, look what Santa got me! How did he know I wanted this?” Listen up children of the world: Santa is not the one who made your train sets, and your dolly houses and your walkie talkies. It was US, the Elves of the Order of the North Pole. We did it all. Santa is just a lazy guy with a wiggly belly who works basically one day a year. Nothing but a gloried delivery man if you ask me! (Pauses. Listens to someone in the audience.) What’s that? Santa is where? (Looks behind him.) Oh fudgesicles. 

Speaker 3

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

1. Chicken 

By: Kielle W., Age 16, Chesapeake, Virginia, USA 

I’m in the bird watching club at school. I’ve adored the little rascals since I could say the word. I even memorized the state bird for every place in America! They’re just impossible not to admire. Birds are so much freer than any person I know. There’s no one to hold them back and tell them what not to do. Birds aren’t stuck in moldy, rundown apartments. Birds don’t stop themselves from flying wherever they want because they’re scared. No, I imagine that birds are brave. Much braver than me, that’s for sure. See, that’s why I wish I had a pair of wings. I want to feel free. I want to scatter brightly colored feathers for little girls to find in parks. Sparkle up their day a bit. Mostly, I want wings so that I could take flight. Leave behind my problems and soar into the sky. It’s why I love to go out on the roof. The wind blowing in my hair, the sun shining its beautiful rays down upon me. I pretend I’m flying for hours when I’m up there. Sometimes I linger on the ledge, arms spread as wide as an eagle. And I know one step is all it would take for me to finally, truly fly. One little step but… I never do. I always get scared and go back inside. Chained to the ground by everything I’ve got going for me. One day though, I’m gonna fly. I just need the courage to take that first step. 

Speaker 4

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

1. Perfect Day 

By: Jonathan L. Age 10, Colleyville, Texas, USA 

Wouldn’t it be great if every once in a while, we were guaranteed a perfect day? One amazingly perfect day. You know, when each piece fits together no matter how difficult the jigsaw puzzle of a day can be. The kind of day when from start to finish things just go that way. Your way. My day would be like this…When I am called on, I know the answer. And as a reward, no homework. When I go to lunch, who has all their favorites at their fingertips? (Points to self.) Me. It just gets better and better. Whose name does the coach actually get right? Who kicks a goal? Me. Whose mom is the first in the pick-up line? Whose mom bought a frozen drink and beef jerky! (Mouths “mine.”) It is a perfect day. And as I get into the car what happens, but my favorite song comes on! We breeze through traffic and when we get home, we don’t have any other plans. That means the afternoon is mine. Truly mine. I can play video games or watch YouTube and it doesn’t matter. And then dinner comes around and whose Dad grilled out and whose sister baked a cake? After dinner Dad’s like (In Dad’s voice.) ‘Let’s go to the movies – you pick, kid.’ Me! I never get to pick. It’s only on the one day that it happens when the stars line up and it ends up being perfect. Today has already been ruined because when I got downstairs for breakfast, my little brother had eaten the last of my favorite cereal. Maybe my perfect day will happen tomorrow. Just one day every once in a while. Is that really too much to ask? 

Speaker 5

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

1. Big Bad Red 

By: Emma Farmer, Age 12, South Carolina, USA 

Why do I have to be the one to bring granny a basket of goodies? Why doesn’t my mom do it? It’s her mother after-all. I know why my mother doesn’t want to go. Truth is, granny is mean as a snake. I’m not even kidding. That crazy old woman made me scrub her floors with a toothbrush and cut her lawn with scissors. Did I mention that her property is two acres? I thought grannies were supposed to give you cookies and presents and kiss your scrapes and scratches. Last year, I broke my leg playing on the swing in her backyard. I screamed and she came running out the door asking if I was alright. I said, “I think I broke my leg” and what did she do? She said, “walk it off.” Um hold up, what? Yep that’s right. That woman broke my childhood. Whatever. Here we are. (Stops.) Wait. What’s that? Oh my god. There’s a wolf on her doorstep. He sees me. What do I do? What do I do? Don’t panic! (Looks down at her basket. Looks at the wolf. Hurls the basket at the wolf.) I can’t believe it! I just scared that wolf away! They should call me Big Bad Red from now on! (Pauses.) Oh no. The basket. He took the basket. I can’t go into granny’s house without that basket. Oh shoot! She just saw me, I have to go in. Hi, granny. (Waving through the window with gritted teeth.) This is going to be like stepping into a mine field. Well, here goes nothing.

Speaker 6

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

1. The Emperor’s Makeover 

By: Aubrey Schweder, Age 12, South Carolina, USA 

Okay, let’s see who is on the calendar today. Ugh, the Emperor. He drives me crazy. He’s always bragging about his good looks. I know. I’ll give him a fantabulous, splendid, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious makeover, that of course won’t actually be superb at all! Now to just wait for him to arrive (looks at watch.) It’s half past two, he should be here, ugh. Of course, he keeps me waiting! (pauses, waiting for emperor to arrive, paces around the room) Ahaaa, he’s here! I have to act natural of course. (Tries a few ‘natural’ poses.) Good afternoon emperor, come have a seat over here. I’ve decided that you may not look in a mirror, because you might be blinded by your own beauty. (Winks at audience.) Now, I’ll just rest these fresh cucumbers on your eyes, while I apply this mask to your face. Hmmm, now let’s see. I’ll start with your hair. (Whispers to audience) I’m shaving it all off. (Makes buzzing noise.) What? Noo I’m not shaving it all off emperor, it’s all part of my master plan.

You’ll look more handsome than ever, I assure you. Now to do your eyebrows. (Makes buzzing noise.) Marvelous, and yes, while you were relaxing, I gave you a manicure and pedicure as well! Haha. Alright are you ready to see your makeover? Three, two, one…. Surprise! Oh, Your Highness, it will be all the rage. When people see it, everyone will be copying you! (Cups hand to ear.) Oh, I think someone’s calling me, got to run! 

Speaker 7

Please copy and paste the following prompt into the chat window.  The competitor has one minute to prepare before delivering the performance.  Time should begin once you paste the prompt into the window.  The actual performance is not timed; only the prep time (1 minute).

1. A Place to Hide 

By: Lillian Orr, Age 12, South Carolina, USA 

Um, could you all stop staring at me please? It’s a little creepy. Look, I didn’t mean to trespass. I.I…was trying to get some rest. I was so tired last night. You see, my evil stepmother sent out her huntsman to try to try to kill me. What would you do if you were trying to escape with your life? I didn’t have a choice. I ran and ran and this was the first house I found. Honestly, this wasn’t what I was expecting. Everything is so tiny. Little beds, little chairs, little tables…. but, I don’t care, I just need somewhere to hide. My evil stepmother hates me because every time she talks to that stupid mirror, it always tells her that I’m the fairest in the land and goes on and on about my fair skin that’s white like snow and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. So, I guess she figured if I was dead, she would be the fairest and prettiest of them all. That’s why I’m here. I don’t even want to be the fairest of them all. I was so tired that I fell asleep in these beds. (Pause.) Maybe we can come up with a compromise. How about this: if you guys don’t tell anyone that I’m here, I will make meals for you, clean your cottage, mend your clothes, take care of you when you are sick, and this will be our little secret.