The Ritz is proud to announce the 4th annual Black History Oratorical Competition!!
This year's competition will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2011.
APPLICATION DEADLINE- Monday, January 24
The theme is PORTRAITS: Color! Rhythm! Melodies! Soul!
Join us as we embark on an oratorical journey from African drums to street beats, from work songs to jazz rhythms, from Negro spirituals to ‘golden’ gospel, from singing the blues to painting the blues, from the Griot to the poet, from bebop to hip hop; the music we hear, the songs we sing, the dances we perform, the poetry and rap we feel, the pictures we see, the style and color of clothing we wear, even the food we eat are all framed inside an artistic and cultural portrait of struggle, faith and triumph with words and stories. The cultural portrait of Africans and African American life is a canvas of creative words, music, dance, poetry, song, style, design and movement. Traditional African culture, art, music and dance have a defined imprint on world culture. African American art and culture is classic, creative and spiritual and likewise has influenced world culture and industry. The performing and visual arts are mirrored in the social, economic, educational and spiritual climate of the times. These cultural and artistic expressions define the persons, the places and the things that have profoundly become a part of our society, our journey and our history.
Using these elements of heritage as a foundation,
each contestant’s presentation should address the culture, the art or the artists of the African Diaspora that has framed the arts. The contestant can explore an individual(s), contribution or style, types of artistic expression or culture, influences of art and culture that create the Portraits: Color, Rhythm, Melodies and Soul.
GUIDELINES
Eligibility: High Schools students currently enrolled in Grades 10, 11 or 12 are eligible to apply.
- A letter from a guidance counselor or other administrative equivalent must be submitted with application to verify academic standing.
- Contestants shall prepare orations and speak on the theme. Each contestant will have 4-6 minutes for their oration (not less than four minutes and no more than six minutes).
- A typed copy of the presentation MUST be presented to the contest committee by Friday, February 11, 2011.
- All orations must be memorized. Reading from note cards, paper, or other written materials during the final competition will not be permitted.
- Contestants should not include their name, school, city, state or any other identifying information about themselves during the oration.
- All applications must be received by January 24, 2011. Applications may be submitted by fax to 904-632-555, Attn: Teneese Williams, by email to tthomas@coj.net, or by standard US mail.
- Costumes and hand props are permitted. No stage props permitted. A podium & chair will be provided upon request.
- No audio-visual or CD accompaniment permitted.
- Contestants are required to attend an orientation on Monday, January 31, 2011 at 6PM at the Ritz Theatre and Museum.
SCORING
Scoring procedures will conform to a point system, where each contest can receive up to a total of 100 combined points in four categories. Categories and points are:
- Delivery- 25 points
- Effectiveness- 30 points
- Content- 35 points
- Appearance/Appropriateness of Attire- 10 points
Further details on penalties and scoring will be given at the contestant orientation.
PRIZES
Contestants will compete to win prizes including
- 2-day all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. including hotel, travel aboard Amtrak, and meal allowance.
- Savings bonds
- Super Gift Card prize pack
- Many more incredible prizes!
The Annual Black History Month Oratorical Competition is presented by the Ritz Theatre and Museum in association with AMTRAK, Citi, and the 100 Black Men of Jacksonville, Inc.
