2026 Syllabus - Speech Arts

One of the selections must have been performed at the Local Festival, received a minimum mark of 85 and the recommendation of the local Adjudicator. Additional selections, if applicable, are the competitor's choice but must follow the rules of this category.

It is recommended that selections be contrasting and from different authors. The Adjudicator will take the choice of repertoire into consideration.

Competitors must perform selections that show a contrast in mood (serious, comic, reflective). The Adjudicator will take the choice of repertoire into consideration.

The selection must be performed from memory, except for Public Speaking where cue cards are allowed.

Outlines are required for mime, public speaking and storytelling.

All content and material should be age-appropriate and suitable for all ages/audiences.  Offensive language (profanity) found in piece selections must be replaced with alternate word(s) to ensure a 'clean' version. OMFA reserves the right to reject any selections that have an inappropriate tone, either in style or content. Please contact OMFA if you have any questions.

Competitors must present to the Adjudicator the published book or printed source with edited selections clearly marked, or, if selection is from a free website, bring a printed text citing the author and website source.

The RCM Speech Arts Syllabus is a good resource for examples of poetry and prose excerpts for all age levels.

If the selection is in a language other than English, a translation must be provided to the Adjudicator.

Full costume is not necessary. A suggestion of a costume (hat, shawl, jacket, vest) is sufficient.

Minimal, hand-held stage-props are allowed.

Selections can be:
- Monologues from published works, plays or monologue anthologies
- Stand-alone monologues form "free" websites (monologue archive.com, ace-your-audition.com, dramanotebook.com, stagemilk.com, etc.)
- Poetry from published sources and collections, public domain (poets.org, famouspoetsandpoems.com, etc)

Speech Arts Selections and Resources

Selection(s) can come from one or more of the following categories:

Poetry Solo (Lyric, Narrative, Humorous, Canadian, Original, Slam):

Lyric Poetry Solo a short poem that is contemplative, an expression of the inner thoughts and feelings of the poet. It includes sonnets, odes and elegies. Selections exhibit a graceful musical rhythm and flow. The content is reflective and emotional, typically written in the first person, and the story element is of secondary importance to the emotion/feeling. Not dramatized. No (or limited) movement or gestures so that attention is never drawn away from the language. (Examples include select works of Dickinson, Shelley, Keats, Rossetti, Tagore, etc.)

Narrative Poetry Solo a poem that tells a story, or recounts an event, through verse. It contains a plot, characters, and a setting. It often contains action and dialogue but is told from the narrator's perspective. Usually written in metered verse but does not need to rhyme. Gestures are allowed for emphasis but it is not dramatized. Any movement should flow naturally from the text and the narrator's interpretation. (Examples include select works of Poe, Longfellow, Tennyson, St. Vincent Millay, etc.)

Humorous Poetry Soloa light or humorous poem (examples include select works of Roald Dahl, Shel Silverstein, Ogden Nash, etc.)

Canadian Poetry Solo a published poem written by a Canadian/Indigenous poet. (Examples include select works of Roberts, Service, Carson, Lampman, Atwood, Cohen, Montgomery, Ondaatje, Thomas, etc.)

Original Poetry Solo Competitors perform their own original poem from memory. Performance will be assessed on content, delivery, creativity and originality.

Slam Poetry Solo Original spoken-word poetry that is performance-based, rhythmic, passionate and has a "rise" (climax). Slam poetry makes a clear statement or point on a theme or subject people can relate to. Hip hop music and urban culture are strong influences in this style. Performance will be assessed on content, enthusiasm and style. Props, costumes and music are not allowed. (A recommended resource: Poetry Slam by Gary Glazner).

Prose Solo An excerpt (in paragraph form) from a published story, novel, or essay (fiction or non-fiction). The passage may be abridged to form a unified whole. Prose is non-metrical writing and thus, stories written in verse are not permitted. Selection should include narration, description and dialogue. It should be spoken in a story-telling style and not performed as a dramatic scene. No acting and limited movement around the stage. Competitor may stand or be seated.
- Fiction Prose Solo
- Non-Fiction Prose Solo
- Humorous Prose Solo
- Canadian Prose Solo

Shakespeare Monologue choice of a scene or play by William Shakespeare. Scene may be abridged so that the monologue includes only the words of one character.

Monologue Other Than Shakespeare a scene depicting one character from a published play or published anthology of monologues or a stand-alone monologue. Scene may be abridged so that the monologue includes only the words of one character. Simple portable props and simple costuming are allowed.

Storytelling Solo competitors may write their own original story, or retell, in their own words, a folk, fairy tale, myth or legend.

Public Speaking Solo competitors will prepare and present an original organized speech on a topic of their choice. Content must be suitable for all ages/audiences. The speech should have a defined purpose and clear structure. The speech may be delivered to entertain, influence, or inform the audience. Cue cards are permitted, but eye contact should engage the audience.

Mime Solo Own choice from an original or a published work. Mime is a silent art form that uses body and face as instruments of communication and expression so as to express a mood or present a scenario. Performance may take place in silence, be accompanied by recorded music or live music. Competitors must clearly communicate character, storyline, location and emotion. Economy of movement, eye focus, ability to position objects and maintain consistency of distance are vital. Simple costumes are allowed.

Stand-Up Comedy Solo Perform a comedy skit or sketch, either published material or original. Simple props and costumes are allowed. Content must be suitable for all ages/audiences.

General Rules
All competitors must be an amateur. Please click here for the full definition of Amateur vs Professional: omfa.ca/amateur-vs-professional

No announcement of name or selection is permitted prior to your performance.

Live Festival - originals must be provided at the time of registration.

Virtual Festival - a pdf of the music must be uploaded at the time of registration.

It is important to note that if the Festival office has to contact you because of incomplete information (i.e. missing movements, pieces at the wrong grade level, etc.) will result in an additional $25 charge. Failure to pay the charge will result in disqualification and refunds will not be given.

All criteria listed in the OMFA General Rules (omfa.ca/festival/rules-and-regulations) must be strictly adhered to.

****All of the requirements for video submissions are detailed in the red Virtual Submission Requirements button.****