The Michigan Interscholastic Forensics Association offers students a chance to participate in tournament-based performance experiences under a number of different categories. The Individual Events of public address and interpretation events include broadcasting, drama interpretation, duo interpretation, extemporaneous speaking, impromptu speaking, informative speaking, multiple interpretation, oratory, poetry interpretation, prose interpretation, sales speaking, or storytelling.  Invitational tournaments and league activities provide opportunities for a student to participate at all levels of difficulty. High school participants compete in an elimination series which includes a regional and state final tournament in each event. The MIFA State Final Tournament determines a state champion in each event, and honors the top schools in three school classes.

For the 2015 season, the West Bloomfield High School (WBHS) award-winning Forensics program has joined with the West Bloomfield Theatre Arts Program to become a formal part of the annual offerings for theatre programs. This decision, as explained by WBHS Drama and Video Production teacher, Micah Greene happened because “It’s a natural fit.  In most high schools, the theatre teacher coaches the forensics teams.  The nature of the activities and the structure of the tournaments naturally lend themselves to connections with theatre.” Additionally, WBHS Debate and English teacher, Joel Thursam explains the decision was based on “Mainly working with Mr. Greene and realizing that a lot of schools do that and [this partnering] gives theatre students an opportunity to act.” Greene and Thursam are the co-coaches of the Forensics Program. Both Greene and Thursam find this decision beneficial. Greene explains that this combination is “a wonderful opportunity for students to enhance their performance skill in an arena on the state level.” Thursam states “Overall for the school it gives kids another opportunity for theatre, and theatre kids compete with many other schools for a broader exposure”

Collectively, Greene and Thursam find the decision of including the Forensics program in the WBHS Theatre Arts Program to be beneficial. It’s a new change to both programs but it is a change that broadens both the Forensics and Theatre Arts Program and gives additional opportunities to students.

Source:

http://themifa.org/content/individual-events