Winter season has already been busy for the Speech team. This year’s team consists of almost 70 performers in 20 different events.

“I’ve been coaching Speech at ADM for the past eight years and this is by far the biggest team we’ve ever had!” said Jacqueline Seidl, Speech teacher and coach.

Although this year’s Speech Team had some issues–for example, semester tests the week before contest instead of in December–by the 23rd of January all of the students were ready to perform and do their best for the Large Group District Contest at Valley High School.

Parents and friends were invited to come cheer on the performers. Performances spanned from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

In Speech, each group has to obey certain contest rules to avoid disqualification. For example, the only group allowed to wear costumes is Choral Reading. Choral Reading and Reader’s Theatre members were allowed to have scripts, while Ensemble Acting needed to have their entire scripts memorized.

Out of 24 entries, 11 moved on to the next level – the State Competition. They are listed as follows:

Freshman Reader’s Theatre: The Meaning of Life

Freshman Short Film: It’s Not What It Looks Like

Varsity Short Film: A Fork in the Road

Varsity Mime: Mom of the Year

Varsity Mime: Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Varsity Improv: Norris, Norris, Richardson

Varsity Ensemble Acting: Litmus Test

Varsity Ensemble Acting: Flowers From Our Father

Varsity Reader’s Theatre: Tease

Varsity Choral Reading: A Woman’s Reflection

Varsity Musical Theatre: Cell Block Tango

The groups will next perform at the State Competition on the 6th of February at Waukee.