• There are eight rounds, each with its own Classic Poem. Those are accessible here. 
• Before each round, the Classic Poem will be recited by a non-competitor.
• Teams must compete in at least four, but up to all eight rounds.
• Solo performers can compete in up to two rounds.
• The winner of each round will receive $100. The round winner can be from a team or solo competitor.
• Depending on the number of competitors, preliminary rounds will be conducted during the day. Competitors will be notified in advance of this necessity.

Teams:

• Each team can have up to eight performers.

• No student can be on more than one team.

• Team members may compete in as many rounds as they choose.

• Any number of members may recite during any portion of a round for a team delivery.

• A team member does not have to compete in the final to be considered part of the team.

• Participants cannot be changed once the competition begins.

• Each team must have an adult adviser.

• Teams must compete in a minimum of four, but up to all eight rounds.

• For the Team Award of $500, scores from the top four rounds will be counted.

Solo Performers:

• Individuals can compete in up to two rounds. 

• Any solo performer looking for team membership should contact josh.wood@ocsarts.net for assistance.

• Solo Performers will be eligible for each round’s top prize of $100.

• Each Solo Performer must have an adult adviser.

Students will be judged on the following criteria in their performance of the Original Poem, not necessarily listed in order: 

• Poetic craft (elements such as imagery, word choice, and rhythm)

• Dramatic presence (including articulation and movement)

• Time (3-minute maximum)

• Audience engagement

• Overall artistic display

• Relevance to the Classic Poem 

The Original Poem can respond to the Classic in a number of ways:

• Incorporating lines from the Classic or similar language choices

• Showing parallel subject matter

• Being similar in tone or structure

• Displaying like elements or motifs

• The connections are up to the creativity of the poets!

The following guidelines will be in place for the competition as well. 

• Students will lose one point for every 15 seconds over the 3-minute maximum

• No singing or non-verbal vocalizations

• No props (The poet is the only prop)

• If a student is unable to finish their performance for whatever reason, the student will not have a second chance to perform. Scores will be awarded accordingly

• Poems must be memorized. Any student who reads will not receive a score

• No overly vulgar or offensive language or content

  • OC RYSE occurs at a public school and is intended for a broad audience. Language choices that are considered inappropriate should not be included in your response poems, and inclusion may be grounds for disqualification. Common sense should dictate what is appropriate; when this is unclear, the adult advisor is responsible for providing guidance or contacting the event organizers. 

  • With instances of mature language and topics (such as abuse, addiction) poets are simply asked to write & perform with mindfulness and the maturity those subjects deserve.

Teams that violate the guidelines may be disqualified without a refund at any time.

Round Prizes: $100 each

Top Team: $500

*Top Soloist: $200

*Judge’s Pick: $200

*These are awarded at the discretion of the judges. The Top Soloist will be awarded only if that student did not win their round. The Judge’s Pick can be awarded to multiple performers.