2016 ST. CROIX COUNTY
4-H MINI TALENT EXPLOSION
GENERAL GUIDELINES
In case of cancellation, listen to WEVR Radio Station
Saturday, February 13, 9am-4pm
New Richmond Commons
421 South Green (or 421 South Arch)
The purpose of the 4-H Talent Explosion is to recognize and celebrate the artistic
accomplishments of 4-H members at the county level. Our primary focus is on
participation and education.
1.
Participation is open to all 4-H members, Cloverbuds through 13th grade, in Arts/Crafts,
Photography, Drama, and Music. Cloverbuds are not eligible to participate in speaking,
interpretive reading, or demonstrations.
2.
All Music and Drama Talent Explosion activities should be conducted continuously, and
will be held, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
3.
Damage of property will be the responsibility of individual, club or county.
4.
Performances will be selected by coordinating committees.
5.
Each area chairperson is responsible for providing the necessary information and forms
for their area. They will also communicate pertinent information as needed to club
directors and participating individuals. If they feel it would be helpful in their area, the
chairperson will print schedules or other information for participating 4-H members and
the audience to be made available the day of the festival.
6.
If any county group (music or drama) uses fake weaponry, they MUST notify their agent
prior to the event. REAL WEAPONS ARE NEVER ALLOWED!!!!
ARTS, CRAFTS, & PHOTOGRAPHY
Saturday, 1-3PM
The Arts, Crafts, and Photography program at Talent Explosion will consist of two main
areas – EVALUATION, providing 4-H members the opportunity to have their art, craft and/or
photography items evaluated and displayed, the opportunity for any interested 4-H member,
parent, volunteer or Talent Explosion attendee to participate in educational sessions in the
Arts.
EVALUATION
4-H members who wish to have their art, craft or photography item(s) evaluated and
displayed at Talent Explosion MUST be present at the event.
Evaluation of art, craft and photography items will take place in a face-to-face conference
with a judge. Judging will begin at 1pm and continue until 3 pm. Participants may bring their
items anytime within this period that fits their schedule. Pre-registration for a judging time is
not required.
WHAT IS ELIGIBLE FOR EVALUATION? Any original, creative art or craft item, or original
photo that is a result of a 4-H program (no graded school projects) is eligible for evaluation.
Participants MUST attend the event and present their item in order to have it evaluated.
Projects are to be labeled with the county and member name. Photo exhibits should have
information attached to the back of the exhibit. Items must have been created or taken (in
the case of photography) since last year’s Talent Explosion.
DEFINITIONS:
Art: any original work completed by the exhibitor
Craft: items from a kit, make by following a pattern or directions, using a
mold, commercial mold, picture or example.
Photography: original photographic work. No size limitations on photos.
Exhibits may be matted, but must not be framed.
Staff in the Photography area will prepare photographs for display by attaching small Velcro
tabs to the back of the photo or matte. Participants bringing photos for display should plan
the backing, if any they feel comfortable with considering this method of display.
LIMITS: There are NO limits on the number of participants per county, nor on the number of
items per participant.
DRAMA
Saturday, 9AM-12PM
EVALUATION SESSIONS:
Leaders, parents and family members, as well as participants, are encouraged to attend
evaluation sessions following their performance.
ON STAGE DRAMA
1.
Performances must include two or more actors.
2.
Each group is limited to one play of any length up to 30 minutes, including set-up and
take-down time. It is suggested that performances be about 20 minutes in length.
3.
All actors must be 4-H members. The director(s) may be a 4-H member(s) and/or
adult(s).
4.
Drama groups should plan to furnish any props and sound effect equipment that they
need.
5.
No special stage lighting or sound will be available.
6.
No hay bales, straw bales, candles or real fire can be used.
MINI-DRAMAS AND SKITS
1.
Mini-Dramas and Skits can be performed at or in any place (setting) and might include
puppetry, creative dramatics, etc. No stage and lighting will be provided.
Performances must include two or more actors.
2.
Mini-Dramas may use props and costumes. Skits use minimal props and costumes
(less is better).
3.
Performance length can be up to 15 minutes, including set-up and take-down time.
4.
All actors must be 4-H members. The director(s) may be a 4-H member(s) and/or
adult(s).
5.
No hay bales, straw bales, candles, or real fires allowed.
SPEECHES, READINGS AND DEMONSTRATIONS
Saturday, 1-4PM
ORIGINAL SPEECH
DIVISIONS: Novice
Junior
Intermediate
Senior
Grades 3 & 4
Grades 5 & 6
Grades 7 & 8
Grades 9 - 13
1 to 2 minutes
2 to 3 minutes
3 to 4 minutes
4 to 5 minutes
1.
Talks should be developed by the member who is presenting it.
2.
No posters or props may be used.
3.
All speakers will be critiqued with a written evaluation.
4.
Cloverbuds recite the 4-H Pledge as a club group. If your club only has 1 Cloverbud
who would like to participate, we can add them with another club.
INTERPRETIVE READING
DIVISIONS: Novice
Junior
Intermediate
Senior
Grades 3 & 4
Grades 5 & 6
Grades 7 & 8
Grades 9 - 13
1 to 2 minutes
2 to 3 minutes
3 to 4 minutes
4 to 5 minutes
1.
Selections may be prose or poetry, original or a selected reading. If not an original,
the author should be credited. Readings should not be memorized.
2.
All readers should use full size copies of their selections (not note cards).
3.
No podium will be provided.
4.
All readers will be critiqued with a written evaluation.
DYNAMIC DUOS
DIVISIONS: Novice
Junior
Intermediate
Senior
Grades 3 & 4
Grades 5 & 6
Grades 7 & 8
Grades 9 - 13
up to 6 minutes
up to 6 minutes
up to 6 minutes
up to 6 minutes
1.
Selections may be original or a selected reading, up to a maximum of 6 minutes.
2.
Dynamic Duos are performed by a team of two 4-H members of any combination of
ages in grades 3 and up. This is an Interpretive Reading consisting of a dialogue for
two. If not an original work, the author should be credited. Readings should NOT be
memorized.
3.
All readers should use full size copies of their selections (not note cards).
4.
No podium will be provided.
FORMAL DEMONSTRATIONS and ILLUSTRATED TALKS
AGE DIVISIONS:
Junior
Intermediate
Senior
Grades 3 to 5
Grades 6 to 8
Grades 9 to 13
4 to 7 minutes
5 to 8 minutes
8 to 10 minutes
1. The definitions for these two categories are as follows: FORMAL DEMONSTRATION =
showing and telling the audience how to make or do something. Presents information
through actions with an explanation. Has an introduction, body and conclusion followed
by a time to answer questions. ILLUSTRATED TALK = Presents information with the
use of visual aids such as maps, charts, posters, graphs, pictures, slides or models. Has
an introduction, body, conclusion, and a time to answer questions.
2. The demonstration contest is a St. Croix County Fair class. Blue, Red, White and Pink
county fair ribbons, along with fair premiums will be awarded. Fair premiums for
demonstrations will be included in the exhibitor’s fair check following the county fair.
3. Demonstrations must be developed by member(s) presenting it.
4. Teams shall consist of two or more members.
5. Table and easel will be provided. All other “props” will be furnished by 4-H’er. Kitchen or
other special facilities will NOT be available.
6. The top two demonstrators in the intermediate and senior divisions will be selected to
participate in the State Fair. State fair participants must be at least 12 years of age.
MUSIC
Saturday 9AM-12PM
TYPES OF PERFORMANCES COULD INCLUDE:
Vocal:
Instrumental:
Dance:
Novelty:
Five or more vocalists with or without accompaniment, with or without props.
Accompanists may be recorded, but must not include vocals.
Five or more instrumentalists with standard musical instruments, with or without
costumes and props.
Five or more dancers. Accompaniment may be recorded, with or without
costumes or props.
Five or more vocalists, instrumentalists or dancers, or any combination of these
three. Must express themselves and place emphasis on musical expression.
Pantomiming to recordings is not permitted. Accompanists may be recorded,
but must not include vocals.
1.
Accompaniment and direction can be by 4-H members or adults.
2.
Performances must be no longer than 15 MINUTES in length, including set-up and take-down.
Make sure that your performance, not only the music, singing, etc., but that EVERYTHING
you do on stage fits within the 15 minute time limit! If you go over the 15 minute limit, you may
be dropped a placing, at the judges’ discretion.
3.
Adult accompanists or directors will not be allowed to sing along with their group’s
presentation.
4.
Groups must supply any props needed other than music stands, piano and folding chairs.
5.
Leaders, parents and family members, as well as participants, are encouraged to attend
evaluation sessions following their performance.
6.
No hay bales or straw bales, candles or real fire can be used.