SpeechGeek wraps up our fifth season of publication with five scripts perfect for use in supplemental Prose and Poetry at the 2008 NFL National tournament

Mixed Up by Meredith Stein
Prose Interpretation

Growing up in a family of a mixed marriage often presents social and emotional challenges. When the budding relationship between a teenage girl and her best friend Marcus takes a romantic turn, mother neither accepts nor approves of the young couple. This selection suitable for middle and high school competitors explores race, relationships, and the double standards we often create.

Could’ve Been Worse
by Trevor Anders

Everyone’s had a bad first date. Turns out that some folks have a lot of them. This quirky selection steers a young man through a bad first date and the ensuing aftermath. The good news is that he has a best friend who lets him know it could have been worse.

Cutting Cords
by Trevor Anders

Two brothers separated by an ocean attempt to mend their broken relationship on the elder’s wedding day. This selection explores the emotions and experiences that connect twins while showing just how difficult-and sometimes forgiving-siblings can be.

Growing Up Girl
by Julia Nava

It isn’t easy growing up as a girl in America. Between trying to make the grade, win the game, and get the friends, girls are faced with an oppressive pressure to achieve perfection. By examining the struggle to be herself, we are able to empathize with what modern girls face on the path to adulthood.

Memory Drive
by Michael Hix and Will Schuster

Human beings are driven by memory–either the need to rely on it for day to day activities or to shape their personal history and identity. So what happens when our memory fails us (”Malfunction”) or is incomplete (”Ghosts”).

We’re flipping the publication schedule a bit with the early release of SpeechGeek’s Season Five: Anniversary 2008. Season Five: Nationals 2008 will now be available on April 15, 2008.

Pinnochiante by Allen Harris
Humorous Interpretation

Everyone knows the story of Pinocchio, right? Author Allen Harris provides a muy caliente spin on a fairy tale classic that provides a modern sensibility with a hint of sarcasm. Okay, more than just a hint.

The Crayon Map by Oliver Leslie and Christopher Marianetti
Dramatic Interpretation

People deal with loss in different ways. Some folks turn to rationalization, while others resort to pure escapism to cope with life and loss. This dramatic interpretation spins out of reality into a fantasy word of possibility that provides hope for Aaron as he deals with the loss of his younger sibling. An exciting selection that combines heart and humor with hope and loss!

Ahidjo by Christopher Marianetti and Cormac Copperhead
Humorous Interpretation

Its often said that given enough time we will eventually become our parents. In the short term, that seems like an impossibility. For Jacub, that impossibility becomes a reality as a magic flower transports him back in time to live the life of his relatives. Through his experiences he becomes more appreciative of the lives of his ancestors and earns a better appreciation of what it takes to be a father and a son.

Rodger Dodger by Lindsey Marquette
Dramatic Interpretation

When most kids want a dog, they beg until their parents give in. Some folks, like Abby, just steal one and hope no one else notices. This delightful script provides a look at the lessons learned from both getting and owning a pet. A great script for middle school students that will charm audiences.

Inspired by a True Story by William Ruff
Dramatic Interpretation

Hollywood has told the tale of Jake, an exceptional young man with a story that has caused millions to fall in love with him. The only problem is that the Jake on screen isn’t the person in real life. Even though Jake has a learning disability, he has high hopes for his own success and chance at stardom. When his dream falters, it forces him to examine the differences between the uplifting story on screen and disappointment from missed opportunities.

Grace by Jodie Anderson
Duo Interpretation
In her short drama, “Grace,” playwright Jodie Anderson tackles the weighty issues of age and maternity for two female performers. Janice is a 37 year-old woman who is struggling to conceive while Christy is a 17 year-old high school student who discovers that she’s got a growing problem to deal with. When the two women meet in a doctor’s office – they find themselves in a complicated relationship that challenges who they are and how they want their lives to be.

Firm Foundation by Lillian White
Duo Interpretation
Putting together their lives after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Paul and Michelle realize the major repairs that are necessary for their marriage to survive the aftermath. White’s thoughtful characters and compelling story make this a great male/female duo.

Tension at Home by Saeed Jones
Poetry Interpretation – Program Builder
Author Saeed Jones examines his own family tensions in three poems that make a perfect foundation for a poetry program. Often feeling isolated from the rest of his family and heritage, Jones reflects on his own identity and how he came to be so different from those around him. Program builders allow performers of poetry the opportunity to customize their program by adding additional poetry to make their performance even more unique in competition.

Sleepwalking Home by Saeed Jones
Dramatic Interpretation
Getting away from home to ease both familial and personal burdens, the narrator of this monologue embarks on a journey through the woods and self. While away, he learns the world he once new could be gone forever, though he cannot reach his family to find out for sure. This monologue works well for both dramatic interpretation and solo acting events.

He Looked Like a Mortician by Corey Alderdice
Prose Interpretation
Leslie Lohman has an important date to keep, she just doesn’t know about it. When Death comes calling, Leslie’s time is running out. Death, a neurotic and overworked employee of the Boss, senses there’s something different about this encounter that may wind up changing Leslie’s life for the better. Alderdice combines wit and situation to provide performers with a humorous prose that is sure to please audiences.