Dickinson State University (DSU) is organizing its inaugural Storybook Showdown, a storytelling competition open to both high school and DSU students. High school contestants will vie for scholarship awards: $1,000 for first place, $750 for second, and $500 for third. DSU students will compete for cash prizes of $300, $150, and $50 for the top three positions respectively.
The event involves participants delivering a seven-minute monologue from a chosen book or an original tale. They are encouraged to use costumes, props, sound effects, and acting skills to enhance their performance. The competition is designed to foster creativity and communication skills, along with a passion for storytelling.
Cassidy Venner, Graduate Assistant for the Theater Club, stated, “They provide a platform to showcase talent, push creative boundaries, and gain valuable experience. Events like the Storybook Showdown deserve to be celebrated and supported.”
Sarah Crossingham, assistant professor of education, commented, “We have incredibly talented students on campus and in the area, especially in speech and theatre. This is a fantastic way to showcase those talents while encouraging strong communication skills.”
The competition is scheduled for April 23 at 1:30 PM in Stickney Auditorium on the DSU campus. Participants must choose stories suitable for general or young audiences from a provided, pre-written storybook without any alterations.
Performers should enhance storytelling through voice modulation, character voices, gestures, facial expressions, props, costumes, and sound effects, ensuring each performance remains under seven minutes. Judging criteria include creativity, clarity, audience engagement, and overall delivery.
Participants are responsible for safe and manageable props and equipment. A panel of judges will score performances according to a detailed rubric, with all decisions being final.
This event offers students an opportunity to express themselves, win prizes, and connect with fellow storytellers. The community is invited to join the event on April 23.
