LCS hosts State Large Group Speech Contest Saturday

Le Mars Community Schools will host the 2010 State Large Group Speech Contest this Saturday.

Nearly 450 groups from 82 schools will be competing, according to Sherri Permeswaran, LCS language arts teacher and speech coach who also serves as contest manager for event.

Those competing Saturday advanced from northwest Iowa district competitions held Jan. 23 at Spencer High School, Sioux City East High School, Sheldon High School and Rockwell City-Lytton High School.

There will be 15 centers set up for the competition. The contest centers will be in both the high school and middle school, with students gathering in the high school cafeteria and Carey Gymnasium when not performing.

Concession stands will be available in both the cafeteria and gym.

"The contest is open to the public with admission at $3, a cheap price for a full day of entertainment," said Permeswaran.

Audience members may enter the contest through the front doors of the middle school or high school.

Those attending the performances may enter the individual centers between, but not during, performances.

Performance lengths vary from five to 35 minutes, depending upon the category.

LCS advanced 19 groups to Saturday's contest, while Gehlen Catholic will have four groups competing.

As contest manager, Permeswaran is responsible for securing the 45 judges, setting up rooms for competition, and scheduling all entries from the various schools.

There are 10 different categories Saturday's competition: One-Act Play, Readers Theatre, Choral Reading, Ensemble Acting, Musical Theatre, Group Improv, Group and Solo Mime, Television Newscasting and Radio Broadcasting.

Competitions will also be held Saturday in the northeast district in Decorah, southeast district in Marion and southwest district in Ankeny.