Learning from the Best DIs at the NIETOC

Each year, the final round of Dramatic Interpretation (DI) at the National Individual Events Tournament of Champions (NIETOC) is a masterclass in emotional authenticity, technical precision, and thematic relevance. This year’s performances were no exception. After closely analyzing top performances, we can extract key lessons about structure, character development, and what it takes to make a final round-worthy DI.

Lessons from the Round

1. Character Arcs Are Essential

Each finalist showcased a clear emotional or psychological arc. In the piece about a father influenced by the men’s rights movement, the protagonist moves from humorous nostalgia to devastating denial and grief. In the courtroom monologue, the speaker evolves from a composed professional to a raw, vulnerable survivor. Great DI scripts do not just present trauma; they illustrate change.

2. Humor and Pathos Can Coexist

Several scripts employed humor in the opening moments. This is not accidental. A touch of levity early on makes the eventual emotional turn more impactful. These performances showed that the best DI performers are not only actors; they are storytellers who understand pacing and audience engagement.

3. The Personal Is Political

Each piece connected deeply personal stories to broader social themes: masculinity, gender identity, sexual assault, colorism, and wartime violence. These stories did not preach; they revealed. This distinction matters. When a piece can root systemic injustice in lived experience, the audience listens.

4. Use of Contrast and Shift

Every performance demonstrated clear vocal and physical contrast: between characters, between emotions, and between time periods. These shifts made the performances dynamic and layered, not monotonous. Great DI does not just rely on powerful content; it relies on transformative delivery.

5. Cultural Specificity Builds Universality

The piece on colorism in the Latinx community stood out for its use of Spanish phrases, references to family dynamics, and culturally specific storytelling. Ironically, this specificity made the story feel more universal. Strong DI invites others into a unique lived experience rather than generalizing it.

How to Write a Compelling Intro for DI

The introduction in a DI piece bridges the gap between character and audience. It is the moment when the performer steps out of the story briefly to help the judge understand why this piece matters. The strongest DI intros from the final round shared several traits:

1. Distinguish the Teaser from the Intro

Most scripts opened with a brief teaser, an in-character moment to hook the audience. The intro then transitioned into a more reflective, narrative voice. This transition must be clear and intentional.

2. Make a Thematic Statement

All successful intros made a powerful claim. For example, in the courtroom piece, the performer stated: "This is not just a fight against one man. It is a fight against a culture that rewards abuse." This kind of statement sets the stakes and prepares the audience to listen with purpose.

3. Provide Context and Author Credit

Each intro framed the setting or theme and identified the author. While this seems like a small thing, it lends credibility and shows respect for the source material.

4. Speak as the Advocate, Not the Actor

The introduction is not the time to perform. It is the time to speak plainly. Use your own voice to show why this piece deserves attention. The best intros treat the audience as intelligent and emotionally present.

Dramatic Interpretation, at its highest level, is about transformation: of the character, the performer, and the audience. These final round pieces remind us that competitive success is not just about choosing the most tragic story. It is about telling that story with nuance, honesty, and intentionality. Students hoping to elevate their DI game should begin with one question: "What do I want my audience to feel after this piece ends?" Then, every decision from cutting to characterization should lead them there.