INTERNATIONAL
​SPEECH
Since 2005
Festival
HARMONY TREE
Welcome to HTISF
Harmony Tree International Speech Festival (HTISF) is a Drama & Speech competition hosted by HT Canada. This annual global event aims to provide a valuable out-of-classroom experience for students aged 4-18 through poetry, literature, public speaking and theatre.
HTISF is more than just a competition. It is an inspiring journey that students continue to grow and flourish. Its qualifications, recognized by 100+ top institutions worldwide, foster a global perspective for students and provide a significant platform for them to learn and shine.
Verse Speaking
Prose Reading
Public Speaking
Dramatic Duologue
Monologue
15+ Nations Represented
Global Panel of Adjudicators
Dr. Stefany Wragg
Heathfield School Ascot
Subject Leader in English
Head of English & Published Author. PhD in English Language & Literature to 1550. (University of Oxford),
MPhil (University of Cambridge),
BA (Providence, summa cum laude), PGCE (Buckingham).
Ms. Bonnie Nicholas
The Cathedral School, Townsville
Head of Arts
Accomplished Arts Educator & Theatre Practitioner graduated from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and The University of New South Wales. Nominated for Townsville City Council Arts Award.
Mr. Greg Everard
Heathfield School Ascot
Director of Drama & Theatre Studies
Director, Actor & Administrator with 30+ years of theatrical experience and 17+ years in drama education. Led award-winning productions & served key roles such as President of the Port Elizabeth Athenaeum.
Mr. James Jones
Sidcot School
Head of School
Historian. BA (first class honours) and MA from the University of Sheffield. Former Deputy Head at Wycombe Abbey. Ex. Assistant Housemaster at Brighton College. Ex. Board of Trustees at the Great Learners Trust.
Ms. Kelsey Ranshaw
Vancouver School Board
Performer & Educator
Theatre Practitioner and Board-Certified Educator (Secondary Drama Specialist). BFA & BEd from the University of British Columbia. Experienced in styles like stage, dance, physical theatre, voice acting, musical theatre etc.
Ms Laura Bonsaver
Oxford University Researcher & Published Author
Consultant at UNESCO HQ in Paris. Researcher at the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford.
JD Marsden Prize Winner.
MSc (Distinction), University of London. BA (first class honours), University of Nottingham.
Mr. Michael Holdsworth
Rossall School
Head of Performance Studies
Actor, Director, Teacher, Theatre Maker & Researcher. A graduate of the Royal Scottish Conservatoire. His students have gone on to achieve success in significant shows in London's West End and on other prestigious stages globally.
Mr. Michael Jenkins
Moreton Hall School
Head of Drama
Drama teacher & a seasoned pro with credits both on stage and screen. Leading roles in national UK tours e.g. with the Welsh Musical Theatre Orchestra. Appearances on BBC, ITV and became the face of a global ad campaign in 2016.
Mr. Steve Sark
Ben Lippen School
Int'l Student Program Director
BA in multicultural & diversity studies (Liberty University), MA in TESOL (Columbia Int'l University). Taught English in Asia for 22 years before accepting the position of Int'l Student Program Director at Ben Lippen School in 2015.
Asia Grand Final Syllabus
VERSE SPEAKING
PROSE READING
PUBLIC SPEAKING
MONOLOGUE
Guidelines & Pieces
- Choose one from the two set pieces.
- Piece must be performed from memory, without holding the script.
- The title, author of the piece and character played have to be announced.
- Performance shall not exceed the time limit.
- Blocking shall be designed and developed.
- Simple set (ie 1 table, 2 chairs) allowed. Bulky items shall be avoided.
DRAMATIC DUOLOGUE
Guidelines & Pieces
- Choose one from the two set pieces.
- Both contestants must perform in the same space simultaneously.
- The piece can be chosen based on interest & ability, regardless of gender.
- Piece must be performed from memory, without holding the script.
- The title, author and each character played have to be announced.
- Performance shall not exceed the time limit.
- Blocking shall be designed and developed.
- Simple set (ie 1 table, 2 chairs) allowed. Bulky items shall be avoided.
Grand Final Arrangements
HTISF Certificates
Harmony Tree Canada issues HTISF certificates based on the marks and levels achieved by contestants with grades including Distinction, Merit and Pass respectively. Contestants who pass the first round will receive their certificates.
HTISF qualification is recognized by 100+ top institutions from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland, with a number of schools offered entrance or performing arts scholarships exclusively for HT.
HTISF Patrons
