Public Declamation

Public Declamation has a long and rich history here at Boston Latin School. A part of the earliest classical curriculum in colonial days, the tradition, lost over time, was revived in the mid-1800’s, and has been in place ever since. Four times each year, students compete to earn a spot in the Public Declamation performance, given for their peers in our assembly hall. The final performance each year, Prize Declamation, takes place on Reunion Weekend in early May, when qualifying students declaim before judges from the 25th and 50th year reunion classes, earning prizes and honors for their performances.

Texts may include poetry or passages from plays, novels, or great speeches. Students’ presentations are graded on accuracy, interpretation, and oratorical skill. Declamation grades appear on the report card, although they are not factored into a student’s GPA.

Students have additional opportunities to declaim in many modern foreign language and classics courses.

Please note: Click here to access Public Declamation criteria, updated for 2022-23.

First Public Declamation (class VI)

Interest Form 10/11/22 (T)

Tryouts 10/13/22 (Th) 2:30 - 4:30 (auditorium)

Date 10/27/22 (Th): R1 and R2 (auditorium)

Second Public Declamation (class IV)

Interest Form 12/06/22 (T)

Tryouts 12/08/22 (Th) 2:30 - 4:30 (auditorium)

Date 12/20/22 (T): R1 and R2 (auditorium)

Third Public Declamation (class V)

Interest Form 01/24/23 (T)

Tryouts 01/26/23 (Th) 2:30 - 4:30 (auditorium)

Date 02/02/23 (Th): R1 and R2 (auditorium)

Fourth Public Declamation (class III)

Interest Form 03/14/23 (T)

Tryouts 03/16/23 (Th) 2:30 - 4:30 (auditorium)

Date 03/30/23 (Th): R1 and R2 (auditorium)

Prize Public Declamation (audience TBD but traditionally class I & II)

Rehearsals -- 5/1/23 (M) and 5/2/23 (T) 2:30 - 4:30 (auditorium)

Date -- 05/05/23 (F)

Class Declamation

Students are required to declaim a selection in their English classes typically three times during the academic calendar (an exception of two this year due to the global pandemic). Students’ class performances are graded on accuracy, interpretation, and oratorical skill. Declamation grades appear on the report cad as a separate column designated as “visual/performing arts,” although they are not factored into a student’s GPA.

Students have additional opportunities to declaim in many modern foreign languages and classics courses.

STUDENTS MAY NOT REPEAT A TEXT AT ANY POINT DURING THEIR BLS CAREERS FOR CLASS DECLAMATION.