It's a problem-solving and creativity competition. Kids in teams of 3-7 create a 5-10 minute skit and also present an improv-like instant challenge at a tournament competition.
At the beginning of the year, teams select their skit assignment, which has some required components for the team to include however they choose.
The emphasis is on creative and unique solutions. Teams have budget-limits to encourage resourcefulness.
All work needs to be done 100% by the kids on the team. That means the writing, building, costumes, and idea generating all come only by the kid team members.

DI develops skills such as:

Creative Problem-Solving: DI teams are rewarded for creative and innovated solutions.
Planning Skills: Teams have to map out what components they have to do, project manage the process, and manage time.
Student-Led: DI requires all work to be done by the kids. That builds their resourcefulness and discipline.
Teamwork: the teams have to develop ways to brainstorm ideas as well as make decisions as a team. This includes conflict resolution skills as well as leveraging the different skills and interest among team members.
It’s Fun. Each kid has an opportunity to work on areas they are most interested in like storytelling, acting, set/prop building, costumes, and more.

Practices: Each Team Manager (parent or other adult coach) sets the schedule. Typically teams practice for an hour once a week from late fall through February. More practices and work sessions come up closer to the competition date.
Every team needs a parent volunteer coach (team manager), so please consider volunteering to coach. The bonus for coaches is you get to set the schedule that works for you.
Cost tends to be around $100 per kid for the year. For teams that qualify and choose to attend, the State Competition costs more and the Global Competition requires travel and additional costs.

The team competition is divided in age groups. Younger kids can be in a team a level up.
Rising Stars: K-2nd Grade. This level is non-competitive, meaning teams are not scored and ranked.
Elementary – 3rd-5th Grade
Middle: 6th-8th Grade
Secondary – 9th-12th Grade

Regional Tournament:

All teams participate in the regional competition, which typically takes place in the North Shore area in late February.

Each team is expected to provide a few adult volunteers at the tournament.
Teams are given a 1-2 hour time slot but encouraged to stay around and watch other teams.
Manage parent expectations: it takes kids a lot of work to come up with solutions they can create themselves. The end product may look more scrappy and less polished than an adult-led activity. Don’t underestimate the skills they’ve developed in the process.

State and Global Tournaments

Teams (3rd grade & up) are scored and ranked. Top ranking teams have option to continue to next level (State and then Global).
State and Global Tournaments: Teams 3rd grade and up have a chance to advance to the state competition in mid-spring and global competition in May.

“Team Challenges” (Skit Types)

All challenge skits are prepared in advance, last around 8 minutes, and typically have some storytelling, costumes, and props.
Rising Stars (K-2) have one skit assignment.
Teams from other age groups get to select their Team Challenge. Every year there is a Team Challenge in the following categories: Technical, Scientific, Fine Arts, Improvisational, Engineering, and Service Learning. Each type emphasizes some elements more than others.

“Instant Challenges”

The team gets an instant challenge on the spot at the competition and has around 5-10 minutes to complete it.
Instant Challenges are quick creative and critical-thinking exercises. Instant Challenges can be task-based, performance-based, or a combination of both.
All teams practice Instant Challenges during the year and are given one at the tournament.

Registration is closed for 2023-24 school year. Registration for the 2024-25 school year will be in August and September.

2024 Tournament Dates:

Saturday, February 24, 2024- Regional Tournament. All teams participate.

Saturday, April 6, 2024 - State Tournament. Teams 3rd grade and up that qualify can participate.