Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech & Dramatic Arts Association

09/08/2026

Kim Nofsinger of Brookwood High School, 2025 WISDAA Ethel Heise New Speech Coach Award honoree, and multiple-time One-Act Theatre Critic's Choice and Directing award-winner, passed away last week. Mr. Nofsinger also was an accomplished dancer and dance instructor, and inspired generations of students in performing arts. His former student and assistant coach, Loralee Arbanas, is carrying his legacy forward, directing theatre and coaching speech at Brookwood. Our hearts go out to the Brookwood community while they mourn this outstanding educator's passing.

View Kim Neal Nofsinger's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

05/08/2026

Congratulations to the schools, students, and coaches for their achievements at the 2026 State Speech Festival! For press releases, see https://www.wisdaa.org/state-speech-news-releases/

05/07/2026

When you see a young person doing good things in their community — AND — wearing our gear, you celebrate it! Keep up the inspirational work, A.J.!

A few days ago our department received this message:

"My name is A.J. Ludlum and I’m a Senior student at Belmont High School. As part of our graduation requirement we need to do a Senior Project that consists of 20 hrs of volunteering/servicing a purpose that we are passionate about without receiving anything in return. I chose to make sensory kits for people to have available to them when in a time of need. I chose to do these kits because I know how important they can be to someone when they are feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated. I was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 4 and I relied on lots of different sensory items to cope throughout my days and years. I wanted my chance to give back to other people in need of sensory help.

I am wanting to donate you with some of these sensory kits. I hope that they will be a very helpful tool for you to have on hand to help others during their time of need. In the kit are different levels of sensory needs for all ages. Please make sure parents are ok with what is picked out for their child's needs as some might not be for some smaller children.

I am so grateful and honored to be able to help others in need during difficult times. I want to thank you for expecting these kits and allowing me to help others in our community."

A.J. delivered seven of the kits to our department, which will be placed in each squad car and used when needed. Thank you A.J.

05/06/2026

Congratulations to Waunakee teacher, theatre director, WISDAA Hall of Famer, former WISDAA Section 3 Chair, and all-around great human, Rick Braun!

Mr. Braun received nine nominations this year.

04/20/2026

After Friday’s severe weather gave way to a clear Saturday, we were fortunate enough to have with us at the State Speech & Debate Festival. Students can continue with Speech in college! Plus, they offer an excellent summer camp for high school students; learn more at the link in bio.

04/20/2026

After Friday’s severe weather gave way to a clear Saturday, we were fortunate enough to have UW-Whitewater Forensics with us at the State Speech & Debate Festival. Students can continue with Speech in college! Plus, they offer an excellent summer camp for high school students; learn more at https://www.uww.edu/ce/camps/additional/whitewaterforensics.

04/17/2026

With a heavy heart, we have cancelled FRIDAY time slots at the State Speech & Debate Festival. Next week, we will send details to coaches about shifting to virtual. We are still on for SATURDAY, though!