Join Us for ExpressFest 2026

Published:
by Brightpoint Community College

Now accepting applications for ExpressFest – an event showcasing Brightpoint students’ talents through a speech contest, student film showcase and spoken word poetry slam.

ExpressFest will be held:

Tuesday, November 10, 2026
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Brightpoint Community College
Chester Campus – Nicholas Center, Room N102
13101 Route 1
Chester, Virginia 23831

The event will be free and open to the community.

APPLICATION PROCESS

ExpressFest is open to all current Brightpoint Community College students, including dual enrollment and concurrent enrollment students. Below are details on each contest in the event:

Speech Contest

The theme for the 2026 Speech Contest is IGNITE. All speeches must be connected to this theme.

Rules and criteria:

  • Speeches may be informative, persuasive, or entertaining.
  • Speeches may be delivered extemporaneously or from memory.
  • Brief notes on index cards are permitted.
  • Both content and delivery will be considered during judging.
  • Speeches must be 3-5 minutes in length.
  • Business casual or business professional attire is highly recommended. Students may access the Professional Clothing Closet for assistance. 
  • Speeches must follow the VCCS policy on expressive speech. 
  • All registered students must submit a video recording of their 3-5 minute speech by October 23, 2026.
  • All submissions will be pre-judged using the established Speech Contest Rubric.
  • Five finalists will be selected to present their speeches live at ExpressFest.
  • Selected finalists will be notified by November 2, 2026.

Student Film Showcase

All genres and styles welcome—drama, comedy, documentary, experimental—as long as you can tell your story in 5 minutes or less.

Rules and criteria for films include:

  • Films must not exceed 5 minutes in length.
  • Films should be appropriate for viewers of all ages.
  • Film content must follow the VCCS policy on expressive speech. 
  • Films must be submitted by October 23, 2026.
  • Submissions will be reviewed using the established Student Film Contest Rubric.
  • Three films will be selected for screening at ExpressFest.
  • By submitting a film, students must confirm that Brightpoint has permission to screen the film at ExpressFest and that all individuals involved with the film are aware that it may be shown as a part of the event. 
  • Selected filmmakers will have an opportunity to briefly introduce their films during ExpressFest.
  • Selected finalists will be notified by November 2, 2026. 

Spoken Word/Poetry Slam

There is no required theme for the spoken word/poetry slam content. 

  • Spoken word piece may be informative, persuasive, entertaining or expressive.
  • Pieces may be memorized or delivered extemporaneously with the use of notes.
  • Presentations must follow the VCCS policy on expressive speech. 
  • All registered students must submit a video recording of their piece by October 23, 2026. 
  • All submissions will be pre-judged using the established Spoken Word/Poetry Contest Rubric.
  • Speeches must follow the VCCS policy on expressive speech. 
  • Selected finalists will be notified by November 2, 2026 and invited to perform at ExpressFest. 

Students will perform live at the event.

Apply Now

JUDGING

Judges, who are experts in the relevant academic areas, will evaluate performances using a rubric that will be shared with students upon confirmation. All entries must meet ExpressFest guidelines for length, originality, and content. 

PRIZES

First, second and third place winners in each category will be announced at the event. 

QUESTIONS?

Email Amanda Carpenter-Horning.