Big 8 Conference Tournament

2011 — WI/US

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Play Acting

Event Description:

Purpose of the Category

To develop skill in ensemble dramatic presentation of a scene or cutting from a play.

Definition of the CategoryPlay Acting is a group presentation of a memorized scene or cutting from a play without costume, make-up,lights, or properties other than an available table (or desk as a substitute) and chairs, if required. Emphasisis on character development and movement, with physical actions – other than stage movement –pantomimed.

Rules
1. Play Acting is a memorized ensemble presentation by 2-5 students. Material must be from a publishedsource. Original material is not allowed. Adaptations should be for the purpose of continuity only, andlines attributed to one character in a published play or script may not be attributed to another characterduring the performance. The coach must bring a photocopy of the students’ original source of materialsto provide to the Tournament Practices and Procedures Committee, should the validity be questioned.
2. An introduction, which includes titles, authors, tone and theme is required, and along with any necessarytransitions, is to be presented without the use of notes. The presentation may begin with a read portion ofthe selected material prior to the presenters’ personal introduction.
3. It is permissible for contestants to play more than one character or for groups to present dramaticmaterial consisting of a series of vignettes. However, entrants should be aware that such materials orproduction styles are subject to critique. Extreme fragmentation of actors into multiple roles may have aseverely adverse impact on the ability to develop a believable character portrayal during the limited timeavailable.
4. Costumes, props, sound (including mechanical or electronic sound effects and music), lighting, andmake-up are not allowed. Available tables and chairs may be used.
5. Maximum time limit: 12 minutes, with an allowable 15-second grace period. There is no minimum timerequirement. Vocal music, if used, must be incidental and consist of no more than 30 seconds total. Anyentry exceeding the grace period and/or the vocal music time limit may not be ranked first in the round.If all entries in a round exceed either time limit, no first rank shall be given in that round.

Criteria for Evaluation
1. The extent to which the introduction prepared the audience for the scene being presented.
2. The extent to which the interpretation established and projected the motivations, emotions, andinterrelationships of the characters though the use of voice. Individual judges may lower the rank due touse of profanity or vulgarity.
3. The extent to which the interpretation established and projected the motivations, emotions, andinterrelationships of the characters through bodily movement.
4. The extent to which the interpretation had consistency among such factors as blocking, tempo, andclimax.
5. The extent to which the performance constituted a well-paced and unified segment of dramatic action.