BG Vette City Virtual Junior Speech Tournament

2020 — Online, KY/US

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Junior - Duo Acting

Event Description:

DUO ACTING--Junior Division

Judge Instructions

Rules Summary

1. In this event, two students perform a scene or cutting with two characters from a published play, TV, or movie script.

2. The maximum time for Duo Acting is ten minutes, including a required introduction. There is a thirty second grace period, after which the student must be dropped in rank/rating. Time signals may be given at the request of the competitor. No violation of the grace period in Regional/State Quarterfinal, Semifinal, or Final rounds may result in disqualification. No performance violating the grace period may receive ‘1’ in the round.

3. No make-up, costumes, props, or lighting are permitted, but two chairs may be used. Doors and walls are considered props and must not be used.

4. The scene or cutting may come from a published play, TV, or movie script, and must contain only two characters with equal sharing of dialogue. Any decision to edit literature from a different venue, potentially defying the author’s intent, to fit within this venue you do at your own risk. Students will not be disqualified for doing so.

5. One or both students may participate in the introduction. The material must be memorized. Each student may portray one and only one character.

Hints for Judges

1. The selection must be a self-contained unit holding together a story itself.

2. Dramatic and humorous selections should be given equal consideration.

3. Criteria for judging include teamwork of the actors, timing, movement, consistent characterization, good speaking skills, pantomime of props, and the comedic or dramatic effect of the scene on the audience.

4. The suitability of the material to the maturity level of the performer should be considered.

Criteria for judging

I. Introduction of Selection

Was there adequate information to set the scene? Innovative introductions should not be discouraged.

II. Teamwork and Characterization

Was there evidence of effective timing, cue work, and rhythm? Was there evidence of character analysis and understanding? Were the characters clearly delineated?

III. Blocking and Stage Movement

Did the scene move appropriately and effectively? Was the use of movement, gestures, and business in evidence as the scene and characterization developed?

IV. Line Delivery

Were the actors clearly understandable? Did the actors adapt to the size of this room?

V. The Scene

Was there a sense of wholeness and total dramatic effect in the scene? Was the selection a self-contained unit holding together a story itself? Suitability of selection to performers: Is the selected material suitable for the maturity level of the students?

FOCUS ON THE PERFORMANCE, NOT THE PIECE