BGJHS Christmas Senior Virtual Tournament

2020 — Online, KY/US

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Senior - Duo Interpretation

Event Description:

DUO INTERPRETATION—Senior Division (2020-2021)

Judge Instructions

Summary of Rules

1. In this event, two students perform a scene or cutting from a published play, novel, short story, or movie script. The maximum time for Duo Interpretation 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.
2. The selection may be from a published play, novel, short story, or movie script, and the two competitors must have equal share of dialogue.
3. Offstage focus must be employed when one character speaks to another character; however, if the speaker is supposed to address the audience, he/she may make eye contact with the audience. There are no properties. Except in the introduction, students may not make obvious eye contact with one another.
4. Limited movement is permissible in the introduction and during the selection. Limited movement is defined as movement within an area of ten feet in diameter. The area may be used for actions including bending, stooping, turning, and pivoting. When a "teaser" taken directly from the script is used in the introduction, this is considered part of the selection and movement is therefore restricted as above. Except in the introduction, no touching is allowed.
5. The selection should be memorized. One or both students may participate in the introduction. Competitors in Duo Interpretation may portray one or more characters as needed. Dialogue should be equally shared between the performers.

Hints for Judges

1. The selection must be a self-contained unit holding together a story itself. Dramatic and humorous selections should be given equal consideration.
2. Pay attention to include teamwork, timing, consistent characterization, good speaking skills, and the comedic or dramatic effect of the scene on the audience. Delivery should be interpretation rather than acting.
3. Focal placement should be offstage, suggestive of actions, and appropriate for the heights of characters.
4. The suitability of the material to the maturity level of the performer should be considered. Base your decision on the performance, not your taste in literature.

Criteria for judging

I. Introduction of Selection

Was there adequate preparation for the scene? Innovative introductions should not be discouraged.

II. Vocal Effectiveness

Were the students clearly understandable? (diction, projection, etc.) Did the students adapt to the size of the room?

III. Teamwork and Selection of Material

Was there evidence of effective timing, cue work, and rhythm?

IV. Character Development

Was there evidence of character analysis and understanding? Were characters clearly delineated? (use of body, facial expressions, etc.) Was focal placement offstage, suggestive of actions, and appropriate for the heights of characters?

V. Effectiveness of Scene:

Was there a sense of wholeness and total dramatic effect in the scene? Did the scene move appropriately and effectively? Is the selected material suitable for the maturity level of the students?

FOCUS ON THE PERFORMANCE, NOT THE PIECE