Big 8 Forensics Conference Tournament

2021 — Online, WI/US

• Invite

Solo Acting Humorous (HI)

Event Description:

Purpose of the Category

To develop skills in bringing a humorous text to life through solo performance

Definition of the Category

By using self as a medium between the selection and the audience, the student shall use vocal and physical skills to develop a complete humorous performance, creating distinct character(s) and actions motivated by the text that are appropriate to the characterization(s) within the control of the setting.

Rules

1. Material shall be a cutting from published humorous drama or other literature adapted to the dramatic format with brief narrative transitions. Published material is considered any material publically or commercially available in print, online, audio, or video form. Original material is not allowed. Adaptations, if any, should be minimal, and may be made for the following purposes only: (1) to establish continuity; (2) for gender changes including things such as pronoun changes; or (3) to avoid potentially offensive language. Lines attributed to one character in the literary script may not be attributed to another character during the performance. The coach is responsible for providing access to a copy of the students’ original source material to 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 necessary transitions, is to be presented without the use of notes. The introduction must be the original work of the speaker. The presentation may begin with a portion of the selected material prior to the presenter’s personal introduction.

3. The presentation is to be memorized.

4. Costumes, props (including tables and chairs), sound, lighting, and make-up are not allowed. The use of a single stationary chair is not allowed.

5. Vocal music, if used, should be incidental and not overwhelm the presentation.

6. Maximum time limit: 10 minutes, with an allowable 15-second grace period. There is no minimum time requirement. Any entry exceeding the grace period may not be ranked first in the round. If all entries in a round exceed the grace period, no first rank shall be given in that round.

Criteria for Evaluation

1. The extent to which the introduction set the tone for the performance.

2. The extent to which the material chosen provided a humorous situation with motivated action and characterization(s). Individual judges may lower the rank due to use of profanity or vulgarity.

3. The extent to which the presentation established and projected the motivations and interrelationships of the character(s) through voice.

4. The extent to which the presentation established and projected the motivations and interrelationships of the character(s) through bodily movement and facial expression.

5. The extent to which the presentation constituted a well-paced and unified segment of humorous action.