Kansas Forensics Coaches Invitational

2023 — Buhler, KS/US

• Invite
• Entries
• Judges
• Pairings
• Results

Duo Interp

Event Description:

From the KSHSAA Manual

Sec. 1. Duet Acting and Duo Interpretation are defined as acting exercises composed of two students who portray one or multiple character(s) in a cutting from a published work of literature. Prompting shall not be allowed. The scene shall not be more than 10 minutes in length. A narrated introduction to the cutting shall be given by one or both members. This is included in the 10 minute time limit.

A. In Duo Interpretation, each of the two performers may play one or more characters so long as the performance responsibility in the cutting remains as balanced as possible. If the selection is prose or poetry and contains narration, either or both of the performers may present the narration. The gender stated by the author must be honored.

B. In Duet Acting, a student may portray one or multiple character(s) in a scene. Cutting of multiple scenes may be bridged by memorized narration. Stage makeup, costumes, or properties shall be prohibited with the exception of two (2) chairs and a table. Standing on the table is not permitted.

C. Contestants who qualify in Duo Interpretation are eligible for Duet Acting at state speech championship and state speech and drama festival. Contestants who qualify in Duet Acting are eligible for Duo Interpretation at state speech championship and state speech and drama festival.

Sec. 2. Selections: Memorized selections are presented without the use of notes or costumes. Selections used in these contests shall be cuttings from published, printed novels, short stories, plays or poetry. Recorded material (videotape, DVDs, audio tape, CDs, phonograph recording or recorded audio or video material) is prohibited. Original material published in a high school publication such as a newspaper, literary magazine or yearbook is prohibited. Selections can include published play scripts, short stories, novels, poetry, monologues, and published television or movie scripts. During the presentation, the contestant must name the author and the book or magazine from which the cutting was made.

Sec. 3. Source: A cutting must be a single work of literature: one short story or one play or one novel or one or more poems. In the event of a challenge at regional and state festivals or championships, the coach or sponsor must produce the original publication as well as a complete script of the cutting used. A complete script of the cutting would include:

A. A photocopy of every page from which any line of the cutting is taken; pages are to be in the order in which they are performed.

B. All words used from the script should be highlighted (any words/lines not used should be left unmarked).

C. Any word changes (to eliminate profane language) and/or additions (for transition) must be clearly indicated in ink.

Sec. 4. Focus: The contestant should use only actions motivated by the language/characterization of the selection. Adaptations may only be used for the purpose of transition. The gender stated by the author must be honored. However, a female contestant may play a male role, and a male contestant may play a female role.

A. In Duo Interpretation, focus may be direct during the introduction (the performers may look at and/or touch each other) but must be indirect (offstage) during the performance itself.

B. In Duet Acting, the entire stage area may be used. Stage makeup, costumes or properties shall be prohibited with the exception of two (2) chairs and a table. Standing on the table is not permitted.

Sec. 5. Caution: It shall be the affirmative duty of each coach and each student entered in KSHSAA contests to determine absolutely that the cutting being performed meets KSHSAA rules.

Sec. 6. Reuse: A student may not use a cutting from a work of literature the student used in any previous contest year. If double entered in Duet Acting and Duo, the student may NOT use the same piece/selection. It is permissible to be with different partners.