Collierville Holiday Classic

2026 — Collierville, TN/US

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Improvisational Duet Acting

Event Description:

Improvisational Duet Acting

Judging Rules and Guidelines

A. Contest Requirements

a. 3 Preliminary Rounds

i. Contestants will draw three prompts out of a field of twelve.

1. Round 1: Person v. Person

2. Round 2: First Line/Last Line

3. Round 3: Three Words

ii. Contestants will have 1 minute to prepare a scene with a time limit of 5 minutes with a 30

second grace period.

iii. Before contestants begin, the judge should clarify with them how time signals will be

communicated and must then give hands signals as the contestants are performing to help

them stay within the time limit.

iv. No makeup, costumes, or lighting are permitted, but a table and/or two chairs may be

used.

v. The scene must contain only two characters with balanced sharing of dialogue.

vi. An introduction by one or both contestants is optional to set the scene, and a resolution of

the conflict must be evident at the end of the scene.

vii. Contestants must remain outside the performance room until it is their time to perform.

b. Final Round

i. Contestants will draw a total of three prompts out of a field of twelve. Each prompt will be

comprised of a person, a place, and an event. Contestants are limited to 30 seconds to select

one prompt from the three prompts chosen, and then they will return the two unused

prompts to the judge.

ii. Contestants will not be allowed to discuss the prompt prior to the beginning of the scene.

iii. The scene may last up to 5 minutes with a 30 second grace period.

B. Props: Contestants may utilize two chairs or chair-desk combination pieces for their scene. They

may not make use of any hand props, costuming, or character makeup.

C. Performances should be judged on characterization, scene construction, entertainment, and use of

prompt.

HINTS FOR JUDGES:

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

2) Contestants must address the prompt.

3) Criteria for judging include: teamwork of actors, timing, movement, consistent characterization,

good speaking, pantomime of props, and the comedic or dramatic effect on the audience.