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JUDGING TIPS FOR IMPROVISATIONAL DUO, DUO ACTING, AND STORYTELLING

NEWSPEAK

SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

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Beth Randolph

KHSSL Bluegrass Regional Manager

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SCAPA @ Bluegrass, Principal

and Former SCAPA Speech Coach

beth.randolph@fayette.kyschools.us

Mobile: 859.421.8538

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IMPROVISATIONAL DUO - JUNIOR DIVISION

WHAT IS IMPROVISATIONAL DUO?

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    • IMPROVISATIONAL DUO IS WHERE TWO STUDENTS PUT TOGETHER A SCENE AFTER BEING GIVEN A PROMPT.
    • The students have five minutes to prepare. The judge will give verbal time signals as the students prepare.
          • Some tournaments the judge runs the prep before the students compete.
          • Some tournaments there is a prep room and the judge only is in charge of judging the scenes. Prompts can be humorous or serious, but the prompt will not indicate how the scene is to be played.
    • Students may sustain their scene for up to six minutes. There is a 15 second grace period without penalty if students go over the six minutes.
    • Time signals must be given during the performance. Judges MUST use the countdown method to give those time signals.
    • Two chairs may be incorporated into the scene.

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Caption

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IMPROVISATIONAL DUO - JUNIOR DIVISION

MUST HAVES…

  • An introduction to the scene is required and can be given by one of the competitors or by both of the competitors.
  • Each competitor may only portray one character in the scene.
  • Improv performances should include include the relationship between the characters, objectives, and location.
  • The scene should have a clear beginning, middle, and end.
  • The end of the scene should resolve whatever conflict has been created.

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IMPROVISATIONAL DUO - JUNIOR DIVISION

HIGHLIGHTS TO NOTE…

  • Teamwork of actors is extremely important, along with equal sharing of the lines of the scene
  • The timing of the actors and the flow of the scene is also highly important
  • Movement within the scene is also critical
  • Consistent characterization is also important
  • Actors should also be easy to hear and understand…good speaking skills are vital
  • Actors should pantomime their props, since no props are allowed.
  • https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zdeZmk6sLzEI6k94Omf7MRvBPmGEmYYS/view?usp=sharing

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IMPROVISATIONAL DUO - JUNIOR DIVISION

EXAMPLE…

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DUO ACTING - JUNIOR DIVISION

WHAT IS DUO ACTING?

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  • DUO ACTING IS WHEN TWO STUDENTS PERFORM A SCENE OR CUTTING WITH TWO CHARACTERS. THIS SCENE MUST BE FROM A PUBLISHED PLAY, TV, OR MOVIE SCRIPT.
  • The maximum time is 10 minutes, with a 30-second grace period.
  • Time signals may be given if the competitors request them.

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DUO ACTING - JUNIOR DIVISION

MUST HAVES…

  • The scene must have an introduction.
    • The introduction may be done by one or both students.
    • The introduction should contain the title of the piece, the author, and a short synopsis;
  • The material must be memorized
  • Each student may only play one character.
  • The suitability of the material to the student’s maturity level should be considered.

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DUO ACTING - JUNIOR DIVISION

HIGHLIGHTS TO NOTE…

  • The selection should be a self-contained cutting of the material.
  • The artistry of the piece should be considered.
  • The other important components include:
    • Movement
    • Dialogue
    • No eye contact except during the introduction because each actor should remain in the scene at all times.

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DUO ACTING - JUNIOR DIVISION

EXAMPLE…

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STORYTELLING - JUNIOR DIVISION

WHAT IS STORYTELLING?

  • Storytelling is exactly what it sounds like…In storytelling, the competitor recreates and retells a story to entertain the audience.
  • The maximum time is 10 minutes with a 30 second grace period.
    • If a student goes over the 10:30 mark, they must be dropped in rank and rate.
  • An introduction detailing all information for story understanding is required.
  • The story must be memorized.
  • The storyteller may sit on the floor, stand, or use limited movement to tell the story.

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STORYTELLING - JUNIOR DIVISION

MUST HAVES…

  • The quality of performance is vital. This quality can be measured by its entertainment value and the student’s versatility.
  • Narration should be the major part of the story, dialogue is permissible but should not be excessive.
  • Movement should appropriately enhance the telling of the story.

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STORYTELLING - JUNIOR DIVISION

HIGHLIGHTS TO NOTE…

  • Story selections could be
    • Legends
    • Tall tales
    • Myths
    • Children’s stories
    • Ghost stories
    • Folk material
  • Eye contact with the audience is important when the narrator is speaking.

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STORYTELLING - JUNIOR DIVISION

EXAMPLE…

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https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fp-Cec_N4CTd6hp6dIn2J5i_bAI3WlhX/view?usp=sharing

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TOP FIVE THINGS TO REMEMBER REGARDLESS OF THE CATEGORY YOU ARE JUDGING.

  • The judge is in charge of the room.
  • Watch the student as he or she performs. Write your comments as you watch the performance but be sure you look up and engage with the performance.
  • Look for one to three things you think the student should work on to improve their performance. Note those items on your ballet.
  • Enjoy the presentations and compliment the students on the many things they will do well. Your compliments should outnumber the items you mention for students to work on to improve.
  • Your primary purpose is to further effective student communication.

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