A ten- minute memorized acting exercise performed by two students, from a play, novel, or any piece of literature. The event presents a single selection where each student may present one or more characters. There is no eye contact or touching allowed for any reason during the performance. Examples: “She Kills Monsters,” “My Sister’s Keeper,” “Sidekicks,” or “Tundra Games.”
Rules:
The oral interper recreates and shares a selection of material from printed, published source(s) that has (have) literary merit.
There is no minimum time but the speaker may not exceed 10 minutes
The interper must be careful to avoid violating the author’s intent
Deletions of words from the original may be made, but words may be added only for transitional purposes
The interper must provide an introduction that adequately identifies the title and author of the source(s)
If the interper uses a teaser from the selection in the introduction, that teaser is part of the selection and is subject to the rules of the event.
When an interper is using multiple vignettes, multiple introductions may be used.
During the introduction and throughout the performance, the interper may use vocal, facial, and bodily expression as long as he/she does not detract from the meaning of the material.
Singing is allowed.
A student may not use a cutting from a work of literature the student used in Regional or State Tournament competition in any previous contest year. A student entered in two events may not use the same selection of literature in both events.
No props or costumes are allowed.
Scripts are optional.
Each speaker must portray one or more characters during the presentation.
Narration may be presented by one or both speakers.
The speakers may not look at one another or make contact with each other in any way, except during the introduction.
Either may pivot from side-to-side or turn around, change places, stand with one behind the other, or otherwise move and suggest changes in relationships.
Material may be humorous, serious, or both.
Event Checklist:
notebook and pencil (optional) for reflections
Some Tips From People Who Have Excelled in this Event:
There isn’t enough words in the world to describe how important it is that you match your partner’s wavelength. It’s okay to have goofy moments but when it comes down to the script, communication is key, and sometimes the work effort won’t always be 50-50. Sometimes it’ll be 70-30 and you’ll have to help your partner pick up the slack in the areas they’re lacking. Duo can lead to coming out with not only an amazing script but an amazing friend if you allow yourselves to lean on each other.
- Brianna McGee
Like your partner and even if you don't get the best results, you'll still have a really fun time.
- Isaac Magpoc
A bit cliché but, Teamwork makes the Dream Work! Seriously, conflicts and confusion between duo partners is very common. To put together a winning piece, you have to push past those hurdles and think of the bigger picture! "No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it." – H.E. Luccock
- Nidhi Bhaskarabhotla
Sometimes using a simple script off of Playscripts is all you need. If you and your partner can play off of one another's energy and draw in the audience, that's what makes the best duo partners.
- Astrid Mann
Work with someone you vibe with.
- Chinmayi Mutyala
Work hard and enjoy the ride. It'll be chaotic and frustrating, at times, to be creative with a partner, but it's also a beautiful thing to evoke emotion in an audience through telling a story with the help of another person. Have fun at practices, but PUT THE WORK IN so that during competitions you're not worried about forgetting your lines. When you got to the front of the room to perform, embrace the butterflies and be excited to lose yourself for those few, fleeting minutes. This'll sound cheesy but HAVE FUN! The year goes by so fast, it's easy to get lost in the seemingly endless cadence of practice-compete-practice-compete...try new things with your character(s) and diversify your emotional palette. It can a while to find the perfect script for you and your partner, so try new stories and different themes until you find one that "fits". Lastly, I'd recommend investing in matching suits...you'll both feel amazing walking into a round "dressed to kill". Good luck!
- Harjap Sandhu
Choose a script you and your partner will enjoy.
- Bernice Lozada
Trust your partner, and practice, practice, practice!
- Aditi Sen
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