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Dramatic Arts: Acting

The art of staging or acting plays.

Overview

Display your acting talent by performing a compelling monologue from a published theatrical play—all from memory. Step into the spotlight, embrace the power of storytelling, and let your performance leave a lasting impression!

Notes for Judges ● Each contestant will have 5 minutes to present their performance and then the judging co-hort will have 5 minutes for any follow up questions and quick deliberations before the next contestant. Each contestant will only have an allocated time frame of 10 minutes. ● You should not under any circumstances engage with the students before or after the competition until the Awards Ceremony has concluded. ● You must provide honest constructive feedback for each contestant that you are judging. ● Scoring Rubric: ○ 95-100 - Qualifies as a Gold Medalist ○ 90+Up - Qualifies as a Silver Medalist ○ 85+Up - Qualifies as a Bronze Medalist ■ Please take heed that the identifying word here is “Qualifies”. There can be multiple contestants that can qualify as gold medalist and if that’s the case the highest score will receive the gold, and silver and bronze will be allocated to the next two highest scores. In the event the highest score is a 90 then there is no gold medalist and there’s only a possibility for a silver and bronze medalist as long as the remaining scores land within the 85+Up region.

Requirements

1. Performance Length: The performance must be a minimum of three (3) minutes and maximum of five (5) minutes. Exceeding this time limit will result in a one-point deduction for each minute overtime.

2. Material: The performance must be a monologue from a published play. No poems, sermons, stand up comedy routines, or movie excerpts allowed.

3. Literary Quality: The chosen monologue should be of high literate quality.

4. Memorization: The performance must be memorized.

5. Props and Costumes: Optional. Costumes, makeup, and hand or personal props may be used to enhance performance.

6. Performance Style: Puppetry, oratory, and forensic pieces are not permitted. Monologues from musical theater are allowed, but accompanying songs cannot be used.

Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria:

Projection (10 pts)

Structure (10pts)
Does the performance have transitions/beats and a clear beginning, middle, climax, and end?

Memorization (10 pts)

Movement (10 pts)
Is the blocking clear and does the actor commit to and follow through with his/her movements and gestures?

Emotional Connection and Honesty (10pts)
Are you really "selling" that you are becoming this character or are you simply "play-acting" ?

Imagination and Creativity (15pts)
Are you bringing something different to the piece or are you just reciting lines?

Stage Presence (10pts)

Character Work (10pts)

Specificity of Acting Choices (10pts)

Clear pursuit of Actions/Objectives

Creation of the Space (5pts)

Point Deduction

-1 to -5
In the event the student performance exceeds 5 mins one point will be deducted for every minute over up to five points

Tips for Dramatic Arts Contestants

Choose a strong monologue: Select a piece that challenges you and allows you to showcase your acting range.

It should be age appropriate.

Understand your character: Delve deep into your character's motivations, desires, and backstory.

Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse your monologue until it becomes second nature.

Use the stage effectively: Utilize the stage space to create a dynamic and engaging performance.

Connect with the audience: Make eye contact and engage with the audience emotionally.

Trust your instincts: Don't be afraid to take risks and bring your unique interpretation to the role.

Enjoy the process: Have fun and let your passion for acting shine through,