• Duo Interpretation: Two students interpret a single selection taken from: a short story, a novel, a play, a poem,
or other literary material. Each portrays one or more characters. Students must maintain “off-stage” focus, that
is, they cannot look at each other nor can they touch one another. (So, they may appear to stare at a fixed point
Interpretive Events: Descriptions and Judging Guidelines
in the distance to represent looking at the other person. A hug, handshake, or other interaction has to be
“suggested” rather than directly acted.)
Suggested Judging Criteria for Duo Interpretation:
Was the selection effectively edited and easy to follow with transitions in time, character, mood and
emotion clearly evident?
Did contestants use effective oral presentation skills (volume, diction, speed of delivery)?
Did contestants demonstrate mastery of performance details (voice, facial expression, body
language, and movement) to achieve clarity, force, and aesthetic effect in recreating character(s)
and situations?
Did the students understand the mood and emotion of the character(s)?
Did contestants consistently portray the character(s)?