Duet/Group Musical Theatre Performance
In a Duet/Group Musical Theatre Performance, the Thespians must present one musical selection from a published score written for musical theatre. The adjudicators will consider how well the piece is acted as well as how well it is sung. The selection may contain dialogue; however, it should primarily be a “sung and not spoken” selection.
A duet is defined by the International Thespian Excellence Awards as a performance for 2 players. A group scene is defined as a performance for 3-16 players. In each case, every participant must be actively involved in the scene/song chosen for performance.
The skills measured by the adjudicators during the performance are:
- Use of transitions into and out of character
- Ability to create a believable character
- Communication of objective, tactics, and relationships through both dialogue and music
- Use of focus and concentration
- Vocal skill, technique, and expression
- Use of dance and/or movement
- Integration of voice, body, movement, and staging
In a Duet/Group Musical Theatre Performance, the Thespians must follow the aforementioned rules for the International Thespian Excellence Awards as presented in this guide, and also the following rules specific to this category:
- Each participant must be actively involved in the scene.
- Performers must use pre-recorded, non-vocal musical accompaniment; no live music is permitted, including live accompanists.
- A cappella performances are not permitted unless the selection was specifically written to be performed as such in the musical.
- The total performance time for the selection must not exceed five minutes. Time is measured as outlined previously.
- For Duet Acting, two chairs may be safely used during the performance. No other scenic elements or furniture is allowed. For Group Acting, one table and up to six chairs may be safely used. (See guidance on what constitutes “safely.”)
- Prior to the event, validate the material using the approved publishers and acceptable materials information.
Duet/Group Musical Theatre Rubric
ACTING TRANSITIONS
Slating that includes articulation of name and selection, transition into and between characters, final moment, and transition out of character into exit.
Above Standard
Clear articulation of name and selection; intuitive transition into and between characters, distinctive final moment and transition out of character into exit.
At standard
Clear articulation of name and selection; recognizable transition into and between characters, final moment and into exit.
Near Standard
Moderately clear articulation of name and selection; transition into and between characters and/or final moment may or may not be present.
Aspiring to Standard
Unclear articulation of name and selection; transitions into and between characters and/ or final moment are not evident.
CHARACTERIZATION
Emotional and physical believability and commitment to character; choices or tactic towards an objective that create a relationship with real or implied partner(s).
Above Standard
Character is consistently emotionally and physically believable; committed choices and tactics toward an objective prompt intuitive reaction to real or implied partner(s).
At standard
Character is frequently emotionally and physically believable; committed choices and tactics toward an objective prompt identifiable reaction to real or implied partner(s).
Near Standard
Character is infrequently emotionally and physically believable; choices and tactics toward an objective prompt some reactions to real or implied partner(s).
Aspiring to Standard
Character is rarely emotionally and physically believable; choices, tactics, objectives and a relationship to a real or implied partner(s) are not evident.
SINGING TECHNIQUE
Pitch, articulation, pace, rhythm, projection, breath support and control that follows the score.
Above Standard
Consistently on pitch, appropriate articulation and pace, precise rhythm, and varied projection, with skillful phrasing and strong mechanical skills proven by breath support/control, tone, and placement, and use of ranges, always follows score.
At standard
Frequently on pitch with appropriate articulation, pace, rhythm, projection, breath support and control; follows the score.
Near Standard
Infrequently on pitch with inconsistent articulation, pace, rhythm, projection, breath support and control; usually follows the score.
Aspiring to Standard
Rarely on pitch with limited articulation, pace, rhythm, projection, breath support and control; frequently deviates from the score.
SINGING EXPRESSION
Musical expression that communicates and reflects the character’s emotions and subtext.
Above Standard
Intuitively integrates voice, lyrics, and music to truthfully communicate and portray a believable character through emotions and subtext.
At standard
Integrates voice, lyrics, and music to communicate and portray a believable character through emotions and subtext.
Near Standard
Inconsistently integrates voice, lyrics, and music to communicate and portray a character through emotions and subtext.
Aspiring to Standard
Rarely integrates voice, lyrics, and music to communicate and portray a character through emotions and subtext.
MOVEMENT & DANCE
Gestures, facial expressions, blocking, and movement/dance that communicate the character’s emotions and subtext.
Above Standard
Gestures and facial expressions consistently communicate appropriate character emotions and their meanings; blocking and movement/dance are varied, purposeful, and reflect the character’s emotion and subtext.
At standard
Gestures and facial expressions frequently communicate appropriate character emotions and their meanings; blocking and movement/dance are varied, purposeful, and reflect the character’s emotion and subtext.
Near Standard
Gestures and facial expressions infrequently communicate appropriate character emotions and their meanings; blocking and movement/dance generally reflect the character’s emotion and subtext.
Aspiring to Standard
Gestures and facial expressions are limited/absent and rarely communicate suitable character emotions; blocking and movement/dance does not reflect the character’s emotion and subtext.
EXECUTION
Concentration and commitment to moment- to- moment choices; integration of voice, body, and emotions create a believable character/ relationship that tells a story.
Above Standard
Concentration and commitment to moment- to- moment choices are sustained throughout the performance; integration of voice, body, and emotions create a believable character/ relationship that tells a story.
At standard
Concentration and commitment to moment- to-moment choices are sustained throughout most of the performance; integration of voice, body, and emotions create a frequently believable character/relationship that tells a story.
Near Standard
Concentration, and commitment to moment- to-moment choices are inconsistently sustained; integration of voice, body, emotion choices create a sometimes-believable character/relationship that tells a story.
Aspiring to Standard
Concentration and commitment to moment- to-moment choices are limited or absent; voice, body, emotion choices rarely create a believable character/ relationship that tells a story.