North Allegheny
2025 — Wexford, PA/US
Duo Interpretation
Event Description:
DUO INTERPRETATION
Duo Interpretation is a team (two competitors) performance of dramatic (serious or humorous) literature with selections drawn from published, printed: novels, short stories, plays, poetry, or other printed, published works, PDFs, e-books, as well as limited online and recorded works. In Duo Interpretation, focus may be direct during the introduction [the performers may look at each other] but must be indirect [off-stage] during the performance itself.
Duo Interpretation lacks props, costuming, sets, and other luxuries seen in various forms of performance art. There is a set time limit of ten minutes, with a thirty second grace period. The main objective of Duo is to maintain a sense of balance between performers that focuses on the relationship(s) between the characters they create.
NA's Tournament follows the National Speech and Debate Rules for Duo Interpretation
https://www.speechanddebate.org/high-school-unified-manual/
Guidelines for comments (optional resource): After adjudicating the round, please enter your ranks as soon as possible then provide constructive feedback to each competitor in the space provided below. Your comments should highlight areas of strength as well as provide areas for growth. Be as specific as possible in your feedback. Use the space to expand your thoughts on any of these areas or to comment on specific moments or lines that stood out to you. Please do not comment on participants’ attire or appearance; this should not play a role in your decision.
Characterization Is each character well-developed? Is each character relatable? Does a character’s response seem believable given the situation being portrayed?
Blocking Can you tell what the performer is doing in the scene? Is it clear what character(s) they are playing? Is the movement motivated?
Cutting Do you understand what is happening? Is the story line easy to follow? Does the sequence of events make sense?