Shamrock Invitational with Wyatt Debate

2025 — Louisville, KY/US

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Improvisational Duo

Event Description:

IMPROVISATIONAL DUO—Junior and Senior Divisions

Judge Instructions

Rules

1. In this event involving limited preparation, two students create and present a performance portraying two characters. Preparation time for Improvisational Duo is three minutes for senior division and five minutes for junior division. Setting up the chairs, when used, is part of preparation time. Preparation time is separate from performance time.

1. The time limit for the performance is six minutes. There is a fifteen-second grace period, after which the student must be dropped in rank/rating. No violation of the grace period in Regional/State Quarterfinal, Semifinal, or Final rounds may result in disqualification. No performance violating the grace period may receive ‘1’ in the round.

1. TIME SIGNALS DURING THE PERFORMANCE ARE REQUIRED. The count-down method is required. In this method, the judge holds up a number of fingers indicating the number of minutes remaining out of the six minute performance time limit.

1. No make-up, costumes, props, or lighting are permitted, but two chairs may be used. Doors and walls are considered props. Each performer may portray ONE and only ONE character during the scene; dialogue must be equally shared over the course of the scene. An introduction by one or both students is required to set the scene, and a resolution of the conflict must be evident at the end of the scene.

1. Profanity, sexual innuendo, and/or excessive physicality will result in the performance being marked last in the round.

Judge Guidelines

1. The scene must be a self-contained unit holding together a story itself. Students must resolve the conflict presented in the topic.

1. The suitability of the material to the maturity level of the performer should be considered.

Criteria for Judging

1. Introduction of Selection

Was there adequate information to set the scene? Innovative introductions should not be discouraged.

1. Teamwork and Characterization

Was there evidence of effective timing, cue work, and rhythm? Was there evidence of character analysis and understanding? Were the characters clearly delineated?

1. Blocking and Stage Movement

Did the scene move appropriately and effectively? Was the use of movement, gestures, and business in evidence as the scene and characterization developed?

1. Line Delivery

Were the actors clearly understandable? Did the actors adapt to the size of this room?

1. Resolution and Effectiveness of Scene

Was there a sense of wholeness and total dramatic effect in the scene? Was a resolution of the conflict obvious at the end of the scene?

********Judge Notice********

In an effort to ensure fairness in judging practices, KHSSL has standardized the point values given to student performances. Please use the following rubric in order to assign point values to each student's performance. Students may not receive the same point value. Students may not receive more points than an individual more highly ranked. Judges are strongly encouraged to justify the reason for the rating on the ballot.