The Performance Category

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The Performance Category
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The Performance Category The Script

• Each member should brainstorm the major elements
  of your project and major characters involved.
• Brainstorm ways in which these characters might
  interact. This applies to individual
  performances as well! It is possible to take on
  the role of several people if you want!

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The Script

• Use your outline to determine what scene makes
  sense to start with. Progress from there.
• When writing your script, you should reference
  historical evidence found in research. Use real
  dialogue or quotes! Play a radio address from a
  president. Read actual words if your person was
  an author.

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The Script The Heart of the Matter

• Thesis Statement Your script should center on
  your thesis statement, supporting statements, and
  conclusion.

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Be careful!

• Like all History Day projects, the performance
  category should NOT be simply a report on a
  persons life. This is not a speech you are
  giving but a performance. Think about how to
  dramatically portray the major ideas of your
  topic.

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Elements of a Good Performance

• Set Take time to think about set design. It
  doesnt need to be elaborate. Think of key
  elements within your topic and play on those.
  Telephones, old-fashioned radios, a table and
  chair, a desk, a lamp, a bulletin board, a trunk
  full of artifacts you will pull out all make for
  a manageable set.

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Elements of a Good Performance

• Costuming
• Use the most authentic costuming possible. Look
  at old photographs or movies to get ideas about
  stylefrom top to bottom. A boxer hat, white knee
  socks with shorts, a white buttoned-down shirt
  and suspenders makes a great 1920s costume for a
  boy.

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Elements of a Good Performance

• Blocking
• Take time determining where you and your actors
  will stand and how/when you move. All actions in
  your performance should be intentional. These
  actions will determine the design of your set.

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Elements of a Good Performance

• Practice!!!!!!!!!!!
• Your script should be memorized. Practice voice
  projection so your audience can hear you.
  Americans have a tendency to let their words
  trail at the end, so be careful! Practice with
  the full set and your costume!

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General Rules

• Time limit 10 minutes
• You will be given an additional 5 minutes to set
  up and 5 minutes to remove your set.
• No prior narration will be allowed. Your time
  begins after you announce your name and the title
  of your performance.

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General Rules

• Media Devices You are allowed to use slides,
  tape recorders, computers, and other media. You
  must run all equipment or create any special
  lighting on your own.
• Script You will NOT turn in your script to the
  judges.
• Costume You may have one made for you but the
  design must be your idea.