Small Group Acting

(Because What’s a Workshop Without a Handout?) This is a scripted event for three to five performers who characterize three or more persons. (Note: 3 or more…i.e., unlike duet acting, they can play multiple roles.. this is to make it easier to cast and find material) Performances have a time requirement of 5-10 minutes. Allowable props for this event are a table and a maximum of three chairs. The emphasis of this event is on acting. Selections should be appropriate to the abilities of the performers and should showcase the performers’ acting abilities. 4.084: A serious or humorous presentation by three to five performers characterizing three or more persons presenting one selection within a time limitation. The small group can not be directed by the speech instructor. Failure to have the correct number of contestants, or if the presentation is conducted by the speech instructor shall result in the small group acting presentation not being judged or rated. Selections may still be performed at the discretion of the instructor.

Words of Wisdom: In other words, it’s a short one-act play. Any Humorous or Serious Presentation you have will do. The rules are purposely loose to allow you as much freedom as possible with this event.

No limitations on TYPES OF MATERIAL.. just so it’s scripted, i.e., not improvised. Scripts, prose, poetry.. all okay. If you choose to use poetry, you may think of it as a small Chorale Presentation with unlimited possibilities as to staging.

Hot Tip # 1: Have your kids sign up individually, not in groups, for this event. It will provide much more leeway in choosing scripts.

Hot Tip 2: When characters are offstage, simply have them go upstage and turn their backs to the audience. Don’t worry about elaborate exits, etc.

Hot Tip #3: Although 3 chairs and a table are allowed, they take up space, can get in the way and God-only-knows what you’ll get at contest. Don’t feel as if you must use them.

Hot Tip #4: Keep it narrow! Given three acres of space and no limitations, the typical Jr. High student will take every available inch of acreage. Don’t let ‘em.

Hot Tip # 4 ½ : Introductions are allowed and will be counted as a part of the time. But try to make it at least a little clever, not like the receiving line at Ellis Island.

Hot Tip # 5: Pacing, pacing, pacing! The three cardinal rules of coaching Jr. High comedy are louder, faster, harder. Please do a read-through first, no matter how pressed you are for time. Establish right off the bat that your kids must “take this TO the audience.. in their face from start to finish..” Pacing, pacing, pacing!

Hot Tip #6: Approach it as a play. All-out acting, not “interpretation.”

Hot Tip #7: If a student is having trouble with interpretation, put them in a costume for rehearsal purposes.

Hot Tip #8: For all events: Don’t get stuck rehearsing in the same classroom all the time. The contest will not be held in your classroom. Good trick to work on concentration: rehearse outdoors.

Hot Tip #9: Sort of obvious, put please have them perform as many times as possible before contest. Small Group is a very entertaining event to watch.

Hot Tip #10: Push this event..it’s a great way to get large numbers of students involved while make the most economic use of your rehearsal time.

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