Shakespeare Competition 101

Tips from Miss Wilson

Guidelines You will memorize, interpret, and perform a monologue and, if required, a sonnet.

You should identify your selection before you begin your presentation.

You may perform your pieces in the order you prefer.

You cannot wear costumes or use props of any kind, including chairs, jewelry, items of clothing, and hair/hair clips.

You should select clothing that allows you to move freely.

Prompting, if necessary, is allowed.

You cannot act for pay on television, the stage, or in film during the 09-10 school year.

Judging Criteria

UNDERSTANDING (by the student) A thorough understanding of the text, including language, character, and plot.

COMMUNICATION (to the audience) An effective delivery of the interpretation so that the audience understands and believes what is said and felt.

EXPRESSION (artistic skill) An unaffected, artistic range that includes the effective use of body and voice, and demonstrates an individual point-of-view.

Realize what will be popular

• Romeo and Juliet• Twelfth Night• Macbeth• Hamlet• Midsummer

The Sonnet Matters!

• Tie breaker• Knowledge of text• Memorization a plus• Should be well rehearsed

Indication, Props, English Accents

• No, no, no!• Indication is too much. • Physicality should be natural and appropriate• Props and costumes not allowed• English accents strongly discouraged• Affected voice appropriate

Knowledge of Text

• The key to winning• Understanding of piece• Understanding of character• Understanding of situation we are seeing• What has happened just prior to scene• What will happen after=the stakes

Character Development

• What does this person want• What are they willing to do to get it• Backstory• Walk• Talk• Mannerisms

Where to go for help

• English Faculty• Drama Faculty• Online resources:• http://www.english-speakingunion.org/progra

ms_shakespeare_competition.htm• www.sonnets.org• Suggested Monologues and Rules Handouts

on Miss Wilson’s Resource Center Page

In Conclusion

• Choose gender appropriate pieces• Consider lesser known works• Choose something you connect with• Memorization should begin NOW• Knowledge of the text is KEY• If you choose a classic, make it your own• Be careful and considerate in your preparation• Obey rules of the competition to avoid

disqulaification