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History Fair Project Guide: Performances

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Performances

Choosing a Performance

  • Do you enjoy acting?
  • Are you creative?
  • Does your topic have controversy of conflict?
  • Does your topic involve interesting characters or events?
  • Are you ready for challenging, but fun work?

Topic Selection

  • Choose a topic that complies with this year’s theme.
  • Choose a topic with controversy and/or conflict.
  • Choose a topic that interests you or has a personal connection.
  • Choose a topic that would have good primary sources.
  • Choose a topic that might earn special awards.

Script Creation Process

  • Writing
    • Research your topic and continue to research throughout the writing and competition process.
    • Create a thesis statement and supporting details.
    • Decide on your format for writing.
    • When writing, don’t worry about the time limit; get your ideas down on paper.
    • Type different characters in different colored fonts.
  • Revisions
    • Read the script aloud and time it.
    • Cut the script to the time limit by combining ideas, cutting excess. Look for a more concise way to express your idea.
    • Find someone to critique your program and listen objectively to suggestions. BUT, keep your voice.
    • Revise and edit.
    • Revise and edit again.
    • Revise and edit again, and again…

Practice

  • Practice, practice, practice!!
  • Listen to constructive criticism. Adjust when appropriate.
  • Practice with a stopwatch.
  • Practice for whomever, wherever, whenever for however long.

Sets / Props

  • Keep them simple.
  • Handmade sets are good.
  • Try to represent historical accuracy—this is part of your research.
  • Make them portable, easy to assemble, and easy to set up.
  • They should contribute to your performance.

Costuming

  • You can make, buy, rent, or borrow your costume(s).
  • Make them as historically accurate as possible—this is part of your research.
  • Costumes should add to your character.
  • Costume changes should be quick, simple, and should not detract from your performance.

Judges

  • When entering the room:
    • Hand the judges your paperwork. (Do not include the script.)
    • Have 4 copies—1 for each judge and 1 extra.
    • You have 5 minutes to set up your sets and props. You must bring in the sets and props from the door by yourself. You may use a cart or dolly. You must set them up by yourself.
    • When finished setting up, wait for the judges to tell you they are ready.
  • Be polite.
  • Introduce yourself and state the title of your performance—this is NOT part of the 10-minute performance time.
  • Perform and have a good time.
  • After your performance, the judges will let you know if you should remove sets / props first or answer questions.
  • When answering questions, be sure you understand the question.
  • At the end of your performance, shake their hands and thank them for judging.
  • Do not be afraid of them. They are there to help you.
  • Take their criticisms seriously.
  • Stay calm and confident.
  • When you take down sets/props, you have 5 minutes. You must get the set/props out of the room on your own.