Acting: Duet
Work with a scene partner to bring characters, relationships, and a story to life.
At a Glance
Participants: 2 students
Time Limit: Up to 5 minutes
Prepare: One non-musical scene
Scenic Elements: Up to two chairs
Props: Not permitted
What You'll Prepare
Two students will perform a non-musical scene from a published play or musical.
The complete scene may not exceed 5 minutes.
Both performers must be actively involved in the scene.
What You May Use
You may use up to two chairs.
You do not have to use chairs.
No additional props, furniture, costumes, or scenic elements may be used.
Selecting Your Material
Choose a scene from a published theatrical work.
Select material that gives both performers meaningful opportunities to act, react, listen, and make character choices.
Material from movies, television, novels, short stories, poetry, screenplays, or other works not written and published for the theatre should not be used.
What Adjudicators Look For
Adjudicators will consider:
Characterization: Believable and specific character choices, objectives, emotions, and relationships.
Voice: Clear and expressive vocal choices that support character and meaning.
Movement & Staging: Purposeful physical choices and blocking that support the scene.
Connection: Listening, reacting, and building a believable relationship between scene partners.
Execution: Focus, commitment, preparation, and cohesive storytelling.
Review the Adjudication Rubric
ThesFest uses the official Thespy Two-Person Scene rubric to evaluate this category.
Review the rubric together while rehearsing so both performers understand how the scene will be evaluated.
Before ThesFest
Our scene comes from a published theatrical work.
Both performers are actively involved.
Our performance is 5 minutes or less.
We reviewed the official rubric together.
We practiced our introduction.
We are not using prohibited props or scenic elements.
We reviewed the ThesFest General Adjudication Rules.