Musical Theatre: Duet
Work with a partner to tell a story through acting, singing, and music.
At a Glance
Participants: 2 students
Time Limit: Up to 5 minutes
Prepare: One selection from a published musical
Accompaniment: Pre-recorded instrumental track
Scenic Elements: Up to two chairs
Props: Not permitted
What You'll Prepare
Two students will perform one selection from a published musical.
The complete performance may not exceed 5 minutes, and both performers must be actively involved.
Your performance should demonstrate acting and storytelling as well as vocal technique and musicianship.
Dialogue may be included when it appears in the published material, but the selection should primarily feature singing.
Accompaniment
You must use a pre-recorded instrumental accompaniment track unless the selection was specifically written to be performed a cappella.
The track:
May not contain lead or background vocals.
Should be downloaded before arriving at ThesFest.
Should not depend on Wi-Fi or a streaming service.
TN EDTA will provide a speaker with Bluetooth and AUX connectivity.
Students are responsible for having their accompaniment ready for playback.
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 selection from a published musical that gives both performers meaningful opportunities to contribute to the storytelling.
Songs that are not from a published musical should not be used.
What Adjudicators Look For
Adjudicators will consider:
Characterization: Believable character choices, objectives, emotions, and relationships.
Blocking & Movement: Purposeful physical choices that support character and storytelling.
Musicianship & Technique: Vocal technique and musical expression that support the characters and story.
Connection: Listening, reacting, and creating a believable relationship between performers.
Focus & Execution: Commitment, preparation, emotional investment, and clear communication of the characters' intentions.
Review the Adjudication Rubric
ThesFest uses the official Thespy Musical Theatre Duet rubric to evaluate this category.
Review the rubric together while preparing your performance.
Before ThesFest
Our selection comes from a published musical.
Both performers are actively involved.
Our performance is 5 minutes or less.
We reviewed the official rubric together.
We practiced our introduction.
Our accompaniment contains no lead or background vocals.
Our accompaniment is downloaded and ready to play.
We are not using prohibited props or scenic elements.
We reviewed the ThesFest General Adjudication Rules.