THE ESU PERFORMING SHAKESPEARE COMPETITION 2012
Submission Guidelines
Postal submissions should be sent to:
YouTube Submissions should be uploaded and designated ‘unlisted’, and the URL/link emailed to speech.debate@esu.org
Performing Shakespeare The English-Speaking Union 37 Charles Street London W1J 5ED
OVERVIEW
ASSESSMENT
Teachers/ Tutors are reminded that the video submission (this should be around 5 minutes duration for the performance piece) is the means to capture a performance intended for a live presentation. A reliance on tele-visual effects ie: close-ups to emphasise emotion or an overly prominent sound-effect etc., may not satisfactorily transfer to a live performance – it will be the ‘theatre production’ on which the final Adjudication will be assessed.
The Extract
In addition to the extract students should also answer the question:
The gender of the performer will not be taken into consideration so students should feel free to select any suitable extract.
“I/we chose this piece because...” This should be recorded at the start and should not be longer than two minutes. The judges are interested in any particular reasons for your choice and any evidence you convey in your performance which links to this. Before the performance please also state your • name(s) • school • the play • scene • lines
The assessment will look for a cohesive extract that ideally has a natural conclusion or denouement. The extract might present the text within its original Elizabethan context or use a ‘modern interpretation’ with contemporary relevance. The adjudication will look favourably on shifts of emotion and the imaginative grasp of relationships or concerns.
Individual/Dual Performance Adjudication
This will be assessed on (i) textual understanding (ii) characterisation (iii) vocal skills Textual understanding will include sincerity, emotive quality, appropriateness and sensitivity to the verse where appropriate. Characterisation will include posture, accent, facial and physical expression/ movement – perhaps even clowning if appropriate. Hand props may be used but only if the performer feels they are absolutely essential. Vocal skills will include audibility, clarity and pace.