Tips for Performances

The History Day performance is simply a dramatic portrayal. It is very much like a theatrical play. Your performance, unlike most plays, must be historically accurate and limited to ten minutes.

A Thesis statement is key
It is just as important to have a thesis statement in a performance as it is in any other category. You must state your point strongly and possibly more than once. Don’t repeat it verbatim, but find other ways to state it. The judges should have no doubt about your premise after the first minute or two.

How important is the conclusion?
A conclusion is equally as important as a strong thesis statement. Try to weave the conclusion into the story of your performance. Avoid making a first-person performance and then near the end slip out of character and into third-person to present your conclusion.

And Your Process Paper and Bibliography are important too!
The process paper and the bibliography are very important components to your performance. Be aware that most judges will read your bibliography and process paper before you go "on stage." This gives you an excellent opportunity to create a good first impression. Yes, you still must give a strong performance. However, in a weak flight of performers, I will lean toward the fair performance with the good bibliography.

Along with your interview with the judges...
The interview certainly plays a part in the judging process. Keep in mind that a great interview will not save a mediocre performance, but a poor interview will certainly detract from a great performance. Judges will expect you to answer basic research questions, understand your topic, and refer to your bibliography. Don’t be shy in an interview. Express your knowledge and enthusiasm about your topic. Smile! Don’t answer "yes" or "no" when you have the opportunity to wax poignantly about your project.