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National History Day How to: Creating a Performance. What is a Performance?. A live dramatic presentation performed as an individual or group. Scripted. Based on research Structured around thesis statement, supporting statements, and conclusion
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What is a Performance? • A live dramatic presentation performed as an individual or group. • Scripted • Based on research • Structured around thesis statement, supporting statements, and conclusion • Tip: It is not just a recitation of a historical paper!
The BasicsCheck the Contest Rule Book for complete rules • Time limit: 10 minutes to perform. 5 minutes to set up and break down. • Media: Only the performers can operate it. • Costumes: Create own, have one made, rent, borrow. Do not have to be expensive to be accurate. • Live performance: Don’t be afraid! Everyone watching is there to support you.
What Makes a Performance Different? • Presented live. • You have to develop a strong narrative so that your story unfolds in a dramatic and visually interesting way. • You wear costumes and have props. • Have to memorize your script.
What does your project need to “do”? • Tell a story • Reveal change over time • Consider historical perspective • Provide context • Ask questions • Draw conclusions • Find facts
How do I choose a topic? • Brainstorm topics related to the theme. • Learn what historical resources are nearby. • Think through controversial topics. • Choose something you think is interesting!
How do I research my topic? • Start with secondary sources • They help you understand your topic more completely. • Will point you toward primary sources. • Help you pick the specific themes and key questions you want to address and ask. • Can I use websites? • Yes, but don’t do all your research there.
How do I research my topic? • Primary sources! • NHD defines these as materials directly related to a topic by time or participation. • Sources can be both primary and secondary depending on how it’s used. • Look in the footnotes and bibliographies of secondary sources to find them. • Talk to a librarian, historian, teacher, or archivist!
Evaluating your sources • Not all primary sources are primary to your topic. • Think about these questions: • What type of source is it? • What is the date? • Who created it? • Where was it produced?
What do I put in a performance? • Remember you only have 10 minutes. • Does it fit the theme? • Does it further the story you’re telling? • Is it visually interesting? • How many characters will you need to tell your story? • Does it convey the importance of the events or theory?
Your “Script” • A 10 minute performance = roughly 5 double-spaced pages. • Clear thesis and strong supporting points. • Historical accuracy. • Range of emotion. • Action! This is a performance. • Compelling narrative with conflict and resolution. • Strong conclusion. • Do you need audio/visual aids? • Edit, double check, rewrite. • Check out the library or ask your teacher for examples.
What should my performance look like? • Consider your sets and props. You only have 5 minutesto set up. Doesn’t need to be elaborate to tell your story. • Consider where you will stand, move, or relate to your set. • Consider your costumes. Consult original photographs or costume guides. You must be the one making all the decisions about it. • Sometimes simple is better. • Have fun with it!
Your Annotated Bibliography and Citations • Bibliography: List of sources typed that you consulted in creating your performance. Keep a working bibliography as you research. • Annotations: Brief descriptions of how the source was useful to your research. • For both annotations and citations refer use the MLA or Turabian style manuals. • Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. • Joseph Gibaldi, MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers.
Tips! • Watch your posture, gestures, motion, and voice. • Do not rush! • Memorize the action, emotion, and content with the words. • Focus on certain characters rather than narrating an entire biography or timeline. • Establish your scene right away. • Again, less can be more! Your research, argument, and solid script are the most important. • The performance stands alone: Judges should be able find all your information in the performance. • Practice, practice, practice. Alone and in front of an audience.
But, what if I have questions? • That’s easy, contact: Cheryl Caskey at cheryl.caskey@ky.gov or 502-564-1792 ext.4461. • Or, visit: http://nhd.org/CreatingEntry.htm. • Or, visit: www.facebook.com/kyjhs. • Or, visit: www.history.ky.gov.