Charlotte Raketich is a senior at Jackson High School, a 4-year member of the speech and debate team in Dramatic Interpretation, a 3x State Qualifier, and the Director of Interpretation for Speech Resources.
Dramatic Interpretation (DI) is about more than delivering emotional lines; it is about telling a story clearly, intentionally, and truthfully. A strong DI performance allows the audience to fully understand the narrative, connect with the characters, and follow the emotional arc from beginning to end. Bringing a story to life requires analysis, control, and purposeful performance choices.
Begin with a deep understanding of the story. Read the full work, not just your cutting, and identify the central conflict, themes, and character motivations. Ask yourself what the story is ultimately about and why it matters. This understanding informs every performance choice, from pacing to emotional intensity.
Next, focus on character development. Even if you are portraying multiple characters, each one should have a distinct voice, posture, and perspective. These differences should be clear but controlled; subtle shifts in tone, focus, or physicality are often more effective than exaggerated choices. Consistency is key. Once a character choice is made, it should remain stable throughout the performance.
Emotional progression is essential in DI. Strong performances build rather than peak too early. Identify where the story escalates, where tension increases, and where moments of release occur. Varying intensity allows the audience to stay engaged and makes climactic moments more impactful.
Use vocal and physical choices intentionally. Changes in volume, pace, and tone can signal shifts in emotion or perspective, while purposeful movement and gestures reinforce meaning. Stillness can be just as powerful as movement, especially during serious or reflective moments.
Finally, remember that DI is about storytelling, not acting for effect. Avoid melodrama or constant intensity. Let the text guide your choices, and trust that clarity and honesty will resonate more than exaggeration.
Bringing a story to life in Dramatic Interpretation means committing fully to the narrative and its characters. When performers combine strong analysis with disciplined delivery, the story becomes vivid, compelling, and emotionally grounded for the audience.