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.
In Duo Interpretation, cohesion is essential. Judges are not only evaluating individual performance, but also how effectively partners work together to present a unified story. A strong Duo feels coordinated and intentional, rather than like two separate performances happening at the same time.
Cohesion begins with piece selection. Choose material that suits both partners and allows for balanced contribution. The tone, pacing, and character demands should fit each performer, and the piece should naturally support interaction and shared storytelling.
Partners should establish consistent character choices together. Even without direct eye contact, characters must feel connected through matched timing, shared emotional beats, and intentional reactions. Agreement on how characters move, respond, and shift throughout the piece helps maintain clarity.
Pacing and energy should be aligned between both performers. Pauses, moments of tension, and emotional shifts should feel shared and deliberate. If one partner rushes or lags, the flow of the performance can quickly break down.
Movement should always serve the story. Blocking, spacing, and levels help establish relationships and scene changes, but unnecessary movement can distract from the narrative. Both performers should be aware of where they are in space and how their positioning affects the overall picture.
Even when not speaking, performers must remain fully engaged. Active listening, appropriate reactions, and consistent focus help maintain the illusion of interaction and keep the performance dynamic.
Strong Duo performances are built through consistent practice and communication. Rehearsing together allows partners to refine timing, transitions, and character switches, resulting in a performance that feels cohesive, balanced, and intentional.