Duet Acting - Definition

Duet Acting (often shortened to "Duet" or abberviated as "DA" in tournament schedules and results) is an event in competitive high school forensics. Similar to Duo Interpretation, Duet Acting varies in two major respects: first, Duet is not an official National Forensic League event. Some state organizations (the Ohio High School Speech League among them) practice it. Secondly, unlike Duo, in which the actors are not permitted turn towards each other, touch each other, or even move their feet from the floor, Duet incorporates an element of acting.

Duet Acting involves two people, two chairs, and a table. (The latter three are supplied in each room of competition). Each pair performs a ten-minute scene, typically using only two characters. Occasionally the performers change roles, in the manner of Dramatic or Humorous Interpretation. The pieces may be either serious or funny, and the extensive use of movement is permitted (i.e., interaction between both characters, as well as with the table and chairs). Duet Acting has been removed from the Cleveland district.