How to Win an English Drama Competition: Tips, Strategies, and Script Ideas

Are you gearing up for an English drama competition in high school and are looking for ideas to win? From choosing the right script to preparing your performance, there are several strategies and tips that can boost your chances of winning the competition. This article will guide you through the process and offer creative script ideas to help you excel.

Choosing the Right Script: Adapted or Original?

When selecting a script for your English drama competition, consider whether you should adapt a classic work or create something original. Here’s a breakdown of both options:

Adapt a Classic Work

Adapting a classical English work can provide you with a strong foundation for your performance. While it requires more preparation, it also gives you an opportunity to showcase your understanding of classic literature. There are numerous works to choose from:

Robin Hood: This tale of heroic adventures provides plenty of characters and dialogue for actors to work with. My Fair Lady: A well-known musical that can be adapted into a straight play and features memorable songs and characters. The Wind in the Willows: Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll)’s work features delightful animal characters, such as Toad and Badger.

Remember that if you adapt a classic work, you may need to prepare the actors to perfect their English accents, as indicated by your English background. However, the rich character support and storyline can make for a compelling performance.

Create an Original Script

While creating an original script may sound exciting, it also comes with its challenges. Writing a new script requires a lot of creativity and time to develop the plot, characters, and dialogue. Additionally, judges often value originality, but the execution must be strong and the content interesting to capture the audience’s attention.

Winning Tips and Tricks

Choose a Comedic Script

If comedic elements are your forte, consider choosing a play with plenty of witty and humorous characters. For instance, 'Dearly Departed' is an excellent choice. Its lively and engaging characters are sure to entertain the audience, helping you stand out.

Be Original and Creative

Many judges appreciate original ideas. Collaborating with friends to write an original play can be rewarding and might increase your chances of winning. Keep your script bold and fresh, and think outside the box. For example, you could consider a time travel theme or use a mix of genres and formats to create a unique performance.

Adapt a Potent Section of Shakespeare

For a more literary approach, adapt a poignant section from a Shakespearean play and end with a well-known speech. This can add a powerful finish to your performance, leaving a lasting impression on the judges and audience.

Start by selecting a famous speech from a dramatic scene in a Shakespearean play. The famous lines being delivered by characters like Macbeth, Hamlet, or Romeo can significantly enhance your drama’s emotional impact. After delivering the speech, make sure to introduce the performance with a good speaker who can provide context and pique the audience's interest.

Middle of the Road: Rewriting History

If you’re looking for something balanced, consider rewriting historical events in a unique way, à la Forrest Gump. This approach provides a familiar framework while allowing you to infuse your interpretation and creative liberties. You can also incorporate a time travel theme and explore how your characters interact with past events, using your knowledge of the future/present and a teen perspective to add a fresh twist.

Conclusion

Selecting the right script and preparing a compelling performance can make all the difference in an English drama competition. Whether you adapt a classical work, create an original script, or choose a middle ground approach, remember to stay creative, engage your audience, and aim for excellence.