There are two skill areas that you need to master to create a successful performance:

• Content: Content reflects the information and interpretation developed during research.
• Process: Process is the creative transformation of these insights into the performance

And there are three components that must be present in every performance:

• Thesis Statement: Introduces audience to the main ideas of a presentation.
• Explanation: Use body of the performance to explain the main ideas.
• Conclusion: Summarize ideas at the end of the performance

But most importantly there are two key elements at the heart of every performance:

• Information: The goal of a History Day performance is to present the substance of research on a topic.
• Dramatization: The goal of a History Day performance is to engage the audience in a dramatic portrayal
• The successful History Day performance is a balance between these two key elements.
  

Creating an Effective Performance

• Select topic
  • Conduct general research to narrow topic
  • Research secondary sources to develop thesis
  • Research available primary sources to support conclusions
  • Select key elements of research to develop script outline
  • Determine cast of characters and develop a scenario for each
  • Create a plot summary for each character
  • Develop script and incorporate element of staging
• Elements of an Effective Script
  • Introduces audience to the main idea of the topic at the beginning of a performance
  • Explains these ideas in the body of the work and establishes a clear connection to the annual theme
  • Summarizes the key points in a conclusion that reflects the importance of the topic in history
• Elements of an Effective Character
  • Works in harmony with information they are presenting
  • Tells a story that helps to interpret topic
  • Keeps the performance focused on the theme
• Elements of Effective Staging
  • Establish a clear scenario
  • Performers must quickly establish who they are and the context of their presentation
  • Performers must decide if they will use first person or third person
  • Performers must establish a relationship with the audience
  • Props – can be used to introduce historical content