Group and Duologue Timing Rules
Your devised performance has to run for a set length. Learn the timing bands for a duologue and for groups, and why running under the minimum costs you marks.
Justify the choices, the way you are assessed
Free interactive practice on the decisions the assessment actually asks you to justify.
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How long should it run?
Your devised performance in Component 1 must run for a set length, and how long depends on how many people are in your group. This module covers the timing bands for a duologue and for groups, and the penalty for running too short.
Timing band words
Four terms run through this topic. Learn them first.
The timing bands
The allowed length depends on the number of performers.
Do not run short
Each group size has a minimum and a maximum time. Running UNDER the minimum brings a mark penalty that grows the further short you fall. Choose the band for your group size and rehearse to length so you finish comfortably inside it.
Match the band
- Duologue
- Group of 3 to 4
- Group of 5 to 6
- Mark penalty
- 3 to 8 minutes
- 10 to 15 minutes
- 20 to 25 minutes
- Applied for running under the minimum
How long is a duologue?
How long must a duologue performance run?
- 3 to 8 minutes
- 10 to 15 minutes
- 20 to 25 minutes
- Any length it likes
Match the term
- Duologue
- Group
- Timing band
- Minimum
- A piece performed by two people
- A piece performed by three to six people
- The allowed length range
- The shortest allowed time
Which are true?
Which TWO of these statements about timing are true? Choose all that apply.
- A duologue runs for 3 to 8 minutes
- A group of 5 to 6 runs for 20 to 25 minutes
- There is no minimum time
- A duologue may last 30 minutes
Plan the timing
Put the steps of planning your timing in order.
- Count how many are in your group
- Find the timing band for that size
- Rehearse the piece to length
- Perform within the time
The timings you must hit
A _____ has two performers and runs 3 to 8 minutes. A group of 3 to 4 runs 10 to _____ minutes. A group of 5 to 6 runs 20 to _____ minutes. Performing under the _____ time brings a mark _____.
Count the minutes
A group of 3 to 4 performers must perform for 10 to 15 minutes. What is the difference between the maximum and the minimum time?
Duologue and group timings
Tap the TWO statements about timing that are true.
- A duologue runs for 3 to 8 minutes.
- A group of 5 to 6 runs for 20 to 25 minutes.
- There is no minimum time to worry about.
- A duologue may run for 30 minutes.
Within the band?
For each performance, decide whether it is within the band, too short, or too long.
- A duologue that performs for 5 minutes. Is this within the band, too short, or too long?
- A group of 3 to 4 that performs for 8 minutes. Is this within the band, too short, or too long?
- A group of 5 to 6 that performs for 30 minutes. Is this within the band, too short, or too long?
Explain the rules
Explain the timing rules for a devised performance and why staying within them matters.
- Give the timing bands for a duologue and for the group sizes
- Explain the penalty for running under the minimum
- Explain how a group should plan its length