One of the toughest things about acting classes or competitions is finding the right script.  Similar to how the American Idol judges always stress the importance of finding the right song, actors must find the script that will really help them to shine.

One of the most in-demand types of scripts is the humorous duet acting script, which is used in forensic or speech and debate competitions.  Of course, there are many scripts available, but the real challenge is finding one that hasn’t been done over and over and over again, to the point of nausea.  Of course, if I were to post specific examples of scripts you could use, the danger is that the same thing would happen with those.

You want to find something unique, that is perfectly suited to you and your partner.  The question is, how do you find that funny scene without having to read hundreds of plays from front to back?  Here is the method I always use for finding fantastic, unknown pieces to perform.

Step One:  Go to the library or bookstore and pick up some scene books with scenes from real, published plays.  Scan through them and find some scenes that you really like.  It doesn’t matter if the age range or characters are exactly what you’re looking for, just keep your eye out for a sense of humor and writing style that you are attracted to.  Make note of the playwrights of those scenes you like.

Step Two:  This is the real secret to finding unique acting scenes.  Get your hands on as many plays by those playwrights as you can.  Since you already know that you relate to his style and humor, you should be able to find a lesser-known duet acting scene in one of his other plays.

Though you may be tempted to skip step two and just grab something out of a scene book, it really is the key to finding great acting scenes for whatever your purpose.  More than likely, you will find a couple of gems, and your hard work will show off your originality and make you stand out from the crowd.

This is my favorite method for finding acting scenes (and monologues) for classes, auditions, improving my acting technique, et cetera.  Do you have another method that you’d like to share?  We all welcome your input!  Feel free to post a comment.

P.S.  Please visit my latest post on humorous duet acting scripts to give me your input!  I am compiling some scripts for you to download from this site, but I need your input to make sure I give you exactly what you are looking for!

Tags: Scenes & Monologues //