Creating a performance for National History Day involves developing a live dramatic presentation based on research. A performance must have a script, costumes, and tell a story through narrative and visual elements within a 10 minute time limit. Students should choose an interesting topic related to the theme, research using primary and secondary sources, and develop a script with a clear thesis, supporting points, and conclusion. Effective performances convey historical accuracy and emotion through memorized lines, character development, and action over the course of the narrative.

1. National History Day How to:
Creating a Performance

2. What is a Performance?
• A live dramatic presentation performed as an individual or
group.
• Scripted
•Based on research
•Structured around thesis statement,
supporting statements, and conclusion
•Tip: It is not just a recitation of a
historical paper!

3. The BasicsCheck the Contest Rule Book for complete rules
• Time limit: 10 minutes to perform. 5
minutes to set up and break down.
• Media: Only the performers can operate it.
• Costumes: Create own, have one made,
rent, borrow. Do not have to be expensive
to be accurate.
• Live performance: Don’t be afraid!
Everyone watching is there to support you.

4. What Makes a
Performance Different?
• Presented live.
• You have to develop a strong narrative so
that your story unfolds in a dramatic and
visually interesting way.
• You wear costumes and
have props.
• Have to memorize your
script.

5. What does your
project need to “do”?
• Tell a story
• Reveal change over time
• Consider historical
perspective
• Provide context
• Ask questions
• Draw conclusions
• Find facts

6. How do I
choose a topic?
• Brainstorm topics related to
the theme.
• Learn what historical
resources are nearby.
• Think through controversial
topics.
• Choose something you think
is interesting!

7. How do I
research my topic?
•Start with secondary sources
•They help you understand your
topic more completely.
•Will point you toward primary
sources.
•Help you pick the specific themes
and key questions you want to
address and ask.
Can I use websites?
•Yes, but don’t do all your research
there.

8. How do I
research my topic?
• Primary sources!
– NHD defines these as materials directly
related to a topic by time or participation.
– Sources can be both primary and secondary
depending on how it’s used.
– Look in the footnotes and bibliographies of
secondary sources to find them.
– Talk to a librarian, historian,
teacher, or archivist!

9. Evaluating your
sources
• Not all primary sources are primary to your
topic.
• Think about these questions:
– What type of source is it?
– What is the date?
– Who created it?
– Where was it produced?

10. What do I
put in a performance?
• Remember you only have 10 minutes.
• Does it fit the theme?
• Does it further the story you’re telling?
• Is it visually interesting?
• How many characters will you need to tell
your story?
• Does it convey the importance of the
events or theory?

11. Your “Script”
• A 10 minute performance = roughly 5 double-spaced
pages.
• Clear thesis and strong supporting points.
• Historical accuracy.
• Range of emotion.
• Action! This is a performance.
• Compelling narrative with conflict and resolution.
• Strong conclusion.
• Do you need audio/visual aids?
• Edit, double check, rewrite.
• Check out the library or ask your teacher for examples.

12. What should my
performance look like?
• Consider your sets and props. You only have 5 minutes
to set up. Doesn’t need to be elaborate to tell your story.
• Consider where you will stand, move, or
relate to your set.
• Consider your costumes. Consult original
photographs or costume guides. You must be
the one making all the decisions about it.
• Sometimes simple is better.
• Have fun with it!

13. Your Annotated
Bibliography and Citations
• Bibliography: List of sources typed that you consulted in creating
your performance. Keep a working bibliography as you research.
• Annotations: Brief descriptions of how the source was useful to
your research.
• For both annotations and citations refer use the MLA or
Turabian style manuals.
– Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and
Dissertations.
– Joseph Gibaldi, MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers.

14. Tips!
• Watch your posture, gestures, motion, and voice.
• Do not rush!
• Memorize the action, emotion, and content with the words.
• Focus on certain characters rather than narrating an entire
biography or timeline.
• Establish your scene right away.
• Again, less can be more! Your research, argument, and solid
script are the most important.
• The performance stands alone: Judges should be able find all
your information in the performance.
• Practice, practice, practice. Alone and in front of an
audience.

15. But, what if I
have questions?
• That’s easy, contact: Cheryl Caskey at
cheryl.caskey@ky.gov or 502-564-1792
ext.4461.
• Or, visit: http://nhd.org/CreatingEntry.htm.
• Or, visit: www.facebook.com/kyjhs.
• Or, visit: www.history.ky.gov.