Official Rules for Amphitheatre

For 2026 Tournament, the four battle books eligible for use in skits are Gregor the Overlander, Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All, Eyes on the Sky, and Finding Gobi.

Overview

In the Amphitheatre, a team’s creative talents shine by creating a skit based on a provided scenario and a battle book.

Team members will:

• Create a short skit using details from one of four battle books noted in advance of the Tournament.

• Work as a team to create the skit.

• Share the skit during the judging time.

• Earn points based on teamwork, use of book details, presentation, and skit length.

Amphitheatre - Rules

1. Prior to the Tournament, teams will be informed of the four battle books eligible for use in the Amphitheatre event.

2. At the Tournament, each team will be given two cards with a scenario on which to base their skit. Teams choose one scenario and decide which battle book to feature in their skit.

3. Teams will have 25 minutes of work time to create and practice their skits. Paper and pens/pencils will be provided to teams at their tables.

4. Teams are encouraged to include at least one prop in their skit. A selection of simple props (such as sunglasses) and art supplies for creating props will be provided to the teams. The use of one chair from the team's table as a prop is allowed. Team members serving as props (such as a tree) is allowed.

5. During work time, teams will be evaluated by judges on whether they are working together to create the skit (20 points). Coaches are not allowed to assist teams during work time.

6. The Amphitheatre Coordinator will announce when teams have ten minutes left and five minutes left to finish their skits.

7. When work time is up, teams will be asked to move into assigned groups to share their skits with each other and for two judges.

8. At the start of the skit, teams will be asked to state which battle book they chose to feature.

9. The skit must be at least one minute long and should not exceed three minutes long. Speakers/actors can read from notes, papers, cue cards, etc. While all team members should be involved in the creation of the skit, not all team members need to speak/participate in the skit.

10. During sharing time, judges assess the skit for inclusion of book details (15 points) and presentation (10 points). Judges will award five points to teams that meet the skit length rule.

Amphitheatre Scoring

Teamwork - 20 points

Use of Book Details - 15 points

Presentation - 10 points

Skit Length between 1 and 3 minutes - 5 points

11. The scores provided by each of the two judges will be added together to calculate the team’s total points for Amphitheatre out of a possible 100 points.

Official Rules for Amphitheatre updated 3/6/2026 for the 2026 Battle of the Books Tournament.