This past Thursday, Rosary’s Mock Trial team competed in their final competition against OCSA and made it into the top eight in Orange County. Whether you’re planning on joining or you’re a seasoned competitor, mastering Mock Trial requires dedication and effort. This article has some tips to help you succeed in the courtroom if you’re considering becoming part of our team next year!
- Be yourself and showcase your personality: Mock Trial is about demonstrating your character while following the rules of the competition. Thus, it is important to show your strengths early on so you can get the perfect role assigned to you.
- Be open-minded: Mock Trial is not similar to theatre in the sense that a script is followed. It requires intense thinking and the ability to be able to improvise when needed while following various rules.
- The less nervous the better: standing in front of a judge as a teenager can be extremely nerve-wracking. However, the less nervous you are, the more you can get done. It is better to convert those nerves into excitement. After all, you practice a minimum of seven hours per week.
- Balance: remember that school comes first. Although it may be really difficult to be able have the energy to do homework and two-hour practices, it is essential that you remember that school is your priority. It is also crucial to remember to balance social life. Luckily, Mock Trial is a great way to make friends! Junior Tahlia Jain describes, “My favorite part of Mock Trial is definitely hanging out with the girls on the team before and during practices. It’s been amazing to get to know a bunch of new people who have goals and interests that are similar to mine!”
5. Be committed: above all, Mock Trial requires extreme commitment. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday there are anywhere from two to five hour practices. During these practices, while we do get breaks, it is crucial to stay focused and pretend like you are actually in the courtroom. Senior Grace Raskopf shares, “My favorite part of the trial is seeing everyone’s hard work coming together, especially the freshmen! Everyone spends so much time perfecting their performances, and it is so rewarding to see it come together and pay off.”
Although this season is over, you can always join the next! There is a need for more girls on the team and it is a great way to work your mind and boost your resumé. Though it may be tough to get used to, it is definitely worthwhile!
