Materials: A Shakespearean text to be memorized by each actor. A large open space for movement. Grade: 3-12 (K-2: see variation below) Goal(s): To connect correct vocal and breath support with volume and intention.
To further explore the emotional meanings of a text.
Communication of text is more than volume. Communication involves connecting with another actor: looking at them, listening to them, and focusing on how (and what) words are said by them. Communication also involves understanding what you are saying and why you use the words you do. The combination of connecting with another actor and connecting with the words you speak is called intention.
1. Divide the actors into two lines (A and B) facing each other, with three feet between them. The result will be two actors facing each other, creating a pair. All of the pairs participate at the same time. 2. The actors in line A say a phrase of their memorized text to their partner in line B. 3A. The actors in line B nod "yes" if the words were loud enough to be heard and the meaning of the text was clearly communicated.
OR
3B. The actors in line B shake their heads "no" if the words were not loud enough to be heard and the meaning of the text was not clearly
communicated. 4. If B nods "yes," affirming that the communication of intention was successful, both actors take one step away from each other. If A was unsuccessful,
A repeats the text until B nods "yes." 5. The sequence is repeated until the actors are as far apart as the space will allow. 6. Play continues with both groups returning to the starting position and B's speaking their texts for A's confirmation.
Suggested Variation(s): Instead of starting in two parallel lines, have the
pairs of actors scattered about the open space. As the pairs step back from each other, they will eventually cross the paths of other pairs. This enhances
the need for focus and clear communication of intention.
K-2: Following the above, use simple Shakespearean words or phrases.
Raising The Bar:
•Keep all communication at a whisper. Can intention still be communicated even as the actors step further and further apart?
•Change a vocal quality to punctuate the text. How does stressing different words or increasing/decreasing the rate of speech challenge or improve the
communication of intention?
