English for musical theatre actors 60211100 Study manual for students of musical theatre actor

Lesson14.
The life, works, roles of Charlie Chaplin
Grammar:	Would

Warming up activity. Energy Ball (for the nerves)
Stand in front of a wall and imagine that you are gathering your energy in an invisible ball. Really start to feel it pulsating while holding it with both hands in front of you. When it starts to feel too intense, throw it against the wall. Feel it bounce back by leaning your body to receive and pitch it back to the wall. This is an awe some acting warm-up game to help you focus your energy and get your body moving, shake off the nerves, and nail your performance.
Small Face, Big Face (for great expressions). An actor can say a lot without saying anything at all through a range of facial expressions: happy, sad, angry; you name it. Micro-muscle facial control plays a huge part in your ability to express yourself, so it is important to stretch out your face as well. Start by scrunching up your face like you’ve just eaten something really sour. Get your face as small as you can get it and hold that for 10 seconds. Now stretch your face with the widest, most surprised smile you have ever made (like the one you will have when you actually book the job you are auditioning for!). Now hold that for 10 seconds and repeat the whole exercise a few times. This is one of the better acting warm-up games for expressions.
Now that you are physically warm, it is time to let your voice be heard. Remember, you do not have to be a singer to warm up your vocal cords – it is important that all actors do vocal warm-ups before performing. Whether it is for lines or a song, no one wants to hear rusty pipes.
O E (for a strong voice). When it comes to your stage voice, it needs to be loud and clear. Even though it is far from boring, start this game with a good, long yawn. Really – have a few wide yawns to open up your mouth and throat. Then start by slowly making exaggerated ‘O’ and ‘E’ sounds. As you repeat the letters, begin to speed up until you run out of breath. Repeat this exercise a number of times and you will notice a significant difference when you begin saying your lines.