Welcome to Dramatic Speech!

Day 1

1. Your voice is your most powerful tool on stage. In this course, we will explore the mechanics of vocal production to help you command any space. You will learn how to project safely, articulate your words clearly, and manipulate your tone to convey deep emotion. Beyond the foundations of strong, healthy speaking, we will also dive into the fascinating world of accents and dialects, giving you the skills to transform your voice for any character. This class will help you find your voice and ensure it is heard!
2. Watch the video “Actor’s Voice Problems and Two Solutions.”
3. Test out the advice from the video using this mini-monologue, “The Vending Machine Conspiracy.” Can you make yourself heard better?

You think this is just a regular Tuesday? Look around. Look at the clock. It’s almost 3:14. That’s the time the power went out yesterday. And the day before. Now, I’m not saying there’s a grand conspiracy involving the third-floor vending machine. I’m just saying… it’s awfully suspicious that right when I try to buy those stale pretzels, the entire grid collapses. Don’t roll your eyes at me! We have exactly two minutes before it happens again. So, grab a flashlight, hold your breath, and whatever you do… do not press E4.

Day 2

1. Watch the video about projection. Follow along and perform the exercises with Joelle. (Pause when needed and repeat as desired.)
2. What are the four main resonators in the human body? How can using them consciously help you improve your dramatic speaking?

Day 3

1. We’re going to start getting into accent work today! Make a recording of yourself reading either “Vending Machine Conspiracy” or “Underappreciated Hero” (below) in your native accent Try to speak clearly and deliver the monologue with feeling.

Do you have any idea how hard it is to get hyper-dimensional plasma out of spandex? My washing machine isn’t up to that. I just deflected an asteroid the size of a Gothic cathedral, and what’s my reward? A parking ticket. Thirty-five dollars for ‘idling in a loading zone.’ I was holding a collapsing bridge together! I can bench-press a freight train and fly faster than a jet, but I still can’t get decent Wi-Fi in my secret lair so I can pay the gas bill. I need some time off.”

2. AFTER you have recorded your monologue, watch “How to do a British accent convincingly.” Be sure to follow along and say the words where directed in the video.
3. Once you have watched the video, make a recording of yourself performing the same monologue while attempting a British accent. (Don’t worry, this is only to record your progress!)

Day 4

1. REPEAT “How to do a British accent convincingly.” Make sure you do all the exercises in the video.
2. Then do the exercises in the next video.
3. Record your monologue again. Can you hear improvements compared to yesterday?

Day 5

1. One of the best way to pick up the sounds from a new accent is just to listen to it, so we’re going to spend some more time in the English RP (Received Pronunciation) accent. Watch the video “British Accent Training Course” (it’s cued up to where you should begin) and follow along with the exercises.

Day 6

1. Today we have yet another British accent coach. Watch the video and complete the exercises. How did you do?

Day 7

1. Watch another “Repeat after Me” British accent video. (Be sure to repeat!)

Day 8

1. Watch another “Repeat After Me” British accent video. Are you getting it?

Day 9

1. Watch another “Repeat After Me” British accent video. We will be finishing our RP practice soon. Do you think you are getting it down?

Day 10

1. Watch one more British Accent Training video!
2. Using the same monologue as before, make a recording with your best effort at a British accent. Compare it to your first one. Can you hear a difference?

Day 11

1. Watch the video “Voice Exercises for Actors” and give it a try.
2. Watch the video about how to have better stage presence. Be sure to try the techniques in the video!

Day 12

1. Watch the video about articulation and do the exercises. This video was made to help improve articulation while singing, but can you see how it would help you while delivering lines on stage?

Day 13

1. Watch the video about improving articulation.
2. Try the exercise.