Lesson 10: Performances (Covers 3 days: 1 day of performance per each cast)
Lesson Objective
Students will be able to use projection, diction, rate, pitch, tone, inflection and emphasis by performing a radio drama.
Materials
- Performance rubrics
- If possible, have a screen or other covering that students can perform behind so they and their audience need to rely on vocal variations. If a covering is provided, near the beginning of the unit be sure to announce this convention will be used.
Hook
Vocal Warmups: Invite the students to stand in a circle and follow these instructions from you:
- Inhale through the nose slowly on a count of 4.
- Exhale through the mouth while pushing the air out using your diaphragm, saying a silent “huh” sound
- Repeat 3 times.
- Inhale through the nose slowly on a count of 4.
- Exhale through the mouth while quietly making the sound “Haaaa”. Remind students to continue to relax the upper body while inhaling and exhaling.
- Repeat 3 times.
- Inhale through the nose quickly, filling the lungs to capacity as quickly as possible.
- Exhale through the mouth while projecting to the opposite side of the room the sound “Haaaa” on the breath.
- Repeat 3 times.
- Inhale quickly again, and this time on the exhale recite the phrase, “Mary had a little lamb.”
Performances and Student Observations
Ask the students to take out a sheet of paper, and to copy what you write on the board. On the board write the following:
Title:
Name:
1 thing that worked:
1 thing to improve:
The students need to write the section with name/1 thing that worked/1 thing to improve for each member of the cast that is performing.
Invite the cast that is performing to take the stage and begin their performance by introducing the title of the play and the actors who are performing. They may then begin their performance.
Assessment
When the performance is over, ask for observations from the class members: things that worked, things that can be improved. Give some verbal feedback.