Okay, so you've decided to join the ranks of Readers Theater fans.
What do you tell the students?
How do you get the best out of your students that will champion them from learners into leaders?
Below are a 12 tips based on years of experience and a little research...
Readers Theater Rehearsal to Performance Tips for Students
Tip #1: Stand/sit tall. (Like a string is pulling your head and body up to the ceiling.)
Tip #2: Hold your script up so you can see and speak over the top of it.
Tip #3: Try to look up once in awhile.
Tip #4: Speak loudly and clearly, not too fast.
Tip #5: Face the audience and speak to them.
Tip #6: Become your character and react in the story. Gestures are great!
Readers Theater Performance Keys to Success for Students
Key #1: Wait to speak if the audience is laughing. They want to hear you!
Key #2: Ignore mistakes. Let the teacher or student director deal with it.
Key #3: Focus on interpreting the character for the audience.
Key #4: Do your best. Even adults make mistakes reading aloud!
Key #5: Speak loudly and clearly, not too fast.
Key #6: Have fun! Relax! Smile! If you enjoy your performance, so will your audience.
BONUS TIP: For great vocal projection, breathe deeply. When you take a deep breath, your shoulders should not go up. But, your stomach should push out naturally--not forced.
To really feel this lay on the floor on your back with your hands on your stomach. Take a deep breath. In a deep breath your hands will be pushed up some naturally. (This is a technique used by voice teachers to increase awareness of where the breath comes from.)
NOTE: Everyone knows a leader needs to be able to project. One way to build leadership skills is encouraging students to project their voices across a room. When the microphone is not working, what else will a leader do?
