It is our expectation that all students know their lines off by heart by the dress rehearsal at the very latest. All our dress rehearsals take place in the drama class that is held the week before the performance. It is important that students know their lines so they can be confident members of the cast and focus on important communication skills such as expression, projection, eye contact, movement and characterisation. If your child has lost their script, please email admin@bazilgrumble.com.au for a replacement.
We understand that learning lines can be tricky so here are some handy hints on how you can help your child learn lines with an emphasis on fun:
- Listening to them say their lines. It is our goal to have no scripts on stage at the performance. Practice makes perfect!
- Remind them to speak slowly and clearly, and use lots of expression in their voice and on their face. Remind them to lift their chin and hold their shoulders back so they look and feel more confident.
- Say the line before their line (this is their cue line) and ensure that they know that their line is next. This is one of the most difficult aspects of drama.
- Ask your child to think about the type of voice their character would use. Record your child saying their lines on your phone or other recording device. Play it back. Ask them to try again using a different type of voice. Also, you can experiment by holding the device further from them so that they have to speak up for their voice to be heard clearly.
- Act out the scenes with your child. Let them hear you use character voices. Laugh together and have fun with the script! ‘Playing’ with our children creates wonderful memories.
- Remind them that slow and steady wins the race! Pace is important as it enhances the clarity of our speech.
- Ask them to say their lines in front of the mirror so that they can see their facial expressions. Most children love looking at themselves and so they enjoy this exercise!