Mrs. Killian’s Theatre
Mrs. Killian’s Theatre
Materials: 21 copies of the play, The Pie Thief, paper, and pencils
Procedures:
1. “Hello and welcome to The Killian’s Theatre first day of auditions
for becoming actresses and actors! I am excited about the turn out. To
let you in on a little secret, the main thing I am looking for today
are
those who can read the scripts with expression! In plays and even in
simply
reading a story, expression is the key to keep the audience involved
and
interested. Let’s talk about reading with expression.”
2. “I want everybody to listen as I show you what Killian’s Theatre
is NOT looking for: (read a page of our play with no expression
and
a boring tone). Now if you just fell asleep, this once, I will not
blame
you! Now, I would like to read a page with
expression, so that all you beginners will have an idea of what to
work toward (read with expression and enthusiasm!). Can anyone raise
their
hand and tell me some differences between the two? (Discuss the
differences).”
3. “You might be thinking, ‘but Mrs. Killian, what if I don’t know
all the words in the script’?” Do not worry! I have been an
actress
for years, and I still run across words that I don’t know.
Everybody
take out a pencil and paper to write the steps of what to do when you
run
across a word that you might get stuck on. First, take a shot!
(Just try to read it). Second, read to the end. (Go
ahead and see if you can read the word that would fit.) Third,
you
can change your guess (if needed.) And fourth, read
the
sentence again to get a better understanding of the meaning and how
to use expression in it. You can put that in a safe place to go
back
and read when ever you get stuck on a word.
4. “OK, the auditions will begin soon, so we must think about being
expressive! If I was scared of spiders, and one was crawling on my
desk,
how would I say, ‘there’s a spider?’ That’s right I would say it loudly
and probably quickly too. In different cases you need to use loud or
soft
voices and go slow or fast.”
5. “I now want all five rows to get into groups of four, as I pass
out these scripts. Now, turn to page 3 and one at a time read Grandma
Busybody’s
line at the bottom of the page to your group. Remember that she is very
hungry and somebody stole her pie! Think about how you would be saying
these lines in that situation. Remember, Killian’s Theatre only looks
for
those who show expression!”
6. “Now then, it is time to cast the parts of the play. Each group
is in charge of picking one person to play each role. The different
roles
are Grandma Busybody, Cousin Sally, Cousin Jack, and Sloppy
Dog.
Remember that each part is just as important as the rest. Be sure to
really
think about your character and the different ways you can use the tone
of your voice and the speed of your voice to illustrate how that
character
really feels.” (Have the children begin to read the play.)
7. Assessment: “I will now continue the auditions as I walk around
to hear everyone playing each character. I will be especially
listening
to the expression in your voice! Remember that you do not want
your
audience to fall asleep!”
8. “Next week each group will present their interpretations to the
class. Your group may choose this play or any others ones from the
library!
I look forward to seeing how you can use expression to keep everyone
interested
in your play!”
Reference:
Allen, R. V. (1976). Language experiences in communication.
Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.
Cowley, Joy, IL. Robyn Belton, The Pie Thief, Shortland
Publications
Limited (1982).
By: Sara Ellen Killian
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