How performers use their voice
Director Anastasia Osei-Kuffour talks about how voice and physicality can help define characters
A person鈥檚 voice provides lots of information, such as their age and where they are from. From a practical perspective, performers need to ensure that their voice is clear so the audience can hear what they are saying. A performer should ensure that they have good articulationThe formation of clear consonants in speech. and projectionA strong, clear and loud voice.. A well-trained performer should be able to project their voice so they are loud and clear. Performers also use a range of vocal skills to convey the subtextThe meaning beneath action or speech. The real feelings of a character that they may not show or express to another character. of a line.
Vocal skills include:
- accentA distinctive way of pronouncing a language.
- emphasisStressing a particular word or phrase within a sentence to indicate importance.
- paceThe speed at which lines are delivered. and rhythmRelated to pace, referring to the pattern of sound when speaking.
- pause
- pitchHow high or low the voice sounds.
- quality
- resonanceThe quality in a sound of being deep, full and reverberating.
- toneThe emotional sound of the voice.
- volumeHow loud or quiet the voice is.