The Verbal Arts Workbook

Actors need to learn not only how to use their voice, but to use voice and language together. This book is about the expressive potential of language, and how actors can develop the verbal skills to release that potential. Written by tutors at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and authors of the successful companion title, The Vocal Arts Workbook + DVD, this book provides practical approaches to each aspect of verbal expression: Sound: speech sounds and how to use them more expressively Image: bring life and specificity to images when you speak Sense: focus on the most significant words and phrases in a speech or scene Rhythm: how rhythm is created and used in both verse and prose Argument: the structure or logic of language Putting it all together using one classical and one modern scene Each of the chapters consists of several sections: Framework; Exploration; Exercises; Follow-up; Suggested Texts; and Further Reading, addressing the learner throughout, but also providing Teaching Tips which give specific notes for teachers.