"SING OUT LOUISE"

In this blog, board member and middle school teacher, Michele Greenspan, discusses tips and exercises for getting students to project, speak, and use their voices. 

​We've all said it: "Sing out," "I can't hear you," "Speak so the last person in audience hears you," and of course the classic "Sing out Louise" (although it is now a rarity that students know that reference). They are classic theater teacher words, but why is it that our students have trouble accomplishing it.  I find it is less because they don't want to do it, and more because they hear you but don't know how to do it without screaming. So here are some things that have worked for my students.
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Breathing:  
My students have already deemed me the "crazy" one, so they are used to having em do really active things with them.  One of the best ways I have taught projection is actually having them lie on the floor and putting a tissue box on their stomach. This shows them how to breath through their diaphragm because they can see the tissue box moving up and down while the are breathing. From there I have them speak on the floor so they can get used the feeling of speaking correctly.  Finally I have them stand up with their hands on the stomach and repeat the same activity.  ​

​Projection Games:

1.  Have the class start by breathing quietly with their hands on their stomach so they remember to use their diaphragm breathe heavily: almost panting. Add in a “h” sound and short syncopated breathes. Change to “ha” and end with the word hello.  
2.  Play the “Ball Toss Game” to practice using stage voice.  Using a juggling ball students toss the ball across the circle.  Before they toss the ball the students are required to say the students name aloud using their stage voices.  There are many variations of this game, so use the one your kids are most familiar with.
3.  “I Can’t Hear You” Students have a partner and go to a spot in the room.  The face each other and one says, "Can you hear me?" while the other responds with, "Yes, I can hear you." or "No, I can't hear you."  If they can hear each other, they take a step back.  If they can't hear each other, the repeat it until they can.  Once they go as far as the room allow, they switch parts and repeat the activity. 

Although simple, I hope these ideas allow you to get started to retire
all those classic sayings!

AUTHOR

Michele Greenspan, 
Carl H. Kumpf Middle School