Speech & Voice Assignment

ADA 2O1- Dramatic Arts (Ms. Chamberlain)

Name: ________________________

Task:
Working independently or with a small group, you will create a performance that showcases your voice & speech
skills. You will use your creative thinking and collaboration skills to decide how you want to showcase your skills.

You can choose to:

-[Option 1 - Shadow Puppet Play: Individual or Group] create a 2 minute advertisement for a fictional product or
service. Your performance will require you to showcase the dynamic / full range of your voice; you will use your
creative thinking and collaboration skills to decide how you want to showcase your voice! In keeping with our course
theme: ‘Theatre has the power to bring about positive change…’, your fictional product or service must aim to make
your community / community members’ lives better - through the use of a satirical message - to bring about a
positive change!

Each person must be an active contributor throughout every stage of the creative process, this includes:
-creating and crafting their own shadow puppet, which will have one (1) moving part.
-writing / co-writing a script (advertisement) which incorporates the shadow puppets that have been created.
-enhancing your performance using ‘set’ (backdrop: scenery / backgrounds)
-demonstrating your voice & speech skills in a creative way; this will entail annotating (making notes in the margins)
of all the intentional choices that you made involving the use of your voice.
-ensure that there are smooth transitions between each scene and that puppets, just like actors, remain in character
the entire time that they are visible to the audience.
-creating a unique and dynamic voice for your puppet (character); every actor must have at least ten (10) lines; if
you are working individually on this assignment, you will need to have at least twenty (20) lines.

Remember that in addition to showcasing your voice, you will also need to consider intentional movement choices
(yes, even with your puppet); this is all part of creating a 3-dimensional character.

- [Option 2-Musical: Group] re-create a 5-minute scene from a famous musical; the scene must include a song that
will be (at least partially) sung by members of your group. Like the shadow puppet option, you must select a musical
script / song that centers around an important (satirical) message – one that takes into consideration the conventions
of ‘socially responsible theatre’ and, therefore, will inspire social change.

Each person must be an active contributor throughout every stage of the creative process, this includes:
-re-creating and rehearsing the musical scene / number.
-co-writing a short script to situate / introduce the musical song (and give context to the musical piece)
-enhancing your performance using ‘set’ pieces and / or props.
-demonstrating your voice & speech skills in a creative way; this will entail annotating (making notes in the margins)
of all the intentional choices that you made involving the use of your voice.
-ensure that there are smooth transitions and remain in character the entire time that you are visible to the audience.
-creating a unique and dynamic voice for your character; every actor must use their voice!
[Option 1-Shadow Puppets] Crafting / Rehearsal Schedule

Class 1 - 3 Class 4 Class 5 Class 6 Class 7 & 8 Class 9

Dec. 9 - 13 Dec. 14 Dec. 15 Dec. 16 Dec. 19 - 20 Dec. 21
1. Fabricate your 4. Brainstorm your 5. Then, write / Continue steps 5 & 6 7. Using your script, 8. Come to class
shadow puppet. script ideas on the co-write the script. rehearse your ready to perform!
sheet provided. ***Remember your ‘Voice & Speech performance – Make sure to bring
Assignment:
2. Fabricate your script must aim to including entrances / your polished (and
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‘set’ (backdrops: bring about a Script’. DUE by exits, transitions annotated) copy of
scenery / positive change in December 16 at [between scenes], the script, your
background). your community / 11:59 p.m. movement, vocal assignment
community expression / package, your
3. Select ambient members’ lives, projection, etc.). shadow puppets
music that will incorporating a and all other
underscore your satirical message. To help you with the materials needed
entire performance.
rehearsal process, for your
6. Next, edit your consult the attached performance (e.g.
script and submit sheet entitled, backdrops).
one (1) copy of it (on ‘Rehearsal and
Google Classroom).
Performance Tips for SUBMIT all
See: ‘Voice & Speech
Assignment: Puppetry’. components by
Advertisement 3:35 p.m.
Script’.

***The script’s title page must be include: a proper title and a list of the ‘Cast of Characters’, using the format
below:

The Lonely Lunch Bag

Cast of Characters, in order of appearance:

Lunch Bag……………………………………………………………….................................................................... Mosley Rejdk

Sandwich…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...Simran Simraj
Angry Juice Box………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…Aneesa Luisa
Mom…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...Maryam Gal

On the day of your performance, you must submit:

❐ This assignment package (with completed brainstorming sheet)

❐ A printed copy of your polished script, complete with a formal title page.
Each individual person’s script MUST include: annotations (in the margins) as evidence that a detailed thought
process went into the incorporation of voice techniques. This means that you will have to label all intentional choices
that you made involving the use of your voice. Be sure that when you label, you include the vocal techniques (terms)
that you used (e.g. volume, pitch, tone, speed, rate, inflection, emphasis, etc.)
[Option 2-Musical] Rehearsal Schedule

Class 1 - 3 Class 4 - 8 Class 9

Dec. 9 - 13 Dec. 14 - 20 Dec. 21

1. Brainstorm your script ideas on the
sheet provided.
2. Source / reproduce the script,
including writing / co-writing a short
script (dialogue) to situate / introduce
the musical song (and give context to
the musical piece). ***Remember
your script must aim to bring about a
positive change in your community /
community members’ lives,
incorporating a satirical message.
3. Source / obtain the song.
4. Using your script, rehearse your scene /
song; this includes rehearsing the
entrances / exits, transitions [between
scenes], movement, and voice & speech
techniques.
5. Program lighting cue(s) for your scene /
song.
6. Create a (sound) playlist. Avoid YouTube
(ads!) if possible.
7. Write all LX and SND cues onto your
script.
9. Come to class ready to perform!
Make sure to bring your polished (and
annotated) copy of the script. Also, make
sure to bring all materials (props / costumes)
needed for your performance; this also
includes bringing copies of your script (for
the lighting & sound technicians to follow)
and a device which will allow your sound
technician to run your song playlist. Don’t
forget your completed assignment package
too!
SUBMIT all components by 3:35 p.m.

8. Find two (2) classmates to be your

lighting and sound technicians; practice
running the cues with your lighting &
sound technicians.

***The script’s title page must be include: a proper title and a list of the ‘Cast of Characters’, using the format below:

The Lonely Lunch Bag

Cast of Characters, in order of appearance:

Lunch Bag……………………………………………………………….................................................................... Mosley Rejdk

Sandwich…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...Simran Simraj
Angry Juice Box………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…Aneesa Luisa
Mom…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...Maryam Gal

On the day of your performance, you must submit:

❐ This assignment package (with completed brainstorming sheet)

❐ A printed copy of your polished script, complete with a formal title page.
Each individual person’s script MUST include: annotations (in the margins) as evidence that a detailed thought
process went into the incorporation of voice techniques. This means that you will have to label all intentional choices
that you made involving the use of your voice. Be sure that when you label, you include the vocal techniques (terms)
that you used (e.g. volume, pitch, tone, speed, rate, inflection, emphasis, etc.)
 Option 1 & Option 2- Brainstorming Sheet

(Satirical) message that our / my performance will address to inspire social change
__________________________________________________________
(write the issue on the line above)
Rehearsal and Performance Tips for Puppetry

Shadow Puppets

● Where are you sitting?

● Where are your puppets entering and exiting?
● We do not want to see your hands, therefore, do not cut the rods
too short
● When the puppet is talking, make it obvious (e.g. think
‘movement’)
● Practice manipulating the puppet (try to make it look like it’s
getting angry, laughing, etc.)
● What type of voice will your puppet have (consider tone,
expression and projection)
● Do not make the screen look too crowded
● Creative touches: music, transparency paper cut-outs for colour
Voice & Speech Assignment Rubric ~ ADA 2O1 - Dramatic Arts (Ms. Chamberlain)
Criteria Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
50-59% 60-69% 70-79% 80-100%

Knowledge & Understanding /10

Performer demonstrates an understanding of Demonstrates limited Demonstrates some Demonstrates considerable Demonstrates extensive
the principles of dramatic expression in voice: understanding of the elements understanding of the elements understanding of the understanding of the
___volume (dynamics) and principles of expression in and principles of expression in elements and principles of elements and principles of
___pitch voice voice expression in voice expression in voice
___inflection (rising, falling, and / or circumflex)
___emphasis
___rate
___projection
___script had meaningful markings (intentional
vocal choices / vocal techniques

Demonstrates an understanding of principles of -Demonstrates a limited -Demonstrates some -Demonstrates considerable -Demonstrates an
formation / staging understanding of principles of understanding of principles of understanding of principles extensive understanding
__ body control / physical gestures formation / staging formation / staging of formation / staging of principles of formation /
__ open to audience (no blocking) staging in order to suit a
__ smooth transitions (entrances / exits) specific purpose / achieve
__ use of space (foreground / background) a specific goal in a drama
work

Thinking /10
Uses planning to identify important messages -demonstrates limited use of -demonstrates some use of --demonstrates --demonstrates an
and uses voice & speech techniques to raise planning. The message is not planning. The message is considerable use of exceptional use of
awareness / draw attention / address a specific evident nor is it addressed somewhat evident, but not planning. The message is planning. The message is
message through identified (annotated) thoughtfully addressed through evident, but could be more evident and is thoughtfully
voice & speech techniques identified (annotated) voice & thoughtfully incorporated incorporated into the
___ considers intent(ion) and purpose in order speech techniques through additional script. The intended
to address relevant issues / important (annotated) voice & speech purpose for the message
messages techniques is clear, meaningful and is
___creates / re-creates (revises and refines) a evident through the use of
script that incorporates & conveys a meaningful accurate / extensive voice
(satirical) message through the use of voice; & speech techniques
script has meaningful [annotated] markings (of (annotations)
voice & speech techniques)

Communication /10
Uses a variety of expressive voice techniques
to support the depiction of character, or for a
-limited use of communication -some use of communication to -considerable use of -exceptional use of
specific intention (heighten the message)
to support the depiction of support the depiction of communication to support communication to support
character, or for a specific character, or for a specific the depiction of character, the depiction of character,
___manipulates the elements of voice in a intention (heighten the intention (heighten the or for a specific intention or for a specific intention
meaningful and purposeful way to heighten the message) message) (heighten the message) (heighten the message)
message; interpretation of meaning / mood is
created / conveyed through voice

___thoughts, feelings and ideas of the

-with limited effectiveness the
character are communicated through ‘voice’ in
conventions of performance
a unique and effective way
are manipulated to represent
thoughts, feelings and ideas
___voice suits character
-with some effectiveness the
conventions of performance
are manipulated to represent
thoughts, feelings and ideas
-with considerable
effectiveness the
conventions of performance
are manipulated to
represent thoughts, feelings
and ideas
-with a high degree of
effectiveness the
conventions of
performance are
manipulated to represent
thoughts, feelings and
ideas; effectively uses
conventions of
performance

Application /10
Actively participates in planning and rehearsal -limited demonstration of -some demonstration of -considerable --exceptional
process participation (in planning / participation (in planning / demonstration of demonstration of
rehearsal process), contributing rehearsal process), contributing participation (in planning / participation (in planning /
Contributes to group in a positive and helpful to group (in positive and helpful to group (in positive and helpful rehearsal process), rehearsal process),
way way) way) contributing to group (in contributing to group (in
positive and helpful way) positive and helpful way)

Clear evidence of intentional character-work

-limited evidence of intentional
(puppeteer / actor creates & stays in character
character-work; puppeteer /
actor demonstrates limited
___remains focused and in role during focus and rarely stays in role
performance during performance
-some evidence of intentional
character-work; Puppeteer /
actor demonstrates some focus
and sometimes stays in role
during performance (breaks
character)
-considerable evidence of
intentional character-work;
Puppeteer / actor is mostly
focused and stays in role
during performance.
Character is not always
consistent
-exceptional evidence of
intentional character-work;
puppeteer / actor
demonstrates exceptional
focus and remains
thoroughly in role during
performance. Character is
always consistent
Comments / Next Steps:

FEEDBACK LEGEND: GREEN = Criterion fully demonstrated; improvements may still be possible. YELLOW = Criterion emerging
(descriptive words that are highlighted on the rubric indicate the particular aspect of the criterion that is still developing / requiring
improvement / reflection). RED = Criterion incomplete / not demonstrated.