The Chorus - Ensemble

Actors performing within the Chorus must work in unison as a group.

Choral gestures and movements completed in unison are powerful.

Actors performing within the Chorus must also pay close attention to
the rhythm of the text and utilize its natural cadences.
 Choral Speaking - Elements
Rhythm
movement or sound in a pattern, usually in a recurring pulse or beat

Rhyme
Lines in verse or poetry that agree with each other in terminal (main) sound, i.e.
fine-mind-womankind

Tempo
Rate of movement, i.e. Slow, fast

Volume
Degree of sound intensity or audibility
 Choral Speaking – Techniques

Antiphon
A verse or selection to sung or chanted in response; in choral speaking this often
refers to the performance tradition of dividing both the choral group and text into
several pieces, each group becoming responsible for a selection of the text.

Solo Lines
Lines (or even 2-3 successive words) that are delivered by individual choral
members to enhance the choral performance.

Line Around
A technique where each line of the text is delivered by a different member of the
choral group.
 The Chorus – Artistic Choices
As an ensemble, Chorus members must make decisions regarding the
delivery of the choral text.
Some guidelines:
Work of the Chorus should be consistent with the style of the drama as a whole.

Movement and gesture should be integrated, but not with literal text connections,
i.e. Miming action of text.

Movement can be in the form of unified walking – dance.

Vocal work can be in the form of speaking, chanting and/or singing.

 Choral Speaking - Elements
Crescendo
Gradual increase of volume

Decrescendo
Gradual decrease of volume

Staccato
Performed sharply and crisply in a detached manner

Legato
Performed smoothly and with connectedness