The gentle art of reading aloud

Experience the joy and excitement of reading aloud and discover your hidden talents in our friendly, creative course. Explore the rich world of the spoken word using the very best in literature, from Shakespeare to the present.

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Key course information

Dates
20/02/12 - 26/03/12

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
6 weeks

Time
10:00 - 12:00

Fees
Full fee: £54
Senior fee: £35

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
DV021

Availability
This course has finished

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
drama@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2542

Course outline

What is the course about?

This course is designed to introduce you to the joy and excitement of reading aloud and to enable you to learn and develop techniques to sound your voice fluently and expressively. We shall work to develop your vocal skills and explore your innate creativity, as you voice aloud a range of texts: poetry, prose, drama and journalism from Shakespeare and the Bible to contemporary writing.

What topics will we cover?

The importance of sound. Your voice as a musical instrument. Breathing, relaxation and body language. Pace, rhythm and phrasing. Silence and cadences. Understanding and analysing the text. Research, structure and planning. Taking ownership of the space. Confidence and the relationship with the audience.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Begin to read aloud fluently, creatively and confidently in front of an audience.
Be more familiar with researching, planning and structuring the reading of a chosen text.
Convey, by creative use of the voice, meaning, character, nuance and dramatic tension in a reading.
Be more relaxed and at ease in front of an audience.
Demonstrate more effective vocal delivery, supported by correct breathing.
Establish a basic programme of exercises to continue to develop your voice.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is a beginner’s course for those who have a love of reading, are reasonably fluent at sight-reading and want to develop and improve their self-confidence in sounding their voices aloud. However, those who already have some experience in reading aloud and wish to develop their skills further, are welcome on this course. Students whose first language is not English will need to be very comfortable and fluent in understanding and reading in English.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Speak English fluently.
• Communicate in group situations.
• Give and receive constructive feedback.
• Read and respond to a range of texts.
• Take course notes for your own use.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

In large and small groups, pairs and one to one in a classroom situation. Students will be expected to research and practise a chosen text or texts between classes. There is no written homework on this course.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You will need a notebook and pen and a ring binder or file for storing handouts.
Highly recommended: “Your Voice & How to Use It”, by Cicely Berry O.B.E, Virgin Books ISBN 0-86369-826-3 £10.99 (less from Amazon) or available from libraries.
Please bring a favourite, short, piece of poetry, prose, drama or journalism with you to the first class.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2542

drama@citylit.ac.uk

Drop-in advice During term-time: Monday & Wednesday 12.30 - 13.30 and 17.30 - 18.30 Thursday 17.30 - 18.30 Non term-time Tuesday 12.30 - 13.30 Wednesday 17.30 - 18.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.