Using your voice for audio books and talking newspapers: improvers
- Course Code: DVX015
- Dates: 24/06/24 - 22/07/24
- Time: 18:45 - 21:15
- Taught: Mon, Evening
- Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: David Thorpe
Course Code: DVX015
Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Would you like to narrate audio books? Are you interested in community work such as talking newspapers for the blind? This Improvers' course will explore a variety of essential voice techniques such as engaging storytelling, clear and precise articulation and subject-appropriate intonation. Additionally the course looks at how to differentiate your reading styles between audio books and talking newspapers.
What will we cover?
Voice skills:
• How to warm up your voice, in preparation for a spoken recording session.
• How to use your own natural accent to your advantage when reading aloud.
• How to articulate clearly when reading aloud.
Audiobook skills:
• Developing your narrator – how to read comfortably, engagingly and with natural flow.
• Developing a repertoire of character voices for audiobook reading
Talking Newspaper skills:
• Exploring intonation for news reading
• How to prepare written news articles into a script for reading aloud
• How to read challenging news stories in an appropriate tone.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Perform a vocal warm up routine
• Use your natural accent to your advantage when reading aloud
• Read a variety of material aloud, using flow and clarity
• Read aloud a story with distinct voices for a variety of characters
• Read aloud a newspaper using engaging intonation
• Read aloud challenging news stories in an appropriate tone
• Prepare written news articles into a script for reading aloud.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is aimed at those students who have completed the first stage of this course. You can join at this level if you have sufficient experience in this field, but it is not for beginners. Call the Drama Department for an interview with the Voice Co-ordinator if unsure. You will need to be confident in reading advanced English aloud, be able to follow written and verbal instructions in English, engage in class discussions and take notes 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?
The course will be delivered in the classroom. Preparation of material between classes may be required.
As part of the course content, your tutor may record your image for initial and ongoing assessment purposes. You are entitled to decline to participate in the recording of your image.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Be prepared to discuss an audio book you like (and why) at the first session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Storytelling for Business and Pleasure; Narration Skills; Voiceovers
Please refer to our
full sequence of voice and speech classes at City Lit (click here) as you consider which area you would like to study next.
David Thorpe was born in Sheffield, grew up on the Isle of Wight, and has lived in London all his adult life. He has appeared in numerous plays in rep and on tour, including as The Fool in a production of King Lear directed by Jonathan Miller. David has also devised and performed three one-man shows, Confessions of a Toytown Revolutionary, This Way Up! and l Demand A Recount! In 2020 he released an album of his songs and spoken word entitled Trickle-down. Twice a member of the BBC Radio Drama Company, David has been heard in over a hundred radio plays and was a presenter at BBC World Service for 5 years. He has worked in many areas of audio - ADR, ELT, Audio Guides, Animations, Games, Commercials, etc. - but now mostly narrates audiobooks (over 700 so far) for which he has won various awards. Dave has taught radio acting and audio work in a number of drama schools and centres. He now teaches exclusively at City Lit., where he hosts Voiceover courses from beginners to advanced level.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
