RM Drama blog

Why learning a poem is about so much more than remembering words. Poetry is sometimes seen as a rather traditional part of education – something children learn for a school assembly, a performance or perhaps a LAMDA exam. But behind the rhymes, rhythms and carefully chosen words lies something rather remarkable: poetry offers young minds a wonderful workout, helping to develop memory, language, literacy and communication skills. At RM Drama, we're passionate about encouraging

Why sometimes saying nothing can be the most powerful thing you do on stage. When preparing a poem, monologue or speech, we often spend a great deal of time thinking about the words we need to say. How should we deliver them? Which words should we emphasise? How can we make our voices more expressive? But one of the most effective performance techniques involves something quite different: knowing when not to speak. A well-placed pause can be just as powerful as the words surr

Learning your lines is important. Speaking clearly is important. Using expression is important. But there’s another question that can transform a performance: Why is your character saying these words? Every time your character speaks, they want something. They might want to persuade someone, make them laugh, win an argument, hide something, impress someone, ask for help or simply be understood. This is your character’s intention. Before you perform a piece, try going through

It’s very tempting in a LAMDA exam to walk into the room, see the examiner sitting behind the desk and immediately make them your audience. After all, they’re the person giving you the marks! But one of the best things you can learn as a performer is to stop performing at the examiner and start living inside the piece. Create the world around you Before you begin, think about where you are. Who are you speaking to? What has just happened? What do you want from the person you

One of the most common notes we give in LAMDA lessons is: don’t try to show us how the character feels. It sounds strange. After all, acting is about emotion, isn’t it? Yes — but convincing emotion usually comes from understanding what the character is thinking, rather than deciding what facial expression or tone of voice will demonstrate that they are angry, frightened, delighted or upset. Follow the thought Every good piece has a journey of thought. A character might begin

Choosing your LAMDA pieces is an exciting part of preparing for an exam. Whether you’re looking for an acting monologue, a poem or an extract from a book, the aim isn’t to find the hardest or most impressive piece. It’s to find a piece that you can make interesting to watch and listen to. So, before you settle on your selection, here are a few things to think about. Choose something you actually like You’re going to spend a lot of time with your piece! You’ll read it, analyse

One of the most common pieces of feedback we give in lessons (and get from examiners in the reports) isn't about remembering lines or speaking more loudly. It's simply this: Slow down. It sounds easy enough, but it's one of the hardest skills to master. The moment we're nervous, excited or desperate to remember what comes next, our brains hit the accelerator. Before we know it, we've raced through an entire speech or poem, leaving our audience struggling to keep up. Ironicall

When people think about acting, they often imagine big emotions, dramatic speeches and memorable characters. But one of the most important skills any performer can develop isn't speaking at all—it's listening. It might sound surprising, but the best actors aren't simply waiting for their next line. They're completely engaged with what's happening around them. They listen to every word, react truthfully and allow the performance to unfold naturally. Think about your favourite

One of the biggest differences between a good performance and a memorable one is often found in the face. Whether you're performing a monologue, speaking poetry, presenting a public speaking exam or acting in a scene, your facial expressions help communicate what your words alone cannot. An audience should never have to guess how a character is feeling. Your face provides valuable clues that help bring the story to life. Many performers focus heavily on learning lines, perfec

A quick reminder that our classes will stop for half term from Monday, May 25th, through Sunday, 31st May. After half term we'll be straight into our busy LAMDA exam season! I previously emailed the provisional exam timetable to all students participating in the summer term exams. If you believe your child is booked in for the summer exams but have not received the email or need it resent, please let me know ASAP. After half term, LAMDA will send me the finalised timetable

For actors, the voice is more than just a communication tool — it is an instrument. Whether delivering Shakespeare in a large theatre, performing contemporary text on camera, or preparing for a LAMDA examination, breath control sits at the centre of strong vocal technique. Good breathing not only supports vocal projection but also improves clarity, stamina, confidence, and emotional connection. Many performers assume projection means speaking louder. In reality, effective pro

For many students preparing for exams, learning lines can feel like one of the biggest challenges. Whether you are working on a monologue, duologue, or poetry performance, strong memorisation is essential for building confidence and allowing your performance to feel natural and connected. The good news is that memorisation is a skill — and with the right techniques, it becomes much easier and more effective. Understand the Piece First Before trying to memorise every word, foc

https://mailchi.mp/rmdrama/decembers_newsletter As we finish the term and head into the festive break, we’re excited to share key updates for the months ahead. With LAMDA exams, the Winter Showcase and the Watford Festival approaching, students have plenty to prepare for, supported by our holiday homework guide. We’ll also share QE Shakespeare production photos and welcome new performance videos to our Inspiration Station. Term Dates: Christmas Break: We will be closed from M

In a world humming with notifications, obligations, and endless noise, poetry offers something rare: a small, quiet room in which we can breathe. Reading poetry isn’t just an artistic pastime—it’s a way of slowing down, tuning in, and rediscovering wonder in the ordinary. A Few Lines, Infinite Possibilities One of the greatest joys of poetry is its ability to do more with less. A poem might be only a handful of lines, yet it can open a door into a feeling or a memory you didn

For performers—whether actors, singers, or public speakers—the voice is an instrument that needs regular training. A strong, resonant voice with clear projection not only captivates audiences but also reduces strain and enhances longevity. Here’s a guide to vocal techniques and exercises to help you achieve that. 1. Warm Up Your Voice Just like a musician tunes an instrument, warming up your voice prepares it for optimal performance. A proper warm-up increases blood flow to y

When you step in front of an audience, your visual aids become more than decoration—they’re strategic tools that shape understanding, emotion, and memory. An engaging visual doesn’t compete with your message; it supports and strengthens it. So what actually makes a visual aid compelling? 1. Simplicity that Cuts Through the Noise: Your audience can read or listen—rarely both at once. Effective visuals avoid clutter: minimal text, clean layouts, and one clear idea per slide or

You may have seen in the papers this week a curriculum review has been published and high on the agenda is a renewed focus on oracy. In today’s rapidly evolving world, where communication is key to personal and professional success, oracy—the ability to express oneself fluently and grammatically in speech—has emerged as a vital skill. While literacy and numeracy often take precedence in educational settings, the value of spoken language skills is equally profound. Oracy help

Well it's been a busy half term, but our classes will be stopping from Monday 27th October - Sunday 2nd November. Over half term, here's a quick homework guide for our students: Introductory students - no homework yet. We'll soon be selecting your showcase and festival poems to learn. But parents, don't forget to sign up for the Winter Showcase and the Watford Festival! Verse and Prose pupils - please learn your poems and book extracts over the break.. For Grade 4+ pupils ple

Reading prose aloud is an art form often underestimated. Whether you’re preparing for a literature exam, performing a reading, or simply trying to connect more deeply with a story, dramatic reading transforms a text from words on a page into living, breathing emotion. The key lies in two intertwined skills: bringing characters to life and contrasting narration with dialogue . 1. Understanding the Purpose Behind Dramatic Reading A dramatic reading isn’t about acting out a sce

Reciting poetry is more than just reading beautiful lines aloud—it’s about transforming the written word into a living, breathing performance. A great poem recital captures rhythm, rhyme, tone, and emotion, carrying the audience through every beat and pause. Whether you’re performing in a classroom, a competition, or simply for pleasure, here’s how to approach your poem recital with confidence and artistry. 1. Start by Understanding the Poem Before you think about delivery, s