RM Drama blog

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

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

Lots of our students have selected the Public Speaking exam for the Winter LAMDA exams and are now busy writing speeches in preparation....

Vocal modulation is the art of adjusting the pitch, tone, volume, and pace of your voice to convey meaning and emotion effectively....

Director’s Note: Understanding breathing For this week’s note, I wanted to deep dive into the breathing element often discussed in medals...

For this week’s director’s note, we’re looking at how to create a Dramatic Reading -with the Reading for Performance module in mind.  How...

How to Use Your Voice to Emphasise Key Words When Performing a Poem Performing poetry is an art that goes beyond simply reading words...

Director’s Notes Core Skill: Understanding Iambic Pentameter Iambic pentameter is one of the most recognizable metrical patterns in...

Director’s Notes Core Skill: Developing a Character How to Get Started Developing a Character for an Acting Performance This week, I’m...

How to Plan, Structure, and Write a Speech for a Presentation At this point in the term, you’ll have selected your modules for the summer...

Why crisp diction matters (especially for grocery shopping) This week’s focus is on diction and why it matters. When I talk to my...

As the half-term break approaches, there’s no better time to pick up a new book and embark on an exciting literary journey. Whether...

This week, as the Winter Exam sitting draws to a close, I want to dedicate this week’s director’s note to the importance of FUN. The...

Director’s Notes Core Skill: Dealing with Nerves For this week’s director’s note, whilst we're in the midst of our winter LAMDA exam...

Director’s Notes Core Skill: Projection A skill we often work on in class is how to project and strengthen the voice. I was at dinner...

Welcome back - we hope your children had a lovely break and we wish you all a very Happy New Year! We are introducing a 'Director's...