SNIPPETS and
INTRODUCTORY READINGS

During the next few class periods we will demonstrate many Oral Interpretation techniques through practice and application. Bring a short selection of literature of any genre, style or mode to read aloud. As you begin to read, I will stop you and ask questions. Do not do any special preparations--let it happen in class. You will probably get through only a sentence or two before I stop you and throw a procedural curve ball. Don't be alarmed--these "snippets" are a teaching tool, not an actual performance.

PURPOSE
We will focus on finding the "hook" to your excerpt--a way of interacting with it that brings it to life and communicates its meaning. We will try to illustrate and illuminate key terms and concepts from the first few chapters of Roles in Interpretation.

REQUIREMENTS
Choose a few short pieces of literature, prose or poetry--around a minute in length each. Choose something you like. If it does not engage you, it will not engage the audience. Choose literature that allows you to play: strong vocal and physical characterizations that you can portray. As this is a solo reading, don't choose a snippet with more than two characters in dialogue at one time.

PROCESS
Volunteer students will come to the front of the class in turn with a selection. Throughout your reading, I will stop you and ask you to try certain techniques--both for your experience and for the rest of the class to observe. Everyone will understand that we are witnessing a process, not a finished product. A short discussion will follow your reading as we try to qualitatively evaluate the effects the suggested techniques had on your selection.

 

 

INTRODUCTORY READINGS

 

Your first, full performance in this class will be the Introductory Reading, which is not graded. Worth 10 points, this reading is meant to allow you to put into practice the concepts explored in the first five chapters of Roles in Interpretation, the snippets and classroom exercises.

REQUIREMENTS
Choose a short literary selection, 1 to 2 minutes in length, that you like and that allows you to show your understanding of key terms and concepts of our study to date. You may choose a poem or an excerpt of a longer drama or prose fiction selection. Be ready to discuss how your performance choices were influenced by your reading and study of Oral Interpretation.

PROCESS
After making your selection, skim again the opening chapters of Roles in Interpretation, paying close attention to chapters 2, 3 and 4. Consider your selection in terms of Chapter 2. Analyze your selection in any of the styles discussed in Chapter 3. Which makes most sense to you for your selection? Rehearse your selection after considering Chapter 4. Compose a very brief introduction.

PERFORMANCE
Two days are scheduled for these performances. Performances are voluntary. Put your name on the board if you want to perform. We will do as many as we comfortably can. It is probable that not everyone will get to perform, thus forfeiting the points, especially if not enough are ready on the first day. Please bring your evaluation form on the day you perform. When it is your turn, take command of the space, introduce your selection and perform. A short discussion will follow. This performance is worth 10 points; if you miss your slot, it cannot be made up.

DISCUSSION
After your performance, be prepared to tell us what you were trying to do. Be ready to discuss what parts of Chapters 2 - 4 made the most sense to you and how you tried to incorporate that understanding in your performance. Take risks; have fun!