Practice Tips

1. Study your script and decide where you need to place pauses, volume changes, gestures, and other forms of emphasis. Mark these in, then rehearse them. Details of how to do this are provided in High School Elective SPEECH, PACE 6.

Here is a sample:

Quoting page 7 of the PACE:

Notice how the script has been marked. These markings indicate proper emphasis and pauses.

Words that are underlined once receive only light emphasis.

The double underlined words receive strong emphasis which identifies words or ideas which are extremely significant to the meaning.

Underlined words that have great meaning or colour, and where the voice ascends or descends, are shown by small arrows, indicating the direction of pitch.

The words that are usually slighted (not emphasized) are prepositions, state-of-being verbs, personal pronouns, sometimes adjectives, and other words as desired. To help you speak with proper emphasis, cross out the words that are slighted entirely. They are spoken clearly but receive no emphasis at all.

The circled words require more feeling and emotion.

A short pause is indicated by a single slash mark, and a major pause is noted by two slash marks.

I highly recommend the High School Elective SPEECH course. Consisting of 6 PACEs and a video, it covers the basics of good speech delivery and provides six performance projects which, with the aid of the video, the student memorizes, rehearses, and performs to an audience before sitting the PACE test. The performance projects are suitable for use at Student Convention.

2. Read through the General Platform Guidelines to check that you are including all important steps in your presentation. Missing one step could cost you a placing or even get you disqualified. Make a check-list, and work through the areas, i.e. approach, eye-contact, posture, gestures, delivery, introduction, and the specific hints from judges.

3. Keep a close eye on your category guidelines and the judge’s form to ensure that you are including all requirements in your presentation. I.e. You may not enjoy using gestures, but not using any could cost you a total of 15 points (5 from each judge).

4. Rehearse in front of a mirror.

5. Record yourself with a sound or video recorder then observe yourself. Is your voice pleasant to listen to? Are you riveting or boring? Are your gestures natural, or jerky and repetitive?

6. Give someone a judge’s form and have them judge your performance and then discuss it with you.

7. Play your recording and rate yourself on the judge’s form.

8. Perform before an audience as many times as you can. The more often you do it, the more confident you will be. You could perform for your family, a few friends, your class, church, or youth group, or visit a retirement home, your neighbour, or an older person from your church. Pre-Convention concerts in which all students from your school or homeschool group present all their Music and Platform items are an excellent way to gain experience, but make sure this is not your first public exposure.

9. Practice your introduction. Saying your own name can feel very uncomfortable. You need to work on saying it pleasantly and clearly, greeting your audience in a friendly but businesslike manner.

10. When preparing a Poetry Recitation, write your poem out in paragraph form and read this out loud. Your poem should not lilt up and down monotonously. Writing it as a paragraph and penciling in emphasis marks will assist you in preventing the sing-song tone that many associate with poetry readings.

11. MEMORIZE your script! Do this as soon as possible so you can then concentrate on the performance of your item and not on trying to remember what comes next.

12. The script must have a powerful or dramatic theme before you can create something exciting with it. The MESSAGE is the biggest point allotment. What are you trying to prove? Are you trying to convict or to inspire your audience? To change their view on something? Check for age appropriateness.

13. Medal-winning performances are ones that are presented with PIZZAZZ. Just being technically correct isn’t enough. For pizzazz, you need:
ATMOSPHERE – Provided by set, music, lighting, and/or the way you make your opening statement.
PROPS/COSTUME – Choose items with colour/contrast and clarity. Make sure their condition matches your setting – don’t use brand new items if your character is a street urchin. You’re going for visual impact. Give your audience something fascinating to look at.
PRESENTATION – Providing something your audience can relate to that will stir an emotive response. Decide if your style is natural, narrative, mysterious, jovial, pompous, or any of a myriad other styles, only make sure it’s appropriate to your message. Then present it with PASSION!

Sheet Music

Struggling to find good music to play or sing?

If you're looking for lush orchestral, keyboard, or choral arrangements of sacred hymns, you'll find a terrific range at www.MajestyMusic.com, including recordings of how they should sound. Extra-mile service.

www.SheetMusicPlus.com provides a large selection of sacred music, guaranteed low prices, and great customer service.

Digital sheet music has revolutionized my life. You can pay by credit card then download and print immediately. No freight and no wait!

www.MusicNotes.com (US$).
www.SheetMusicDirect.com (UK).

Finding Choral Sheet Music, Cheap

Links are provided in the Sheet Music post detailing the simplicity and ease of accessing brand new sacred sheet music through the internet. Sometimes it's cheaper to get secondhand music, so here's a TradeMe tip for folks in New Zealand and Australia. If you live outside this region, try the same trick on your local auction website such as eBay.com or Amazon.com.

Go to www.TradeMe.co.nz and in the search bar type “choral”. Musicians and retired music teachers frequently list choral sheet music arranged for soprano, alto, tenor, and bass voices (written as SATB). Examples of listings I’ve seen this week are “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”, “The Lord is My Light”, “Prayer” (Brahms), “O Jesu So Sweet” (J.S. Bach), “Written in Red”, “Christmas Gloria”, “Standing in the Presence of the King”, “Lord God Omnipotent”, and “You Alone Will Be Exalted”. Save the search and you can receive daily or weekly updates on music as it’s listed.

Note: It can take 1-2 weeks to process TradeMe membership, so if you plan to bid immediately, you need to already have membership, or ask someone you know who is a member to bid for you.

LYRIC CHECK

If the trader isn’t willing to go to the effort of listing the lyrics for you, it is often possible to find the lyrics on the internet. Do a Google search or use one of the many free lyric-finder websites. I generally use www.LyricsOnDemand.com and www.CyberHymnal.org.

I wanted to check that “He Is the Same” by Carol Cymbala was actually a sacred song, so I Googled for “Carol Cymbala” and found that she is the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir’s director and that she’s written and arranged a lot of sacred music. I didn’t find the exact lyrics I was looking for, but with the above history, it’s safe to assume “He is the Same” is about the one true God.

Google searches may also locate recordings you can listen to online, or playable sheet music, such as offered by www.MusicNotes.com.

Free Scripts

Want to adapt a script yourself?

Bob Snooks offers free drama and dialogue scripts for download here. The range of 1000+ scripts are listed alphabetically by key word. Each link includes the approximate run time, the gender of the cast, and a brief description of the subject. Permission is given to adapt.

Puppet Theatres

My preferred theatre is a plumbing-pipe jigsaw puzzle, shown below in the two-man theatre design, first with the curtain on, then views of the pipes and joints.

This photograph was taken standing up. Remember that the audience will be seated, so they will not be able to see the gap at the base of the back curtain.

I’m hoping this design will soon be available in NZ. In the meantime, why don’t you make it yourself? Ask your local plumber for the parts, get a handy male to cut the lengths to size, and fit it all together. Sew a curtain to slide over the horizontal pipes (leaving gaps in the seams for the legs, of course), and you’re all set to play!

Note: the green and black binding tape on the above example is there because the theatre is old and extremely well used. The black dots are velcro tabs to secure the base of the curtain.

Various theatre designs are available from www.OneWayStreet.com and www.Puppetorium.com in the USA. Karen Bennett of www.NZPuppets.co.nz offers an attractive, lightweight, collapsible design with draw curtains, but the back curtain arrangement means that the puppeteers must work blind.

If you are taking the trouble to learn puppetry skills, to select a script and find all the accoutrements that will turn it into a play, you have the potential for tremendous service for the Lord. You need your own puppets, you need your own theatre, and you need to use your skills in your church and community for the glory of God.

If you know of any adult-sized puppet theatres being made or sold from stores in the South Pacific, please email KyriellePublishing(at)xtra.co.nz !

Puppetry Tips

What’s the best way to store and transport puppets? A puppet suitcase. It is universally known that puppets live in suitcases, and puppets don’t have legs.

Puppeteers of differing heights can be a hassle in a theatre. The simple solution is to make a sturdy wooden box (collapsible for ease of transport) for the shorter puppeteer to stand on.

Is kneeling on hard floors creating dents in your knees? Carry a cushion in your puppet suitcase.

Does your theatre curtain flap in the breeze? Secure it with Velcro tabs to the base pipe/strut.

Are you worried that the audience can see your arm below the puppet’s body? Make the puppet’s shirt longer, or attach a ‘skirt’ to the puppet the same colour as your theatre curtain. You won’t have to worry about operator flashes and it will allow your puppets to be of different heights, the same as people.

Puppet costumes? My Personality Puppets fit a child’s size 0-2. I went to a secondhand clothing store and found a dozen pieces for NZ$10. Occasionally I have to reduce the length of the sleeve or cut the bottom off a one-piece suit. A pair of denim dungarees didn’t need chopping because the bottom and legs are domed. I recommend you aim for clothing that buttons or zips down the front or back so the garment is easy to remove. Don’t forget to look for accessories like hats, scarves, jewelry, hair ribbons, etc. Have fun making your puppet look realistic. You can add a lot to your script through the clothing you choose, i.e. puppet’s scarf gets tangled in a bush, puppet loses his sunglasses only to find them on his head, or puppet wears a padded jacket that makes movement difficult.


CHOOSING A PLAY, NOT A SKIT
An important thing to understand is that you need a puppet play, not a skit. The Judges Form marks costumes, props, set, sound effects, voice variations such as shouting, laughing, whispering, etc, all the things you would expect if you paid to attend a theatrical play. If you don’t have these things in your script, you won’t get any points in these areas. Turn your puppet presentation into a theatrical presentation, and see what a difference it will make to the effectiveness of your message.


Note on Puppet Guidelines

It has been brought to my attention that there is some dispute over the interpretation of a sentence in the SPC Guidelines regarding the use of slang in puppet scripts.

The SPC Guidelines on Puppets state: Scripts must be tastefully presented, avoiding slang, insinuation, questionable language, or references to television, and should be consistent with a Biblical world view.

The International Guidelines on Puppets state: Scripts must be tastefully presented, avoiding slang insinuation of questionable language. Also avoid references to television or worldly practices such as movies, dancing, or mixed swimming.

I feel that the International version removes any doubt or dispute. The SPC version will not be revised until the end of 2008, so until then, I recommend you take the International version as the final authority.


Guidelines WARNING re. use of technician

The South Pacific Guidelines allow for a technician to assist the two puppeteers. International Guidelines, however, limit the team to two puppeteers, so all technical facets must be within the capabilities of those two puppeteers. If your script is designed for a team of three, don’t despair. A little concentration, manipulation, and flexibility could rearrange it for two.

Puppet Suppliers

NZ Puppet Suppliers

NZ Puppets Karen Bennett lives in Whakatane, New Zealand, and runs www.nzpuppets.co.nz from home. She imports Sunny Puppets from the manufacturers in the US and sells them on her website and on www.TradeMe.co.nz. (Check TradeMe for cheaper prices!) Her range of attractive, friendly-looking puppet characters is currently limited to full-body puppets, which I am comfortable with for Ventriloquism but not for use in a puppet theatre. (This is a matter of preference, of course.) You will want to check that the puppet you purchase meets Convention Guidelines regarding dress standards.
Karen has experience in puppet ministry in churches and Bible in Schools programs. She takes workshops for Bible in Schools teachers showing them how to communicate the Scriptures through puppets and drama.
Contact her through her website or by emailing Karen@nzpuppets.co.nz

The Kiwi Puppet Company sells adorable animal hand puppets with beak, wings, and feathers or ears, fur, and tail. Approximately 30cm in size, they look like cuddly soft-toys and are full of character. Average price of NZ$ 30 per puppet. They specialize in New Zealand native birds and possums, but the range includes Lamb, Pig, Crocodile/Alligator, Spider, Ladybird, Fluffy Duck, Cat, Hen, and Hedgehog. See www.KiwiPuppet.co.nz

iQ TOYS sells charming marionettes Quintus the Dragon and Marius the Knight, and also the Kiwi and the Possum from The Kiwi Puppet Company. www.iqtoys.co.nz

www.TradeMe.co.nz and international auction sites such as www.eBay.com are good places to find second-hand puppets. Setting up an account is free and once you have that, you can set up a search which will send you automatic emails detailing puppets for sale. After running a search for about 3 weeks on TradeMe, I located and purchased a darling blue parrot in excellent condition for only NZ$7.50. No doubt I'll be creating a script for him soon and adding his picture to the album on this site. ; )

Note: If you need to do a quick currency conversion, www.x-rates.com/calculator.html allows you to choose the currency locale and then does the calculation for you using up-to-date exchange rates.


International Puppet Suppliers

One Way Street is a US supplier with a huge variety of attractive people puppets, animals, special characters, and ventriloquism puppets in a range of prices. They also sell theatres, scripts, music, and training materials. Have a browse at www.onewaystreet.com/category/puppetry

Puppetorium has a great range of attractive puppets -- full body, half body, marionnettes, and hand puppets. Buy a Poly Puppet for 25% less and dress it yourself. Check out the full body puppet that can do sign language. Amazing costumes, varied characters, and special puppet props - check out the spectacles, and the wheelchair and crutches! Several theatres to choose from. Free scripts for practice -- I didn't see any that would be suitable for Convention. Remember to check the sales page. Have a browse at www.puppetorium.com.

The online store operates in US$, but they also have outlet stores in Canada and the UK. Puppetorium would love to have a store in Australia or New Zealand to carry their products. They appreciate any referrals.

www.PuppetPartners.com is associated with Puppetorium. You can view a large range of attractive puppets here, or you can order your own custom-made puppets.

PuppetsForMinistry at www.puppetsforministry.com offers Sewing Patterns so you can make your own puppets.
The largest design, called a talking puppet, is 28" with a moving mouth and full body. Only 8 pattern pieces and the original design has no gluing, no cardboard and just one small piece of 1/2" foam in the mouth. You operate the movable mouth through an opening in the back of the puppet in the shoulder area . Head and body are stuffed with fiberfill. Includes clothing patterns for 8 piece wardrobe. PuppetsForMinistry also offers patterns for large hand puppets, and some free patterns which you can download and print at home. This company is located in the USA.

If you know of any full or half-body talking puppets being made or sold from stores in the South Pacific, please email kyriellepublishing(at)xtra.co.nz !

TEN-MINUTE DRAMAS

These scripts are all available in a pack of 9 (5 actors, 1 director, & 3 judges) for NZ$ 40.





A Beautiful Death
An emotional drama that will rivet your audience, this is the story of two sisters who die of cancer only three years apart, and the effect that has on their unsaved family and friends. Requires 2 male and 3 female actors.

Characters:
• Fernanda
• Marisa (pronounced ma-REE-sa), Fernanda’s elder sister
• Isabel (pronounced EE-sa-bel), Fernanda’s younger sister
• Gustavo (pronounced goos-TA-vo), Marisa’s husband
• Juan (pronounced hoo-AN), Fernanda’s husband
• Nurse (played by Marisa)


An Honourable Woman
Real theatre featuring 2 western and 3 Muslim women, set in modern north Africa. Strong on dialogue. Requires 5 female actors.

Characters:
• Aisha Al Masri, a local Muslim woman
• Randa Sharif, a local Muslim woman, very well educated, a social activist
• Sukaina Shaaban, a local Muslim woman, more conservative than the others
• Irena Clint, Western Christian woman experienced in living in an Arab country
• Marion Plummer, new missionary to north Africa, fervent but careless in approach


Fruit Trees
Exploring what it means to be fruitful in Christ, a woman is taken on a tour of the heavenly fruit garden by gardener angels who help her understand why her ‘tree’ is just a stump—that good works for Christ won’t produce spiritual growth if they’re done apart from Christ. With an unusual ‘pot plant’ orchard set, witty dialogue, and the opportunity for some creative characterization, this drama provides both the laughs and the spiritual stirring of the conscience. It features 2 strong female roles, plus 2 gender-flexible roles and a stage manager.

Characters:
• Kathy, a know-it-all do-gooder
• Gardener Angel 1
• Gardener Angel 2
• Gardener Angel 3, Prunella the Pruning Angel
• Stage Manager


Frog Buster
A new Christian learns the importance of God’s Law in bringing the knowledge of sin, and tests it by confronting four violent, rebellious young teenagers with their need for salvation. Based on a true story, the play features an unusual set (an inflatable paddling pool turned into a frog pond), dramatic characterization, and a clear presentation of the way to salvation. Requires 5 male actors.

Characters:
• Sam, a zealous new Christian
• Tyler, a rebellious young teenager with quite a swagger
• Jake, a rebellious, dangerous-looking young teenager
• Chester, a rebellious young teenager
• Kwan, a rebellious young teenager
• Voice of Narration, spoken from offstage by Tyler, Jake, or Chester


Money to Spend
This drama about 5 teenagers deals with the issues of priorities and peer pressure, featuring a strong lead and four supporting characters with lots of personality and dialogue. It is grounded in the A.C.E. motto “Changing the world one child at a time”. Requires 5 female actors.

Characters:
• Leticia, an honest and compassionate teenager
• Rachel, power-conscious leader of the pack
• Samantha, wannabe cool chick
• Kelly, optimistic, willing gofer, a bit slow to catch on to things
• Kate, Leticia’s older sister
• Technician, played by Kate, who also gives voiceovers for Aunty Lauren


Night of Vital Decision
This compelling drama is set on the day of the 1998 tsunami in Papua New Guinea, when a teenage girl is challenged to decide between her ambition to serve God and being obedient in the small things. The spine-tingling finale and personal challenge will have a strong impact on your audience. Details provided for simple but effective set construction. Requires 2 male and 2 female actors and a narrator/technician.

Characters:
• Rabouka, a Papua New Guinean teenager
• Mother, from the poorest region of Papua New Guinea
• Father, from the poorest region of Papua New Guinea
• Pastor, native to Papua New Guinea
• Narrator


The Five Dollar Woman (formerly titled God In My History)
This drama is based on the life of Caroline Chisholm, the woman who said that what Australia needed most was good and virtuous women. The theme of God’s involvement in our history is depicted through a father/daughter conversation in his barrister’s office and their visualizing of the lives of immigrants in the convict town of Sydney in 1838, closing with a personal challenge for Christian service. Features great characters and costuming, but be prepared for speedy costume changes. Requires 2 male and 3 female actors.

Characters:
• Magistrate Whitcomb, a successful Sydney barrister
• Harvey, Whitcomb’s assistant
• Sarah, daughter of Whitcomb, a loving, tender-hearted teenager
• Caroline Chisholm, an early Australian settler. She is ladylike and kind. Her voice is musical and her speech fluent.
• Lady Margaret, a proud, wealthy settler
• Nell, a young waif, newly arrived off a filthy, overcrowded transport ship (played by Sarah)
• Constable Ditworth, a rigid, unsympathetic member of the Sydney Foot Police (played by Harvey)
• Cameron, an early Australian magistrate (played by Magistrate Whitcomb)

See The Five Dollar Woman for an 8-actor version.


Ye Are My Friends
Taking John 15:14 as its theme, this play by Isabel Worboys portrays a woman who learns that Jesus plans to visit her home. She makes elaborate preparations while a steady flow of needy people come to her door. She turns them all away, focused on being ready for her Important Guest. The end of the day comes but He does not. Then the phone rings. He explains to her that He did come, but in the way of the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25. She had not helped these strangers, therefore she had not helped Him. She is devastated and repentant. The characters are realistic and likable. Music, sound effects, and lighting play a strong part. Requires 2 male and 3 female actors.

Characters:
• Sarah, a nicely-dressed Christian woman. She has an apron she constantly takes on and off.
• Rachel, Sarah’s close friend
• Jonathan, a teenage boy
• Katrina, a young mother carrying a swaddled infant
• Michael, an electrician
• Heavenly Voice (spoken by Michael)
• Voice of preacher Charles Spurgeon (spoken by Jonathan)
• Radio program host (spoken by Katrina)