Readers Theatre

Other names: Presentaitonal Theatre, Interpreters Theatre, Theatre of the Mind
What you hear doesn’t have to be seen.

An art form different from conventional drama or storytelling. It uses all literature, not merely plays.

This is a form that can be used and approved of in probably every church. Especially if you start by using the Scriptures as your text.

Notes
The use of the notebook as a script and as prop. Holding the notebook.

How to begin (entrance, opening the “curtain,” neutral position)

How to end (closing the “curtain”

Forefinger on your text, and knowing the cues.

Beginning lines with your face out of the notebook.

“Off Stage Focus.” Choosing focal points.

Upper body mime techniques.

Use of levels. Vary the ‘picture” on stage.

Being in and out of a scene.

NOTE: Paying attention to details – being exact and picky about “clean” and “sharp” beginnings and endings will earn your credibility and give you an invitation or open door to do more drama.

Methods to give meaning or emphasis words
Echo
Choral line (All)
Split line to be said by actors, (…/…)
Split word delivery (one-word-per-actor-in-succession)
Repeated line
Fade in/Fade out line
Pause before, or after
Character lines (+inner thoughts)
Vocal contrasts. Volume levels or pacing (speed of delivery)

Blocking and line delivery
Say line before you cross
Say line while you are crossing
Say line after you have made the cross.
Sample Biblical Passages

More info: http://www.readerstheatredigst.com