Description
A great way to help students memorize monologues or scenes without getting into a set rhythm and delivery is to have them say the lines as a wide range of characters. This not only helps in the memorization process, but it also helps the student discover creative subtexts. This helps create a more three-dimensional character, rather than going for the obvious choices.
Materials
Full Lesson Plan
For example, if working the “Sue Me” scene from Guys and Dolls, you could have the actors do the scene as follows (the character choices are endless):
1) Adelaide: Hannah Montana Nathan: Superman
2) Adelaide: Dracula Nathan: A Whiner
3) Adelaide: Cheerleader Nathan: Robot
4) Adelaide: Belle Nathan: Gaston
5) Adelaide: Science Professor Nathan: Sponge Bob
Encourage the students not only to do the voice and mannerisms of each character; but also, to think the way each character thinks. Pick contrasting characters; living, animated, whatever the students relate to. It’s a lot of fun, and it also helps students “loosen up” in front of each other.