Combining ideas as you write
When you start talking about the technical details of a performance, there are two things to remember. Don’t just list the things the performer did. It’s not enough to say what the actor did without saying why he did it. For example, imagine that you are writing about an actor performing in John Godber’s play, Bouncers, who says the line: I’m putting on a funky disco record
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Don’t just say:
He used a strong Northern accent.
Do say:
He used a strong Northern accent, which immediately helped the audience understand the importance of the location to the plot.
You are highly likely to be referring to the actor’s physical movements in a comment you make about vocal performance. For example, when the actor says these lines in Bouncers: Down in the disco is the place to be. The lights are so bright like a colour TV…
You could write:
The actor’s voice is loud and aggressive in tone which conveys his anticipation and excitement. He also uses a clenched fist to emphasise his words. His voice softens slightly when he describes the lights which shows affection and indicates to the audience that he enjoys his job.
You can also refer to the actor’s facial expression:
The actor’s face is open and animated and he smiles broadly when he says the words ‘colour TV'.
Note the actor’s intonation if you feel it’s important to the performance:
The expression is bright, suggesting excitement about what he has to say. There is a slight lift in intonation, reinforcing this. The words ‘place’ and ‘bright’ are emphasised to stress the nature of what he has to say.
