Paul Abelman, She’s Dead: Vocal use and variety

2. Is voice the most important ‘tool’ for an actor? Why or why not?

To me, voice is critical in deciding whether or not your audience is going to be intrigued with your performance or bored for the next hour or so. Without it, an actor is as good as handicapped. However, voice is not just a physical ability. It can represent various emotions through using it in a range of tenors. For example, a harsh voice depicts anger and a whisper can mean shyness. The way one speaks can lead to evaluation of a character. A strong English accent can lead the audience to assume that this particular character is an educated person.

Voice can also be useful for comedies. The way a person sounds on stage can be lively or dull. Liveliness interests audience in wanting to find out more about the play. An overly exaggerated tone can be appropriate to imply that one is being sarcastic and that can be good for comedies, especially when audiences are able to catch the pretence. A digression of tones can further substantiate this excitement, and it can mean that the actor is having fun. It is always pleasing for the audience to see actors on stage having fun, isn't it?

A good projection of voice exudes confidence and not all emotions need to be express through facial expressions. A good voice which can sing also sets the tune and may sometimes, touch people's hearts with it. Voice clearly elucidates the professionalism in an actor.

Hence, I very much agree that voice is the most important tool for an actor.

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