The first order of business for any actor is to learn his lines. It is important for an actor to not only know what he is supposed to say, but when to say it. Break down the lines into manageable chunks. Memorizing a play by pages, scenes or even acts can help the memorization process feel less overwhelming. A good way to memorize lines is to make an audio recording of the play. The recording can be listened to at any time.
Speaking loudly, also called projecting, is speaking from the diaphragm--not yelling. This is the muscle under the lungs just below the rib cage that provides breath support for speaking and singing. The California Pacific Medical Center recommends learning correct breathing to help actors speak correctly. They suggest practicing correct technique by imagining the lungs filling like a pitcher of water while breathing in deeply. While exhaling, contract the waist and tighten the abdomen to control the air as it comes out. Once an actor has mastered the breathing process, she can learn how to control the air to make the voice louder or softer.
No matter how loudly an actor speaks, if he mumbles his lines, no one will be able to understand what he is saying. Learning to speak clearly is a combination of speaking slowly by pausing between words, opening the mouth wide and deliberately punching the consonant sounds.
Children must exaggerate their facial expressions. It may help child actor to imagine that she is a cartoon on stage. When she yawns, her whole head should tip back and her mouth should open so wide the audience can see her back teeth. Facial expressions can't be too big when on stage.
While on stage, children should stand straight and tall unless a character dictates otherwise. Drama Kids International suggests checking natural posture by standing in front of a mirror to see if the shoulders slouch forward, and learn how it feels when the muscles hold that position. Gestures are also an important part of acting; they need to be larger than life when a child is on stage.
Blocking is where and how an actor moves on stage. Children should learn the basic stage directions. Being familiar with the stage areas and their names will help a child remember where he is supposed to be and when during the course of a play or sketch. On rare occasions, turning your back on the audience is actually called for in scripts or direction. The rest of the time, the actor should face the audience as much as possible. This is especially true when the actor is trading dialogue with another actor, as it enhances projection and visibility. An actor must learn to employ a technique called "cheating out," or turning the body to a 45-degree angle from the other actor. The goal is to face toward the audience as much as possible.