Projection!!!
Is it just me, or is this always an issue? Right. That was a rhetorical question. I’ve struggled figuring out a way to get students to project for many years. Recently, I came across some great ideas (thanks to other teachers!) and pulled them together here. I did a bit more research and found some other techniques that might help as well. Here are six strategies that are simple, practical, and get results.
1. Lie Down and Breathe (big thanks to Raven Woods for this one)
Start with students lying flat on the floor on their back (it’s really silly the other way!). Have them take deep breaths from the diaphragm (not the shoulders), then release on a long “Tssss” until they run out of air. Once they feel the breath support, ask them to say a line while still lying down. If it’s not strong enough, correct their breathing and try again. Later, move them to stage positions so they practice projecting from where they’ll actually stand during the show.
2. Use the “Poop Muscles” Cue + Decibel App (Thanks Allison Remley)
Yep, you read that right. Telling kids to “use their poop muscles” actually helps them connect to their diaphragm. For proof, Allison also uses a decibel reader app. If a student insists they got louder, she simply shows them the numbers: “The decibel reader doesn’t lie.”
3. Four Corners Challenge (Jill Christine Brangan)
I love this one personally! Place students in the four corners of a room or auditorium and have them deliver their lines. Being as far apart as possible forces them to send their voices across the space — a great way to stretch their projection comfort zone and while they are realizing how well (or not) their voices carry.
4. The “Ha!” Exercise (via Theatrefolk)
Have students take a full breath and forcefully exhale with a sharp “Ha!” sound, using their diaphragm. Repeat with “Ha-ha-ha” in rhythm. This teaches them to support sound with strong bursts of air instead of straining their throats.
5. Speak to the Back Wall (via Backstage)
Remind students that they’re not talking to the person next to them — they’re talking to the very last row. Have them pick a specific spot on the back wall and direct every line to it. This mental target helps carry their voices naturally.
6. Call-and-Response Game (common theatre warmup)
Stand at one end of the room, say a short phrase, and have students echo it back. Then move across the room and repeat. Switch up distance and volume levels until students can adjust and project consistently.
Final Thought
Projection isn’t yelling — it’s using the diaphragm and body as an amplifier. With just a few fun, consistent exercises, kids get it, and your next performance will be clear all the way to the back row.
If you have a game or activity that works, please, let me know so I can add it!
Hopefully these help, and break some legs out there!
