---
title: "Playing a part: voice, face and body"
description: "An actor shows who a character is with three tools: how they say the words, what their face does, and how they hold and move their body. The same line can be made kind or cruel by voice alone."
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/arts-and-music/playing-a-part-voice-face-and-body-mt_uN2l8k1-Oi
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/arts-and-music/playing-a-part-voice-face-and-body-mt_uN2l8k1-Oi.md
retrieved: 2026-11-13
---

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# Playing a part: voice, face and body

An actor shows who a character is with three tools: how they say the words, what their face does, and how they hold and move their body. The same line can be made kind or cruel by voice alone.

Subject: Arts & Music · Area: Performing Arts · Ages 7 to 9
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/arts-and-music/playing-a-part-voice-face-and-body-mt_uN2l8k1-Oi

## Ready when they can

- Say one line two ways and name what changed, such as louder, slower, or a different feeling
- Show a feeling with face and body without speaking, and have someone else name it
- Explain that an actor is pretending to be someone else on purpose, not being themselves
- Watch a short scene and say what the actor's voice told you about the character

## Lesson: Voice, face, and body on stage

You have practised expressive speech. An actor uses it to play a character. Acting means pretending on purpose while staying yourself. Voice, face and body are three tools you can choose from. Use them to fit the part. Maximum volume is not the best choice for every character.

**Example.** Say "Please stay" warmly, as if welcoming a friend. Say it again sharply, as if giving an order. The words stay the same. Changing your delivery can make the line sound kind or harsh.

*(drawing: Ask a listener what your acting choice showed.)*

A loud, fast voice may suggest excitement or anger. Use other clues too. Good news and a smile may suggest excitement. One clue does not prove a feeling.

**Example.** In a play, a child loses a pet bird. The actor lowers their eyes and droops their shoulders to suggest sadness. Try a silent feeling. People show feelings differently.

Notice movements and voices in everyday life. Try details that suit your part. For a proud character, you might lift your chin and speak steadily.

**Recap.** Choose acting details that fit the character. Use the scene's clues and ask what your choices show.

*The character-performance lesson, practice questions and cards were written for this dataset.*

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Reciting poetry](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/reciting-poetry-mt_ZBMcX2oRor)

## Optional connections

- [Describing aloud](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/describing-aloud-mt_4A7FYmvVhA)

## Opens up

- [Building a scene: who wants what](https://lightmysky.com/learn/arts-and-music/building-a-scene-who-wants-what-mt_CZbWK5gf0v)