acting schools nyc: Mikado articulation exercise

Students of our acting classes NYC know that an actor's voice is one of her most essential tools. It must be well-maintained and cared for, through vocal and articulation exercises like we use in our classes. Ideally, the actor should warm up their voice and articulation, as a daily discipline, as well as before rehearsals and performances. This will help you begin to use good articulation as a matter of habit.
Here is a fun vocal articulation exercise written by W.S. Gilbert for the song "I am Proud" from the comic opera The Mikado.

To sit in solemn silence in a dull, dark dock,

In a pestilential prison with a life-long lock

Awaiting the sensation of a short, sharp shock

from a cheap and chippy chopper on a big, black block.

Memorize some good articulation exercises so you are prepared to warm up and work your articulation throughout the day.