PRESENTED BY: Amy McDonald Morrison–
Held in-person:
This is a workshop for actors designed to improve and expand performance skills pertaining to speech with an emphasis on heightened texts (Shakespeare, etc.).
Actors will acquire a greater understanding of the mechanics of speech in an organic manner by matching the voice, breath, physical action and imagination to uncover the limitless range and expression of their own speech. Each class will begin with a simple yoga sequence to match the breath to the body. We will then proceed to exercises on the floor and then to our feet involving utterances combined with physicality. More intricate vocalizing will follow, including tongue twisters and simple texts, stressing diction and articulation.
Now, to the matters of the heart! “Speaking words make you think a thought. Speaking art makes you feel a thought.” Each student will choose a selection of heightened text to rehearse and perform. These texts could be poems, sonnets, song lyrics, prayers or any other passages that would evoke the emotional spirit. Exercises will be introduced to explore and rehearse the texts that will deepen their meaning by connecting the written word to the heart and mind of each speaker.