HB Studio’s Voice and Speech classes cultivate deep kinesthetic awareness, exploring the body’s relationship to healthy vocal production, vocal freedom, and unrestricted emotional connection. Rather than imitating a “perfect” sound, you will learn to understand habits of physical containment and reveal a voice that is transparent, spontaneous, and specifically yours. Our Speaking Voice classes use Fitzmaurice Voicework® to connect breath, nervous system, and imagination, helping you build a personalized, lifelong vocal practice. Instructors also implement a variety of complementary pedagogies and holistic practices to support this process-oriented work.
Building atop this foundation of vocal freedom, Speech classes focus on the physical actions of speech to sharpen articulation and clarity. Incorporating tools like the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and methodologies like Knight-Thompson Speechwork®, you will gain a sensory and anatomical understanding of your vocal instrument. As these skills develop and kinesthetic awareness improves, students move towards a flexible base from which to confidently and creatively approach a variety of speech patterns and dialects.
For non-native English speakers or actors seeking to modify their naturalized accents, we offer specialized training. These classes center on mastering a “General American” accent and dealing with the particular physical and emotional challenges of acting in a secondary language.
Be advised that this work takes time to metabolize as an embodied practice. Like other practices, proficiency requires time. It is therefore recommended that students stay at Level 1 for two or even three terms.