Body, Voice, Imagination

In Body, Voice, Imagination students will study the voice and body as sources of expression through the use of vocal and movement exercises, the recitation of poetry and other forms of literature, and the performance of scripted scenes. The class will explore creative imagination as it is expressed through the human voice and the body. How does the human voice respond to the emotional self, the physiology of the body, and the psychology of the mind? What are the contributing factors in how we use our voices and bodies to express ourselves in our daily lives and during performance? How can our voices and bodies become more expressive and responsive to our inner selves?

This program will consist of multiple weekly voice and movement workshops. We will begin with exercises that increase focus, enhance vocal color and strength, and develop physical expressiveness and dexterity. Short scene work and theatre games will also be used to develop the creative imagination. These exercises will also help students to be more vocally and physically comfortable in a public setting. Movement/dance workshops will articulate and develop basic knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology with an emphasis on theatrical expression. We will learn the fundamentals of expressing sensory, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral experience by attending to space, time, body shape, breath, voice, and effort. How does the body respond to breath, sound, image, and voice? How does movement affect voice? How does voice affect movement? In these voice and movement workshops, students will present group and individual vocal and movement compositions.

This program is suitable for students of all levels with a sincere interest in developing greater vocal and physical variety and strength, and a more flexible and emotionally expressive voice and body. These presentation skills are useful in fields such as law, management, performing arts, and teaching. Students who enjoy literature, and in particular poetry, will have the opportunity to explore various writers and poets. Regular attendance, timeliness, and enthusiastic participation in workshops will be fundamental and extremely important in this program.