Voice III

Course Description

For the advanced student who has successfully completed Voice I and II.  Designed to expand and refine student's flexibility, range, and sensitivity.

Proposed update: Expands and refines the student’s individual flexibility, range, and sensitivity to experiencing voice while stimulating vocal imagination. May include advanced topics in voice and speech including character voice creation, voice use in heightened emotional states, musical vocal expression, and high-intensity vocal gestures such as combat sounds and screaming.

Meets

TTh 3:30pm - 5:30pm
WDC Towsley Studio (most dates)
WDC B222 (August 29 & 31)

Student Learning Objectives

Through active engagement with this course, you can learn to:

1. Demonstrate use of advanced techniques for vocal strength, resonance, range, and flexibility;

2. Create character voices from a technical or imaginative starting point;

3. Embody and vocalize through heightened emotional/activated physiological states;

4. Employ extreme vocal gestures compellingly and safely.

Texts & Materials Needed

• Rehearsal attire

  • We will be moving in class. Please come dressed in comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily for acting. Gym attire is not required, but please avoid high heels, tight pants, short skirts, and other obstacles to free movement. Please choose clothing that allows you to move freely in the shoulders, hips, and torso. 

• Yoga or exercise mat

  • Depending on the classroom, there may be mats available for floor work. Otherwise, you are encouraged to bring your own yoga or exercise mat. It is important that you be able to lie on the floor for extended periods in comfort, and most people like a little cushioning.

• Writing materials

  • Please bring a journal or notebook and something to write with. There may be opportunities for written reflection during class. For many people, pen and paper can be more effective for deep learning than taking notes electronically, but all modes of note taking are welcome.

I will distribute any additional performance texts, handouts, readings, videos, etc. in class or via Canvas.

Course Content

This course builds a number of advanced vocal skills, culminating in an end-of-term creative project called a "Mayhem Monologue".

Major Assignments

• Conlang Performance: A performance of fantasy, sci-fi, or otherwise "interdimensional" speech in a constructed language. Phonetics-based, verbatim-based, and other creative approaches can be explored. 

• Character Scenes: Short student-authored scenes demonstrating character voice skills.

• Mayhem Monologue: An opportunity to create a solo performance using a combination of challenging/heightened text and self-authored material, using extended vocal techniques, heightened emotional circumstances, advanced presence work, "undomesticated" singing, etc. This piece might display technical virtuosity, explore breaking silences around an aspect of marginalized identity or social issue, show expert craftspersonship in the devising process, or any number of other expressions of the assignment. This project is about breaking rules, pushing boundaries in healthy, sustainable ways, and creating something personal, original, and meaningful.

Community Standards

Community agreements are different from rules in that they are community-focused, aspirational, non-hierarchical, and adaptable. I'll start by offering the following community norms and we will decide as a group if we need additional agreements to support everyone's learning:

• We aspire to a consent-based learning environment. Consent is contextual, reversible, and relies on being fully informed.

• Self-care cue: If you experience a moment of heightened concern or activation, please use the word "button" (or a non-verbal double-clap). We will all pause to take a breath, allowing our nervous systems to calibrate to the moment, and then we will make space for your needs. The appropriate response to someone's "button" is a generous "What do you need?"

• We will honor people's various access needs and respect one another's boundaries (physical, professional, personal, and cultural).

• We will assume benevolence on the part of others and extend grace when possible.

• We will take care of ourselves and one another.

• We will practice skillful communication:

  • We will "speak from the 'I'" and allow ourselves and others to "speak in draft" (thank you to Nicole Brewer for this language.)

• • We will make space and take space: If you feel yourself talking a lot, try listening more. If you find yourself mostly listening, please consider sharing your thoughts.

  • We will listen to understand rather than to respond.

  • We will practice the skill of apologizing for harm that we unintentionally cause.

• In order to practice care for one another, we will communicate content disclosures before performances that may be particularly activating. 

• If we find ourselves not living up to these agreements, anyone can use "button" as a calling-in mechanism for community accountability.

 Additions and Edits 2023-2024: