VOICE FOR THE ACTOR
The actor's voice requires flexibility, freedom, strength, and expressivity.
There are many approaches to voice training; my work with the actor and
her/his voice has been developing and refining for over 25 years. At present,
I teach young actors who are in training for the profession, as well as actors
who are further along in their career.
The voice requires the support of the body, the breath, the imagination
and the heart. In the studio, we work with a wide variety of physical and
vocal exercises to expand the capacity for breath, and to open up the
forgotten and neglected parts of the body which are involved in creating voice.
Frequently there is a sense of relief and playfulness in the work, as well as deep emotion.
Because an actor is required to express, among other things, so many
emotions in the course of a play, or a film, we learn to approach
these often forbidden areas of the voice with respect, patience and
courage. We explore range, resonance, power, vocal presence, as well as
enunciation and clarity.
One of the most exciting parts of working with actors on their voices is, for me, when we
bring the voice work into the text. I have worked with a wide variety of material, in
different languages and covering centuries of time! There is great pleasure and satisfaction in
hearing the heart and soul of the actor in the thoughts written by
somebody else, but sounding as though they are the actor's own words.
It is exciting, dynamic work, and has been a great joy to me. I have learned, and continue
to learn, enormous amounts about voice in general, about the voice of the actor,
and, inevitably, about my own voice.
For information about ongoing classes, see my Ongoing Workshops page!
The actor's voice requires flexibility, freedom, strength, and expressivity.
There are many approaches to voice training; my work with the actor and
her/his voice has been developing and refining for over 25 years. At present,
I teach young actors who are in training for the profession, as well as actors
who are further along in their career.
The voice requires the support of the body, the breath, the imagination
and the heart. In the studio, we work with a wide variety of physical and
vocal exercises to expand the capacity for breath, and to open up the
forgotten and neglected parts of the body which are involved in creating voice.
Frequently there is a sense of relief and playfulness in the work, as well as deep emotion.
Because an actor is required to express, among other things, so many
emotions in the course of a play, or a film, we learn to approach
these often forbidden areas of the voice with respect, patience and
courage. We explore range, resonance, power, vocal presence, as well as
enunciation and clarity.
One of the most exciting parts of working with actors on their voices is, for me, when we
bring the voice work into the text. I have worked with a wide variety of material, in
different languages and covering centuries of time! There is great pleasure and satisfaction in
hearing the heart and soul of the actor in the thoughts written by
somebody else, but sounding as though they are the actor's own words.
It is exciting, dynamic work, and has been a great joy to me. I have learned, and continue
to learn, enormous amounts about voice in general, about the voice of the actor,
and, inevitably, about my own voice.
For information about ongoing classes, see my Ongoing Workshops page!
TESTIMONIALS
During my studies, Sheila was a defining factor in my success…the knowledge she offered for both modern and classical text proved to be invaluable information that will serve me my whole career. T.M.
I feel as though my skills have improved immensely in the last four months and voice class was a big factor in
helping me improve. R.J.F.
Sheila helped me grow and expand in my work and my everyday life. A.R.
She makes voice class fun and exciting…she always dives in head first with you and she's always there to catch you
if you fall. B.B.
Sheila is so invested in her students and understands the work thoroughly…The compassion she has towards her students and the work is exceptional M.B.
Sheila gave a solid base and a well rounded learning experience on what the voice for the actor is.
Sheila is an incredibly passionate and nurturing teacher
who opened me up to the power and ability of my voice while also helping me to discover who
I am as a performer and person. E.W.
