Actor's voice: introduction
Time: 12:00 - 14:00
Location: Keeley Street
- Course Code: DVB006
- Dates: 02/11/24 - 07/12/24
- Time: 12:00 - 14:00
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Danielle Allan
Course Code: DVB006
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
To improve the quality of your voice for increased confidence in communication. To develop vocal skills and thus
an understanding of how the voice works. This course will be taught in the college, is aimed primarily at student actors and is a particularly good introduction for those starting regular Voice classes on the Foundation: Acting course.
What will we cover?
Physical alignment.
Breathing - diaphragmatic, lower abdominal and lower intercostal.
Basic vocal anatomy.
Relaxation techniques, opening the channel for sound.
Forward placement work.
Jaw and tongue; opening throat.
Vowel work and consonant drills.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Demonstrate an awareness of the body and its effect on the voice.
Demonstrate effective relaxation techniques.
Demonstrate deep breathing/support of sound.
Articulate clearly in speech.
Demonstrate vocal confidence and awareness.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Beginners through to those who wish to revisit basic exercises that are fundamental to effective voice production.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Speak English fluently.
• Communicate in group situations.
• Give and receive constructive feedback.
• Read and respond to a range of texts.
• Take course notes for your own use.
If you are new to voice classes please take a moment to read our
full sequence of voice and speech classes at City Lit (click here) before choosing.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Group, pair and individual work. You will be taught through tutor explanation, demonstration, feedback and correction, repetition and practice at home.
As part of the course content, your tutor may record your image for initial and ongoing assessment purposes. You are entitled to decline to participate in the recording of your image.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please have a notebook and pen. Wear clothes that are comfortable enough to move freely in.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Many Voice and associated subject classes offered by the Drama department, in particular Foundation: Acting; Voice Technique: Improvers.
Please refer to our
full sequence of voice and speech classes at City Lit (click here) as you consider which area you would like to study next.
VOICE & SPEECH: Having trained at LAMDA (1981-1984) and having worked in all media (radio, TV, theatre, film) for over 40 years, Danielle has taught the Voice module of ‘CL Foundation Acting’ course since 1995. She continues this with as much enthusiasm as ever, and also teaches First Folio Shakespeare, Technical Voice, Communication Skills, English Pronunciation and Vocal Anatomy. FLAMENCO: Danielle trained in Classical Ballet, Tap and Jive, and was drawn to flamenco with all itsexpressive power. She has taught Flamenco at CL since 1999, and her company Flamenco Con Gusto offers both novice and experienced dancers the chance to perform alongside her in public while supported by seasoned professional flamenco guitarists and singers. DIRECTING: Danielle has written, directed and choreographed ‘Flamenco Musical Dramas’: integrating actors’ performances with Flamenco dance, music & song. Such productions include • LA MANADA (WAF May 2019) City Lit Theatre Company’s adaptations of Lorca’s plays: • SPIRITS WITHIN (aka The House of Bernarda Alba', July 2013 and July 2023) • YERMA FLAMENCA (Spring 2020) and a project combining Shakespeare and Flamenco ROMERA Y JULIETA (June 24)
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.