The Human Voice for Life and Art
THA 115a fall 2015
Instructor: Marya LowryWed. 2-4:50
pingold Merrick Theatre
Office Hours - By Appointment
This is a partial syllabus. It is intended to provide an overview of the course. This course is open to anyone who wants explore the voice, body and imagination in action. Previous experience is not necessary.
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND GOALS
Explore the un-boundaried voice – deeply breathed and dynamically embodied.Traditional Anglo-American methodologies are combined with archetypal imagery and ethnic vocal styles organized to harness untapped resources of energy, deepen full-bodied breath connection, and strengthen imaginative muscles in order to invigorate a more personal connection to your voice. In this workshop-style course we will explore and celebrate the wide range of colors, timbres, heights and depths available to the human voice.
This course aims to awaken your curiosity about the potential of the Whole Human Voice and help you to reveal the full spectrum of your voice in color, range and expressivity in sound, song and spoken word. Through breath & bodywork, physical and vocal improvisations, you will explore methods for reconnecting imagination, heart and body to your vocal life and find guidance for establishing a life-long joy in word and song.
KEY ASPECTS OF THE CLASS INCLUDE –
Regular work on body/breath/voice connection, Physical Release work, Basic vocal health, Development of resonance and range, Singing-sounding piano work based on the “extended” Roy Hart Theatre voice tradition, Warm-ups, Empathic Listening, Ensemble work, Development of a Personal Practice, Self-generated performance pieces; Assigned readings; Journaling.
JOURNAL KEEPING
Required and a significant part class assignments and of your grade. It holds the same significance as academic papers. Your journal is another way you reflect on and communicate with me your struggles, curiosity, confusions, questions, plans, discoveries, ideas, musings on class exercises and rehearsal processes, etc., with clarity, details and specificity. All entries must be dated. Double Spaced and stapled together or in a folder/binder. (see handout “Journaling”)
ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW
- Readings – Selected Articles, Chapters in Books, web articles (see below)
- 4/5 Self-Scripted Performance Projects generated from in-class work, developed and rehearsed outside of class
- Regular personal practice
- Journaling
- Final Reflection Paper
PERFORMANCE PROJECTS INCLUDE
- Poem performance based on “coloring your voice”
- River of Life performance Project
- gods and goddesses performance project (archetypes)
- Feral Choir – group project
- Vocal Archetypes Performance Project
- Breaking Broundaries–Exploring the bridge between singing, sounding and text
VIEWING THEATER:
REQUIRED: One BTC production
There is no single text for the course, readings and select Internet viewing as assigned.
ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY
The practical, participatory and ensemble design of this course demands your presence and full commitment in each class and to the group. Personal growth can only happen if you are present and fully committed each day. Therefore, only one absence will be accepted for the semester, reason is immaterial; please plan accordingly.
Be on time, dressed for class and ready to begin at the top of the hour.
You must inform me before class if you will be absent. Absence on a performance day without prior notice will result in an F for the assignment. Please send an email message or inform me in person.
CLOTHING: workout clothes, (no hats, jeans, chinos, skirts, belts), and minimal jewelry.
ipads, laptops, phones, etc. are not allowed in class. They should be on “Silent” and stowed away.
Please keep me informed of any physical issues you have that might affect your participation; we will make the necessary adjustments.
Grading
50%Participation, focus, commitment, partnering/ensemble work, risk-taking
25%Journal
25%Performance/Presentation Projects
1
Tha 115a The Human Voice for Life and Art Partial Syllabus Marya Lowry