I love helping writers to gain confidence in translating words from the page to the stage through the vehicle of your voice and body. You will grow your ability to read/perform with confidence. We will play, we will plan, we will practice, we will prepare. 

 

These will be our areas of focus: 

 

• Self-Awareness and Somatics

Sharing our creativity publicly is inherently vulnerable. We will take stock of what beliefs we hold about how we show up on stage, what past experiences may color our current thoughts, and what sensations arise in our bodies when we prepare to take stage. We will practice simple vocal warm-ups and quick stretches that can help ready both our bodies and minds for a reading.  

 

• Tactics, Tools, and Techniques

How a piece is read has just as much impact as what is being said. Elements such as our tone, speed, volume, and posture, all affect the way our work is received. We will run through activities that help us consciously build a full palette of vocal effects and emotional possibilities. Like actors, we will practice making purposeful choices about the delivery of our lines. 

 

• Practice, Practice, Practice

Having an audience to practice in front of is absolutely essential for growing as a performer. We will be a compassionate, supportive audience for each other over the first five weeks, building towards a final class in which we invite family and friends to join us for a private reading. We will practice both with and without a microphone, knowing we may encounter both scenarios. 

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Who this class is for:

 

This class is primarily designed for writers and wordsmiths (of all genres: poetry, prose, fiction, non-fiction) who give public readings. It is also open to arts administrators, lecturers, and other teachers or creatives who feel it will benefit them in their public speaking roles. All experience levels are welcome; each participant will have individual stage time to be supported in their personal growth trajectory. This is an adult class, and mature teens are warmly welcomed.

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MY SPIN: As a spoken word poet, I have spent most of my stage life with no other engagement tools than my voice, my words and my body. Without a musical instrument, costume, or character to assist me, I have been given many opportunities to explore how to make an attention-inspiring offering to a crowd. The formula that I’ve found successful can be summarized as: Courage + Craft = Connection. I’m excited to share what has worked for me, and to help each person discover the elements that work for them.

 

SETUP (Courage): Sharing our creativity publicly is inherently vulnerable. We will spend a little time taking stock of what beliefs we hold about how we show up on stage, what past experiences may color our current thoughts, and what sensations arise in our bodies when we prepare to take stage. We will name how we would like to feel, exploring what metaphor or point of focus might help us enjoy more comfort and confidence on stage.

 

ACTIVITY (Craft): Elements such as our tone, speed, volume, and posture, all affect the way our work is received. We will run through some playful activities that help us consciously build a full palette of vocal effects and emotional possibilities. Through the use of words that are not our own, we can experience a freedom to focus on how we feel using different tactics. Like actors, we will practice making purposeful choices about the delivery of words as vehicles for connection.