Upcoming Workshops 2018

FITZMAURICE VOICEWORK CONFERENCE
(Week-long series of workshops open to all)
London 20th - 24th July 2018

No group workshops or classes currently scheduled

If you are interested in one-one sessions, or have a request for a bespoke group workshop, please enquire,

and watch this space for dates and to register your interest for a planned series of workshops in 2018 outlined below...




Hard-Core Team-building Musical Improvisation Workshop
(available to group bookings on demand)

Spend a day learning improvisational skills drawn from the field of Theatre Training and exploring singing improvisation under the encouraging guidance of Russell Smith at the piano, and come together to produce your very own mock opera in any singing style of your choice!

This workshop is not for the faint- of heart! You will be strongly challenged to take risks as go where you may not have gone before!  However, no previous experience of improvisation or singing is necessary! Come and be surprised by what you have to offer, learn how to "fail gloriously", and in doing so, hone some really valuable communication skills - not least among which is spontaneity, being "in the moment" and working in harmony, (quite literally... perhaps... or perhaps not, the choice is yours!) with others around you.

Gene Rooney is a Limerick-Born, Dublin-Based actor, known for her roles in Moonboy (RTE), and many other award winning Irish theatre productions. For many years responsible for directing and coaching industry graduation showcases at the Gaiety School of Acting - the National Theatre School of Ireland, at the Gate theatre, the Abbey theatre, Project Arts Centre and Smock Alley theatre 1662, Gene is now resident Improvisation Coach on the full-time actor-training programme at the GSA, the Irish Film Academy, and elsewhere.



Vocal Power 1,2 &3

Vocal Presence 1 & 2

Spice up your Speech 1 & 2

with Russell Smith

see below...



"VOCAL POWER 1"
How to begin projecting your voice with greater ease
This workshop introduces solid vocal technique aimed at effectively reaching any given listener or audience without strain.
WHAT DO YOU TAKE AWAY?
You will take away reliable skills to begin consistently freeing your own voice from tensions, fatigue or discomfort that may be preventing you from projecting your voice with greater ease, and more effectively reaching others.
WHAT'S INVOLVED?
Largely focusing on the Fitzmaurice process of "Restructuring", this workshop will also involve techniques borrowed from a range of other vocal approaches, tailored to suit participants' needs on the day. We will begin by assessing the breathing process and progress towards harnessing specific muscular action towards vocalisation, working towards speaking "from the centre".
WHO IS IT FOR?
This workshop is for anyone interested in accessing their vocal power with ease. No prior experience of voice work required.



"VOCAL POWER 2"
Developing vocal projection skills
This workshop is a follow up to Vocal Power 1.
WHAT DO YOU TAKE AWAY?
Extend and add to skills learned in Vocal Power 1, both in achieving greater freedom of breathing, and towards more effective connection with a given audience or listener.
WHAT'S INVOLVED?
Building on Vocal Power 1, the focus is largely on further developing Fitzmaurice "Restructuring" tools, as well as adding skills drawn from a range of other vocal approaches, as required. All skills gained are designed to be easily applied by participants in their own time, over time, to continue working towards greater ease and vocal connection and confidence.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Anyone who wants to develop and apply their basic introductory skills learned in Vocal Power 1.
Attendance at Vocal Power 1 is a pre-requisite for attendance at Vocal Power 2.



"Vocal POWER 3"
Expanding Resonance
Building on skills learned in vocal power 1 and 2, this workshop adds further skills aimed at facilitating ease of vocal projection, this time through a specific focus on "resonance", or "lending body" to your voice, to fill a space more effortlessly, This workshop may also serve in helping you more confidently share your voice in a social or professional situation.
WHAT DO YOU TAKE AWAY? Alongside doable exercises that can be applied in your own time, you will get a tangible bodily experience of your voice as it resonates in your body, which can serve as a benchmark for future "embodied" communication, aiding your enjoyment and confidence in speaking.
WHAT'S INVOLVED? This workshop will explore a range of exercises inspired by the Roy Hart approach to voice, exploring the area of "resonance", as well as tried and tested traditional technical approaches to classical vocal training.
WHO IS IT FOR? Anyone interested in opening out their voice into a fuller, richer tone, and vocally "taking up more space" with ease. Perhaps you are unsatisfied with the tone of your voice, or perhaps you are lack confidence vocally, and tend to shrink into yourself imperceptibly under pressure, and your voice along with that.
Note: Attendance at both Vocal Power 1 and 2 is pre-requisite for attendance at Vocal Power 3.



"Vocal Presence: Authentic freedom of expression"
Focusing on accessing greater vocal variety and life in your delivery. Variety is the spice of life. Perhaps you shrink a little under pressure, and play it safe vocally? Perhaps you are a more reserved personality and this is reflected in your speech, slipping into repetitive inflection, flat delivery, lacking spontaneity in your choice of words and the way you use them? This workshop aims to gently coax you into more expressive modes of communication, whilst maintaining connection to your authentic sense of self.



"Vocal Presence 2: The Human Connection"
Focusing on finding comfort and pleasure in communication in pressured or uncomfortable situations, heightening your own sense of pleasure, awareness and inner confidence whilst connecting to your listeners ever more effectively. 
This workshop aims at a more embodied experience of communication, for people who might spend a lot of time up in their heads. You will gain some basic confidence skills, as well as help you get in touch in different ways, with a fuller sense of your humanity, and tools to work towards more authentic, spontaneous enjoyment in the process of communication.



"Spice up your Speech"
Focusing on basic speech skills aimed at improving clarity, and towards more effective, clear, intelligible speech.

You will learn practical physical tools drawn from cutting edge developments in the field of contemporary theatre-training, beyond the limitations of more rigid traditional "elocution" lessons, to improve diction where it is sloppy or unclear, in a way that is meaningful, playful and authentically aware of the given audience of listener.



"Spice up your speech 2"
This workshop will focus on tailoring and playing with the spoken word in a way that will more effectively reach and move people, beyond simple concerns of clarity and intelligibility. Using techniques and experience drawn fro the field of actor-training, learn how you can use words to maximum potential, to influence, persuade, excite and ignite other's curiosity and interest, communicating your ideas in a way which people will find hard to forget!



Bespoke Workshops available - please enquire to discuss your needs
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Previous workshops

Singing for the non singer!

Choral Musical Theatre singing workshop - developing an ensemble

Movement, voice and music - unlocking your innate musical creativity

The Human Voice - exploring the connections between body, mind and voice

Presentation skills - communicating with confidence and authenticity

The Studio Session - preparation for recording

The Edge - Song interpretation

His Master's Voice - Vocal health and safety for teachers!

The Actor and the Text - exploring organic embodied delivery