It is of utmost importance to me that each workshop is an emotionally safe, drama free, dynamic, informative, and delightful experience for all participants. To this end, interested participants are asked to reach out to me to schedule a video chat. At that time I can answer any additional questions you may have about the workshop, we can both ascertain if this is a good fit for you, and I can get a feel for which people seem likely to have a special chemistry with which other people, so that each group of 3 to 4 is carefully designed with all participants in mind. To this end, after each individual’s video chat, I keep a record of all retreat dates that each potential participant is available to attend, and select each small group carefully with the individuals in mind. When we have both decided which workshop you will participate in, you will submit your reservation fees.
Though this retreat is of particular interest to actors and singers and serves as professional development for them, it is beneficial to anyone interested in exploring their relationship with their voice and vocal communication, and no prior musical or acting experience is needed in order to participate fully.
Using Meisner based acting exercises, Anthony Braxton’s improvisational Ghost Trance Music, inspiration from Kristin Linklater’s “Finding Shakespeare’s Voice,” and specially selected breath and vocal exercises, this is a three day retreat style workshop wherein different aspects of vocal and non-vocal communication are targeted by each activity:
*Social conditioning (noticing and repatterning maladaptive beliefs and behaviors with regard to communicating one’s thoughts and feelings)
*Maintaining connection to oneself while remaining present and responsive to another
*The stability and flexibility of the vocal instrument (to maintain strength and responsiveness when in potentially intimidating, threatening or emotional circumstances) and
*Learning to identify, trust, and act on one’s healthy instincts.
Each retreat is small, with just 3 to 4 participants. The Lodge where it is held is a log home on over 53 acres of forest with a pond and waterfalls with two open lofts, each having two beds per loft for participants. This friendly, small scale allows for greater one-on-one training within the community learning environment, and gives each participant the time and attention needed to go very deeply into the work.
The workshop registration cost is all-inclusive: 8 meals, 3 nights lodging, 14 hours of intensive training, and hopefully wonderful memories, training, experiences, and friendships that you will benefit from for a lifetime.
At the lunch break, there is also the option to explore some of the 53 acres of forest with me, with a hike to the pond and one of the waterfalls as a refresher between sessions.
Are you 21 or over and…
…a non-singer or non-performer with some aspect of your vocal communication that you would like to feel more comfortable with?
…someone who is interested in self-development and like the idea of taking a retreat that will help you learn more about yourself and leave you feeling filled, refreshed, and more confident?
…a singer of any level who struggles with being stuck in your head and would like to embody and communicate your lyrics with greater immediacy, clarity, freedom, and passion? Or who struggles to “put all the pieces together” for the most successful performances? Or would just like a few days to refresh yourself in a short, economical professional development retreat that will inspire deeper creativity and joy in your work?
…an actor of any level who struggles with being stuck in your head, or trying to predict your lines, or trying to remember your lines, or feels awkward about the way your voice sounds, or your body feels onstage? Or would just like a few days to refresh yourself in a short, economical professional development retreat that will inspire deeper creativity and joy in your work?
…neurospicy and struggle to feel comfortable connecting your body with the thoughts and feelings you want to express, and would like an emotionally safe environment to explore that connection with gentle, caring, attentive guidance in a woodland retreat setting?
…have a speech impediment and would like an emotionally safe opportunity to explore your connection to your voice outside of the therapy environment, in a woodland retreat setting doing artful activities with gentle, caring, attentive guidance, in a carefully selected small group?
…a trainer of singers or actors, who would have fun exploring new ways of loosening up your clients and students, helping your singers and actors “put all the pieces together” and would enjoy flexing your own vocal and artistic instrument in some inventive new ways?
If so, then this retreat is for YOU!
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