Embodying the Impulse: Voice

Instructor: Zhenya Lavy, APL Co-Artistic Director, with support from the entire Company
Dates: November 8-9, 2014, 9:00am – 12:00pm each day
Enrollment: 4 minimum, 12 maximum

In this two-day intensive, we investigate how to listen, respond, and connect with others by means of the voice. Participants will explore resonators, sound association, articulation, pitch, melody, mood, and vibratory quality primarily through traditional song. Come prepared to sing a lot, with few pauses, and to sweat. Dress Comfortably and bring water. We work in bare feet and stand the entire duration, with some physical activity accompanying the vocal work. Previous vocal training not required. However, if you are not accustomed to highly physical, expansive, endurance vocal work, we recommend that you spend 1-3 hours humming lightly each day for the week leading up to the workshop.

Learn how to develop your physical self as an artist and to gain a broader vision for what that might mean. In line with our Central and Eastern European artistic heritage, our emphasis will be on process rather than prescription. APL’s methodologies open up a means for tapping into artistic potentiality and move the participant toward a single fundamental objective:

Living Impulses shaped by Deliberate Form piloted by an Engaged Mind

The learning process proceeds through a predominantly continuous course of action centered on group work. Everyone participates at all times; no idle watching while others work. Be prepared to sweat — a lot. Bring plenty of water and dress comfortably for work in bare feet.

While this workshop stands alone as a dynamic vocal training, the fullest benefit is gained by experiencing it in sequence with Embodying the Impulse: Spontaneity/Precision, as we explore the connection between the actor’s physical and vocal presence.

Open to performers of all experience levels who are interested in exploring the essential elements of craft in a dynamic, creative, and supportive environment. We look forward to working with you!

Representative critical response to APL’s vocal work:

“The Music was to die for!”
~ Marie Bonfils, Drama in the Hood | Uncle Vanya

“Musical interludes devised by [Zhenya] Lavy are admirable. […] The crunched harmonies and the singers’ vocal assurance are amazing.”
~ Joe Adcock, Seattle P-I | Dream of a Ridiculous Man

“Interspersed are marvelous songs. . . sung without accompaniment. The four-part harmonies are uniquely unsettling and thrilling, saturated with devotion and longing. . . . music director [Zhenya] Lavy achieves a kind of perfection.”
~ Joe Adcock, Seattle P-I | Song of Songs

Share