Acting for Singers Workshop with Penny Cliff

Penny Cliff

A wonderful opportunity to explore acting for singers over two days at Old House Barn. Participants will be working with theatre director and musician, Penny Cliff artistic director of The Tell Theatre Company and previously a musician with English National Opera Orchestra.

The aim of the workshop is to strengthen confidence as a singer, interpreter  and performer., We realise that this is very short notice, but would like to schedule the workshop before the summer break., Participants are asked to bring an aria or song to work on musically and theatrically.

Places are clearly limited for this workshop, and time is short – so we would appreciate it if you could get back to us as soon as possible to reserve your place. Cost: 1 day   £30.00, 2 days £45.00, minimum of 6 participants required per day.
Preparation for participants:

• bring an aria you are confident with musically – and that you like singing
• come knowing the opera’s story, who the character is, what they do during the story, where in the story their aria occurs, who they are singing to (if anyone)
• and finally : what the words mean in English.
• Ideally, decide on your song  in advance (if possible)

We will explore some basic acting skills, which will include easy physical work (so wear comfy clothes). This will be some simple and fun workshop games, working on building character using Chekhov centers and gestures, finding the imaginary body,  communicating with each other – the aim will be to help people find a physical ease and confidence with themselves on stage. We’ll apply this to the songs, but also use text and improvisations.

It’ll be a mix of music and theatre work – and lots of finding out how actors/singers form an ensemble and work together.
The aim is to help you become aware of and release the tensions and anxieties that singers often experience – and to be able to enjoy taking  a few risks in a relaxed and supportive environment.