Basic Course Content

In my classes after a short physical warm up we work with structured exercises and with group and individual improvisations. Students are invited to explore and develop:
– The voice’s roots in sung, spoken and preverbal sound.
– The dynamic sources of the voice in the body and in the imagination.
– Deep and ample breathing.
– The application of these discoveries to spoken and sung text.
– Listening actively to others.
– Learning some easy songs with 3 or 4 simple harmony parts.

At the AERIUM near Le Vigan (Cevennes, France) in a wild and beautiful setting.

https://aerium-centre.org/#/Description

Intermediate / Advanced level

The workshop is open to participants interested in the Wolfsohn/Hart approach to developing the range of vocal expression and who have some experience of voice and movement work. 

The course takes into the world of practice Margaret’s and Patrick’s cooperation as co-authors of the book “Owning our Voices: Vocal discovery in the Wolfsohn Hart Tradition,” published by Routledge this year.

Dr Patrick Campbell is a theatre maker and researcher, and currently holds the post of Senior Lecturer in Drama and Contemporary Performance at Manchester Metropolitan University (UK). As an actor, director and performer, he has engaged in Third Theatre practice for thirty years. 

THE WORK  The course is practice-based. Guided by two very experienced and supportive teachers, participants will explore and develop awareness of the dynamic sources of the voice in the body and the imagination. Patrick’s work draws especially on laboratory theatre techniques that can help uncover new ways of linking body, breath and voice. Like Margaret’s, Patrick’s approach is ‘psychophysical’ so the imagination will always come into play, alongside a growing awareness of the body-in-action and its connection to vocal research and discovery. There will be focus on individual voices, texts and songs as well as group work, sounding and singing. Awakening awareness of the body as a vital space, helps to build a deeper connection to the voice, so that it can become a medium for transmission, nourished and fuelled through genuine roots in the body.

We ask all participants to present proof of a negative Covid test (Antigen or PCR) performed no later than 24 hours before arrival and then every 2 days during the course.

THE PLACE This year the workshop I will be leading with Patrick Campbell will take place at the Aerium, situated on the edge of the small village of Peyraube, 600m up in the Cevennes hills, it is surrounded by nature, chestnut trees, fantastic views and hiking trails. Originally a home for children in need, l’Aerium has been developed by an artistic community seeking an alternative lifestyle. It is not a luxury workshop centre but has wonderful facilities, including 2 big movement studios with floating wooden floors and the possibility for every participant to have a single bedroom. There is also a sauna with a small cold pool, available for use by 5 people for an extra payment of 40€. There are no shops nearby.

Price of workshop (36 hours): 499€  (530€ after 1 June 2022)    (Accommodation is not included in this price.)

A non-refundable deposit of 120€ is required to reserve your place. The rest of the fee is payable on or before the 9 August.      Number of places limited to 12

Accommodation It is possible to book a simple individual bedroom  with access to communal toilets and showers at the Aerium. Please reserve your room and meals with Margaret at the same time as you enroll. Payment should be made (to Association Voix Roy Hart) at the beginning of the workshop.  Price: single room 150€ / shared room: 100€ for 7 nights (Bed linen provided)

Meals All meals will be provided – mainly or completely vegetarian depending on your choice: 225€ for 7 days. These are booked along with your workshop fee with Association Voix Roy Hart.

PRICES of Accommodation and Meals are calculated on the basis of 7 nights to allow for arrival on the evening of 8/08 and departure on the morning of 15/08

Sauna: with outdoor pool and bath on reservation (at least 4 hours notice.) Changing room and shower on site. 40€ /2 hours for 5 people. Towels not supplied.

Access Public transport (subsidised bus from Montpellier or Nimes) ends at Le Vigan. From there we will arrange for a taxi to bring participants up the narrow winding road to the Aerium. This taxi will leave Le Vigan at 19:30. If you arrive after this time, you will have to arrange for your own individual taxi.

The nearest Airports and train stations are Montpellier and Nîmes.

Contact Margaret for more detailed information and to enroll,
and also for any help needed with booking accommodation at the Aerium