Classes and workshops in France and UK (London)

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  Goldsmiths University, New Cross, London SE14 6NW
22 /23 January: 11h – 17h   (1 hour pause at 13h)

led by Margaret Pikes and Patrick Campbell (teacher, performer and author)

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.

This workshop 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.

Margaret will guide participants as they move, sound and sing exploring the expressive, dynamic range and sources of their voices.
Patrick’s work draws especially on laboratory theatre techniques that can help uncover new ways of linking body, breath and voice. Like Margaret’s, his 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 some guided group improvisations and also short moments of focus on individual voices.

Price: £150 (max. number participants 14)

For further information please contact Margaret:  mpikes2000@yahoo.com
To register your wish to participate contact Kate Hilder at: katejhilder@gmail.com
She will contact you for your deposit and enrolment once the studio is able to completely confirm availability with us, at the latest 21 December.

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.

We require all participants to be show proof of a negative Covid test (lateral flow or PCR)  taken not more than 24 hours before arrival.. We will also be taking all necessary precautions and complying with all relevant guidelines in order to ensure that the workshop is as safe as possible.

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.

Photo Patrick Campbell

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.

(Accommodation not included in this price. You should book your room directly with the Aerium: https://aerium-centre.org/nos-logements/

Number of places limited to 12

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