Central hosts International Network of Voice symposium

Across two days of programming, Central hosted a symposium organised by The International Network of Voice (INV), welcoming over eighty alumni voice practitioners and guests to investigate the theme of decolonising studio voice practice.

From 21 - 22 April 2023, the INV symposium examined cultural, social and pedagogical shifts in the method and delivery of voice training through a series of talks, keynotes and workshops.

The INV is chaired by Jane Boston, Central’s Principal Lecturer Voice and Leader of the MA/MFA Voice Studies: Teaching and Coaching, who delivered a keynote speech. Jane Boston provided context to the symposium:

“The work of the voice practitioner and educator has changed dramatically over the past decade. It is not enough to acknowledge the impact of critical theory in the pedagogical contexts of UK actor training. It is vital, too, that voice practice itself has become part of the resistance to outmoded racist, classist, sexist and ableist processes.”

Further talks were given by Principal Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE, and Gender Voice Practitioner Matthew Mills amongst others. Multiple workshops were also organised, notably by Joel Trill, a leading accent and dialect coach, and Fitzmaurice practitioner Cathryn Robson.

The 2023 Symposium is the latest in a series that started with a 2018 pre-Pandemic INV Symposium on the voice practitioner from a Global voice perspective followed by a 2022 INV Long Table, evaluating the adjustments made to the delivery of practice during the Covid-19 pandemic. Jane Boston reflected on previous INV events at Central:

“They have played a significant role in ensuring that voice practice stays in touch with relevant social, cultural, and political issues and remains responsive to keeping inclusion and equity at the top of the agenda in the training voice studios of now and of the future.”

Find out more about the International Network of Voice by visiting its page on Central’s website.