Introduction to Fitzmaurice Voicework®

Fitzmaurice Voicework® is a body-centred approach to vocal training that engages the breath, voice, body, nervous system and imagination - all in the service of speaking and singing with connection, intention and presence with minimal effort.

This 6-week course will introduce participants to the four interlinked elements of Destructuring, Restructuring, Play and Presence.

Destructuring* is a sequence of dynamics/ poses combined with Tremorwork® that engages the body, voice and nervous system to heighten awareness of and sensitisation to personal breathing patterns and muscular tension.

Restructuring is a series of practical exercises that develop an individual’s breath resources, vocal dynamics, prosodic range and power. The connection between language, speaker and listener is explored through the concept of the Focus Line.

Presence work develops natural vibrancy and the capacity to be open to the world while still having healthy boundaries. It is rooted in being fluidly aware of internal and external experiences while focusing on what matters in the moment.

Play invites you to bring your whole spirit and curiosity to whatever you are engaging with. Within the context of play, you can explore all applications of the work.

*The sequence can be modified to accommodate all bodies.

Course Outline

Participants will:

Be introduced to the core Fitzmaurice Voicework practices of Destructuring, Restructuring, Presence and Play.
Learn the full Destructuring sequence, a set of exercises for expanding and freeing the breath.
Identify and soften ‘holding’ habits and patterns that restrict access to breath.
Learn Restructuring and Focus Line techniques for embodying intention and expression in communication.
Develop vocal resonance, range, volume and freedom with minimal effort.
Understand, intellectually and kinesthetically, the relationship between breath and communicative energy.

Week 1 – Destructuring: Supine Dynamics

Week 2 – Destructuring: Drapes

Week 3 – Destructuring: Standing Dynamics

Week 4 – Restructuring and the Focus Line

Week 5 – Deeper Dive and Play

Week 6 – Exploring Presence

This course can be put towards the 30-hour pre-requisite for consideration for certification training. More information is available at https://www.fitzmauriceinstitute.org/about-the-certification-program

Course Dates

Thursday 2 May - Thursday 6 June

6 week, 6 sessions (Thursdays), 7pm – 9:30pm | Submit your application

This course may be of interest to:

Voice Practitioners
Performers
Movement practitioners
Actor trainers/teachers

Days	Thursdays
Times	All times listed are either GMT or GMT +1 (depending on the time of year). If you’re joining from overseas, please use a timezone convertor before booking to establish what the local time will be for you.
Age	The minimum age is 18 on the first day of the course. There is no upper age limit.
Max. class size	16 students
Course Delivery	All of the Artist Development courses take place onsite at our Swiss Cottage campus in London.
International students	We welcome International Students to our courses, however please ensure you are on the correct visa. As our Artist Development courses are classed as part-time, non-accredited short courses they are not eligible for a Tier 4 Student Visa however you may be eligible for a Short Term Study Visa.
Language requirements	Applicants must be confident speaking and reading English to a conversational level (IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent). You may be expected to read texts/scripts that have advanced vocabulary.
Attendance	Due to the structure and the collaborative nature of the courses, full attendance is requested.
Refunds	We are able to offer a full refund up until 14 days before the course begins. After this, the course will become fully non-refundable.
Cancellations	Central reserves the right to cancel this course if we do not meet the minimum number of participants. In this instance, a full refund will be made to you. We are unable to refund any other costs you may have incurred.

We have a limited number of bursary places available.

We will prioritise bursary applications from students who meet one or more of the following criteria:

Are from a low income household (below £35,000)
Are care experienced or in the care of a local authority
Have a disability
Have caring responsibilities
Are from the global majority
Are a refugee/asylum seeker

To apply, please complete the main application for the course first, before completing our bursary application form. Please do not wait to hear your outcome before submitting a bursary application.

A member of the team will be in touch with the outcome 2 weeks prior to the start of the course. If you have any questions, please contact us at short.courses@cssd.ac.uk.