As actors, we are constantly searching for ways to enhance our performances and bring our characters to life. One often overlooked aspect of acting is the voice and the work and influence of various voice practitioners.

The way we use our voice can greatly impact the authenticity and effectiveness of our performances.

In this article, we will explore the techniques of influential voice practitioners who have dedicated their lives to unlocking the potential of the actor’s voice.

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The importance of voice in acting

Before delving into the techniques of these influential voice practitioners, it is crucial to understand the importance of voice in acting.

Our voice is the tool through which we communicate our character’s thoughts, emotions, and intentions. It is the vehicle that allows us to connect with our audience on a deep and meaningful level.

Without a well-trained voice, our performances may fall flat and fail to resonate with the audience.

The influence of Cicely Berry on voice and Shakespearean acting

Cicely Berry is widely regarded as one of the most influential voice practitioners in the field of Shakespearean acting. Her techniques focus on the power and musicality of language, and how it can be used to enhance the actor’s performance.

Berry’s approach involves exploring the rhythms and sounds of Shakespeare’s text. She believes that by understanding the musicality of the language, actors can bring a heightened sense of poetry and emotion to their performances.

Berry also emphasizes the importance of breath control and vocal warm-up exercises to ensure that the actor’s voice is strong and agile enough to handle the demands of Shakespearean text.

By incorporating these techniques, actors can bring a fresh and vibrant quality to their Shakespearean performances.

• Strengths: Ideal for actors looking to improve their vocal control and expression in Shakespearean theater.
• Focus: Emphasizes connecting voice with Shakespearean text and exploring vocal resonance.

Kristin Linklater’s approach to freeing the natural voice

Kristin Linklater is known for her approach to freeing the natural voice. Her techniques focus on releasing tension and allowing the voice to flow freely and effortlessly.

Linklater’s approach involves exercises that help actors connect with their breath and release physical and emotional tensions.

By doing so, actors can access a more authentic and resonant voice. Linklater also emphasizes the importance of vocal warm-up exercises and exploring the range and flexibility of the voice.

By expanding the vocal range, actors can bring a greater sense of depth and expression to their performances.

• Strengths: Best for actors seeking to free their natural voice, release tension, and connect emotion with sound.
• Focus: Techniques for relaxation, emotional connection, and gradually releasing vocal constraints.

Patsy Rodenburg and the connection between voice and presence in acting

Patsy Rodenburg’s work centers around the connection between voice and presence in acting. She believes that the voice is deeply connected to our sense of self and that by developing a strong and confident voice, actors can command the stage and captivate their audience.

Rodenburg’s techniques involve exercises that help actors develop a strong physical and vocal presence.

These exercises may include posture work, breath control, and vocal projection exercises.

By developing a strong physical and vocal presence, actors can exude confidence and command attention.

Rodenburg also emphasizes the importance of connecting with the text and finding personal meaning in the words. By doing so, actors can bring a sense of truth and authenticity to their performances.

• Strengths: Suited for actors looking to improve presence, projection, and connection with both self and audience.
• Focus: The “Second Circle” approach, breath control, and exercises for being fully present.

Arthur Lessac and his impact on voice and movement in acting

Arthur Lessac is another influential voice practitioner who has had a significant impact on voice and movement in acting. His approach focuses on the integration of voice, movement, and emotions to create a holistic and embodied performance.

Lessac’s techniques involve exploring the connection between the voice and the body. He believes that by understanding how the voice is connected to our physicality, actors can create more authentic and grounded performances.

Lessac’s approach also incorporates physical exercises, such as stretching and alignment, to help actors develop a strong and flexible instrument.

By connecting the voice with the body, actors can bring a sense of dynamism and physicality to their performances.

• Strengths: Ideal for actors interested in combining voice and movement to enhance vocal expressiveness.
• Focus: Voice and movement integration, pitch and resonance, and developing distinct character voices.

Exploring the Fitzmaurice Voicework of Catherine Fitzmaurice

Catherine Fitzmaurice is known for her pioneering work in voice training, particularly her development of the Fitzmaurice Voicework. This approach focuses on freeing the natural voice by releasing physical and emotional tensions. Fitzmaurice believes that by letting go of these tensions, actors can access a more authentic and expressive voice.

The Fitzmaurice Voicework incorporates various physical exercises, such as shaking and stretching, to release tension in the body.

Through these exercises, actors can become more aware of their physical sensations and connect with their breath.

Fitzmaurice also emphasizes the importance of resonance and vocal flexibility, encouraging actors to explore different vocal qualities and textures. By doing so, actors can bring a rich and nuanced quality to their performances.

• Strengths: Great for actors aiming to improve breath release, resonance, and vocal freedom.
• Focus: Exercises like “Ribcage Breathing,” tongue tension release, and applying techniques to contemporary theater.

David Carey and his approach to voice training

One voice practitioner who has made a significant impact in the field of voice training is David Carey. Carey believes that the voice is a physical instrument that can be trained and developed.

His approach focuses on breath control, vocal placement, and resonance. By understanding the mechanics of the voice and how it functions, actors can gain greater control over their vocal abilities and create more dynamic performances.

Carey’s techniques involve exercises that help actors explore the full range of their voices. From deep, resonant tones to high-pitched squeals, Carey encourages actors to push the boundaries of their vocal capabilities.

By doing so, actors can discover new vocal qualities that can be utilized to bring their characters to life.

Carey’s approach also emphasizes the importance of relaxation and releasing tension in the body, as this directly affects the voice.

• Strengths: Perfect for actors interested in integrating voice and body for expressive speech.
• Focus: Breath and body connection, expressing emotions vocally, and vocal warm-up routines.

Barbara Houseman’s techniques for unlocking your acting potential

Another influential voice practitioner is Barbara Houseman, whose techniques focus on unlocking the actor’s potential by exploring the connection between voice and emotion.

Houseman believes that the voice is deeply tied to our emotional state and that by accessing and expressing our emotions, we can create more authentic and compelling performances.

Houseman’s techniques involve exercises that help actors connect with their emotions and find ways to express them through their voice. These exercises may include improvisation, sensory work, and exploring personal memories.

By tapping into their own emotional reservoirs, actors can bring a heightened sense of truthfulness to their performances.

Houseman also emphasizes the importance of breath control and vocal warm-up exercises to ensure that the actor’s voice is ready and prepared for the demands of the performance.

• Strengths: Suitable for actors looking to develop rounded and expressive vocal technique through ease and relaxation.
• Focus: Text analysis, articulation and diction, and differentiating characters in a script.

Conclusion: Embracing the techniques of influential voice practitioners

In conclusion, the techniques of influential voice practitioners provide invaluable tools for actors to unlock their full potential.

By exploring the approaches of practitioners such as David Carey, Barbara Houseman, Catherine Fitzmaurice, Arthur Lessac, Cicely Berry, Kristin Linklater, and Patsy Rodenburg, actors can develop a greater understanding of their voice and how to use it effectively in their performances.

So, embrace these techniques, explore your voice, and watch as your performances come to life in ways you never thought possible.

Of course, your voice is only one part of the performances you create. Check out my poster on Creating Character Physicality to find out how to utilise movement in performance.