Our summer workshops are back and this year they are bigger than ever. In previous years we have focussed on choral sessions but this year we have broadened the selection and have something for everyone. We have booked some fabulous talent to share their wealth of knowledge with us including some new and some familiar faces. Our schedule of workshops is as follows:
13th July – Clive Dancey – Type and Casting Workshop
Do you want to improve you chances of getting cast in a show or play? Clive has worked for a professional actors agency, as a casting director, as director of shows and plays and as an actor. He has worked ‘both sides of the table’ and would love to share with you some nuggets of information to help you be cast in your dream role. In this light-hearted workshop we are going to look at ‘type and casting ‘ in order to help you feel confident to show up at the audition, give your best work, then get the part you wanted. This will be a workshop where you are encouraged to speak but you are also welcome to just sit and listen if you prefer.
1st August – David Woods – Unaccompanied Choral singing
From Renaissance to Pop, this workshop will cover some fantastic music with a focus on listening to the other parts and finding the perfect balance of sound. David is a professional Tenor who recently moved to the area. He leads Letchworth Chorale and Stotfold Singers. He is also an experienced and qualified singing teacher covering many genres from classical and musical theatre to pop and rock.
8th August – Hannah Long – Popular Choruses
Enjoy a fun evening of singing some popular choruses from Opera, G&S and more modern music. Hannah has been a familiar face at Thespians in recent years. For those who don’t know Hannah, she is a classically trained soprano with two music degrees from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She has been one of our musical directors for several years and is currently MD for Joseph with Letchworth Arcadians.
10th August – Katie Milward – Dance
17th August – Katie Milward – Drama
Katie has been acting for over 30 years and appeared in over 100 shows. She has also directed more than 100 shows, coaches students for Drama School and West End auditions and runs Big Spirit Theatre Company. She is a qualified dance teacher in ISTD Modern, Tap and National and teaches students from 3-adult at BSPA in Letchworth. She has also choreographed physical theatre pieces for theatre performances, Flashmobs and music videos.
22nd August – John Edwards – Swinging with Gershwin
John needs no introduction for most of us. He is a stalwart MD of Hitchin Thespians having been on the production team for countless concerts and shows. He has also led most of our workshops in recent years. He has found a fantastic set of SATB arrangements of popular Gershwin songs for us – perfect for a summer evening.
24th August – Laura McHugh – Acting Through Song Masterclass
An opportunity to improve your performance by exploring the lyrics and intention behind solo songs, as well as the notes. 3 participants will need to prepare a song to be workshopped in front of everyone. They will need to bring their own sheet music (and be familiar enough with the lyrics that they don’t get thrown by re-direction!) Those coming along just to observe are welcome to bring notebooks and pens, and will be invited to contribute their opinions/thoughts during the session.
29th August – Laura McHugh – Choral Acting Through Song
Laura has been a singing teacher/musical director/director in various settings for eighteen years. She has conducted several shows including Guys and Dolls, Godspell, Our House, Little Shop of Horrors, and Honk! Laura will lead participants through an ‘old school MT’ medley; songs that people will likely already be familiar with. Again, this session will be focussed on thinking about the lyrics, and how leaning into the poetry can aid your performance. Mixed voices, three-part harmony.
The evenings will run from 7.30pm with a 20min tea break. They will finish at approximately 9.30-9.45pm when the bar will open for half an hour for those who would like to stay. Come to as many as you would like. Tickets can be booked via our website.
