Sustainable technique and healthy Artists
Ellenwood studios embraces a somatic and kinesthetic approach to the voice, acting, and emotional access. The principles introduced in studio are informed by voice and affective science (evidence-based), a practical knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and the integration of physically connected acting with emotional access and regulation.
Development of strong, flexible, and embodied voices
Every student possesses a voice that is unique and distinctly individual. In this studio, we agree with the esteemed voice researcher and pedagogue Jo Estill: “Everyone has a beautiful voice …you just have to know how to use it!” Whether you are an actor who sings, a singer who acts, or someone who desires to hone their vocal presence, studio work begins by learning about vocal anatomy and how to physically sense and shape vocal sounds. This is accomplished through a playful investigation of specific functional exercises paired with caring feedback which speaks to your strengths, and becomes the foundation from which artistic impulses can soar.
Creating artistic performances and presentations through skill integration
Study of the voice isn’t enough to build a performing arts career, or a successful speaking circuit. Whether you are a classical singer, a musical theatre performer, a singer-songwriter, or a professional speaker, presence is a necessary piece of the puzzle. Presence can be cultivated by honing non-verbal communication skills paired with accessible emotional expression and regulation. In order to integrate these aspects into your work, this studio offers both group classes as well as one-on-one sessions.
Caring feedback
Feedback is necessary for growth and advancement. Our focus in studio is on asset-based learning strategies which focus on strength based feedback.
Collaborative coaching
Coaching is available to those who have completed technical training in at least one skill set (Estill Voice Training, Michael Chekhov Acting Technique, EmoVerity for Performers) as taught within the studio.
Artistic Values
In this studio, we seek to train performers as:
Generative artists who are responsible for artistic creation
Performers need to be collaborators in the performing arts.
Unique individuals who seek to cultivate authenticity and own their precious individual expression
Performers need to be versatile in their expression of performance styles and also inhabit their own unique essence.
Presence-filled instruments of power
Performers must be disciplined, focused, vulnerable, generous, and entirely captivating in their work.
Multi-disciplinary adepts
Performers need to be skilled in voice production, acting (psycho-physical performance), and emotional expression (among many other artistic disciplines).
Emotionally intelligent, adaptable, and grounded beings
Performers need to seek expertise in emotional expression, empathy, and self-regulation.
Sustainable and reliable professionals
Performers need to be able to evaluate what level of energy is needed in every moment of a performance, and what level they can reliably give to the work while remaining healthy and whole.
Constant curiosity seekers
Performers must seek stability in their finalized work while remaining constantly open to exploring, discovering, and taking a ‘new journey’ in every moment they perform.