Mira Kehoe

American English Pronunciation (12 hours; 6 weeks)  offered quarterly
A class for students who want to improve their pronunciation, articulation and intonation skills in American English. The emphasis will be on improving the skills that affect your ability to be understood; pronunciation of vowels and consonants, pitch, tempo, and stress patterns. Students will receive individual correction and feedback, and will have time for conversational practice under guidance of the instructor.

Introduction to Voice and Speech (10 hours; 5 weeks) offered quarterly
This five week course introduces the student to the basic principles of voice and speech including breath, resonance, range, articulation, projection, phrasing and expression, and release of excessive tension. There will be assigned readings, experiential exercises, class discussions, and practical application of skills to material of the student’s choice.

Intermediate Voice and Speech (20 hours; 10 weeks) offered once a year
This ten week course continues the work explored in Introduction to Voice and Speech, including extensive work with breath, resonance, range, articulation, projection, phrasing and expression, and body-mind exercises. There will be assigned readings, experiential exercises, class discussions, and practical application of skills to material of the student’s choice. Students will be expected to set goals for themselves, and will be supported in developing a daily practice to improve their skills and expressiveness. A key component of this class will be the opportunity to perform or speak in front of the class.
* Prerequisite: Intro. to Voice and Speech or permission of the instructor.

Dialects I (10 hours; 5 weeks) offered twice a year
This course will be an introduction to dialect study;  a general class for anyone interested in accents and dialects. During the course we will discuss the difference between dialects and accents, regional American dialects, learn basic dialect research skills, and study and apply dialects to material of the student’s choice. We will learn Standard British, and possibly a second dialect. There will be outside reading and listening as assigned in preparation for class discussions. Students will purchase The Dialect Handbook by Ginny Kopf,  and Standard British for American Actors by Gillian Lane-Plescia.

Dialects II (10 hours; 5 weeks) offered once a year
This course will focus on the acquisition of skills necessary for in-depth research, study, and application of dialects and accents.  During the course we will review the principles of dialect study, IPA and its application to dialect study, General American and Standard American, review regional American dialects, deepen our dialect research skills, and study and apply dialects to monologues and scenes, or other material of the student’s choice. We will review Standard British, Cockney, and research a dialect of the student’s choice. There will be outside reading and listening as assigned in preparation for class discussions. Required materials:  The Dialect Handbook by Ginny Kopf,  Standard British for American Actors, and Cockney for Actors by Gillian Lane-Plescia.
* Prerequisite: Dialects I or permission of the instructor.

Opening the Voice (5 weeks; 10 hours)  offered once a year
This short course will begin with an “un-doing” process – becoming aware and letting go of habitual physical and vocal tensions. Releasing the body and voice will move us into developing their strengths. Basic work will include exercises and experiences that will help us remove habitual controls, recognize and learn to follow impulses, trust vulnerability, learn to listen with our whole self, explore natural physical energies, discover maximum effect with minimum effort, discover how to allow sound and words to be an expression of our inner life. We will explore breath, resonance, range, articulation, projection, phrasing and expression, and body-mind exercises. The instructor has a broad background in movement for the actor, having studied both Alexander and Feldenkrais work, martial arts, yoga, Pilates, and many forms of dance and expressive movement.

Introduction to Singing or Singing for Non-Singers
(5 weeks; 10 hours) offered twice a year
This course will introduce students to the basic elements of singing in a fun, supportive environment.  We will learn and practice exercises for developing a healthy technique for all styles of singing.  Exercises will include those which develop breath support, resonance, range, dynamics, and clarity of text (diction).  The instructor will assist students in finding material.  Students will have an opportunity to sing together and individually with a group of people who share an interest in singing.  No experience necessary, all are welcome!