Online Teaching Statement from Ilse Pfeifer: “Voice work, as you have already experienced, is in part breath work and how you use your breath to speak. This class will deepen your presence work; develop specific, mindful awareness with your restructuring; and identify your physical bodily sensations and how you use your breathing during restructuring. You will also get to explore with text work. You will be guided to deepen your connection with the anatomy of breath support, such as the transverse abdominal muscle, learn tools for yourself to practice the vocal warm up learned in level 1, and expand in your practice. You will, through exercises that explore flexibility of your spine, strengthen greater postural alignment. We will explore the imagination and your discovery of text work.
“Please pick a piece of text that you would like to bring into class, this could be a monologue or scene, with strong imagery. Learn at least five to ten lines of your text so you will be able to explore the meaning with greater freedom.
“Due to the current circumstance of the corona virus, we will hold a circle of compassion, where we learn to listen to one another’s experiences, like storytellers. I would further like to share with you that I have online teaching experience and that I am seeing very positive results with my online classes during these times of social distanccing where many of us feel isolated and less connected. We are experiencing a coming together online that has supported everyone, and have even shared some good humor, and vocal practices offered in connection with others. I am personally very grateful for this platform and can only recommend it during this time as a vital connective tissue for us. I plan to meet you with curiosity, openness and ongoing support, so the creative arts continue to thrive while we all share this time of challenge.
“What you need for the class at home: a space and a floor, a yoga mat if you have one or a rug, a pillow or zafu, and a book for alignment of your spine. A notebook should you like to make notes, and your computer or phone to log into the Zoom network that HB Studio is providing for us. Please wear comfortable clothing and think of your space as a theater space. Imagination will be a helpful tool. However small or large your spaces, you are welcome!
“One last thought dear students: Many of us may be experiencing a certain level of stress at this time. This class supports the nervous system and healthy breathing. It is a time where creative community is more then ever an essential part of staying healthy, and I will be certain to support you all in that. This is a very good time to breathe, and to be in a creative supportive environment, so we are less socially and physically isolated. You will see we are able to connect with one another via this online forum.
“Lastly, should you have any questions regarding the class, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at ipfeifer@hbstudio.org”