BVA Presidents Study Day 2025

BVA Presidents Day 2025 in collaboration with the International Network of Voice

Words, words, words: Voice, Body, and Text in Performance

Bringing text to life in spoken and sung performance is a complex process. Actors often struggle with making language feel spontaneous, finding the right balance between technique and emotional truth, and fully embodying a character’s words in a way that feels both authentic and compelling. Whether navigating classical verse, contemporary dialogue, or West End tunes, performers rely on skilled guidance to connect voice, body, and intention.

This BVA study day, in collaboration with the International Network of Voice, explores key approaches to coaching text for performance, from the interplay of breath and articulation to the physicality of storytelling. Expert speakers will share insights into acting through text, the role of the body in vocal expression, and the nuances of working with different styles and genres. Practical workshops will provide hands-on techniques for voice coaches of all kinds to enrich their own practice in guiding performers towards a more integrated, expressive use of voice.

This event is designed for professionals working with spoken or sung voice, including voice coaches, singing coaches, speech and language therapists, and communication specialists seeking deeper engagement with text.

Programme Includes:

JEANNETTE NELSON

Former Head of Voice, The National Theatre

Event Title: Keeping it Active: some thoughts on getting into the listener's ear

REBECCA CLARK CAREY

Previous Head of Voice and Text, Oregon Shakespeare Festival

Event title: Text Is Text

ANNEMETTE VERSPEAK

Head of Voice, Guildhall School of Music & Drama

Event title: Making it up to Make it Happen

CATHRYN ROBSON & ADAM WALLIS

Programme Leader, MA/MFA Voice Studies, RCSSD

Senior Voice Lecturer, Guildford School of Acting

Event title: Discovering and Embodying Text through Fitzmaurice Voicework®

KATIE HEATH & ELLEN HARTLEY

Head of Voice, Collaborative and Devised Theatre, RCSSD

The Globe & Associate Practitioner of Voice, The Royal Shakespeare Company

Event title: “But I am in my body……” : Understanding and experiencing neuro-inclusive practices when teaching the "embodiment" of voice and text.

WARM-UPS LEAD BY:

GEMMA MADDOCK

Head of Voice, Oxford School of Drama & MFA Linklater Teaching Practice, Rose Bruford

JENRU WANG

Senior Voice Tutor, Mountview

How To Find Us

The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama’s main campus is located in Swiss Cottage, within the borough of Camden; a dynamic, artistic area full of theatres, bars, restaurants and art galleries. Our campus is conveniently located within easy reach of many of the capital’s main attractions and activities.

Central is located opposite Swiss Cottage station (Jubilee Line, exit 2), or approximately eight minutes walk from Finchley Road station (Metropolitan Line). South Hampstead overground station is approximately a five minute walk, with Finchley Road & Frognal station approximately a ten minute walk.

The following bus routes stop nearby: C11, 13, 31, 46, 82, 113, 187, 268.

Central is within a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) and parking is extremely limited. There is no parking available at the School.

There are two blue badge disabled parking bays directly outside. For more disabled parking options, search for NW3 3HY on Blue Badge London’s Find A Bay. Alternatively, visitors with disabilities are welcome to call +44 (0) 20 7722 8183 prior to their visit as we may be able to arrange parking on-site.

Cancellation policy for a BVA event

In the event an applicant cancels their place at a BVA course or conference, they are entitled to the following refund:

• 4 weeks or more = 90% refund
• Between 4 -1 weeks = 25% refund
• From 1 week to the day of event = no refund (under any circumstances, including illness)

Online: The BVA is not responsible for Internet speed or any other connection issues you may encounter. We do not offer refunds for bandwidth, connection or latency issues, these should be taken up with your Internet Service Provider.

Should the BVA cancel a course, a full refund will be offered.