SHOUT-OUT TO VOICE SYMPOSIUM SUCCESS
As well as a stellar lineup of keynote speakers, VASTA’s first Australian gathering attracted a host of leading voice practitioners, who shared their expertise and insights with delegates over a jam-packed three days. Co-directors Amy Hume and Jennifer Innes report.
In June, the Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA) held its first Australian gathering in Naarm (Melbourne). VASTA is an international association whose members include freelance voice coaches, dialect designers, academics, singers and researchers with an interest in voice, especially the spoken voice.
The gathering’s theme was ‘Innovative Voice’, and attendees and presenters were invited to reflect on the current state of the profession and to imagine its future. Keynote speakers included the exceptional research team of Dr Celeste Rodriguez Louro and Nyungar woman Glenys Collard, who shared their research into Australian Aboriginal English, with its vivid and evolving dialectical variations.
Another keynote, Daz Chandler, talked about working with AI-generated voices and considered how artists can work with new technology, rather than resisting inevitable change. Performer and theatre-maker Naz Dickerson shared her experience of ‘voice’ as a First Nations artist, inviting reflection and deep listening from symposium delegates.
Member presentations were practical, insightful and inspiring, celebrating the complex world of the voice. In planning the symposium, a goal was to demystify voice for directors, actors, producers and other creatives. As directors, we set out to share practical knowledge, offer opportunities for connection and invite input from those who cross paths with our profession. With many leading practitioners delivering presentations over the three days, the opportunity was too good not to share.
The Equity Foundation supported this vision by partnering with VASTA to offer two free registrations to professional artists. The successful applicants, Farhad Zaiwala and Juliette Coleman, brought curiosity, passion and fresh perspectives to the event. Here are their takeaways.
Farhad Zaiwala
“A yarn doesn’t have a timer on it,” said Glenys Collard in her keynote speech, recalling an age-old Aboriginal tradition where elders sit in a circle and share stories and past experiences with their young. What they’re also passing on is language and the many intricacies that come with it. Her detailed work alongside Dr Celeste Rodriguez in studying, understanding and documenting Aboriginal English from different parts of Australia was staggering to hear.
Theirs was alongside many fantastic sessions held over the jam-packed three days, meticulously planned at the Victorian College of the Arts, where voice professionals from all over the world had descended.
I always knew the importance of voice for an actor but never fully realised a whole industry of dedicated individuals, through their years of study, practice and vast experience, were so passionate about helping others from all walks of life feel more heard, empowered and connected.
Voice, language, accents and dialects is an ever-evolving discipline that these individuals have dedicated their lives to understanding and perfecting. Sharing the same space as them, where a huge amount of wisdom was generously shared with passion and respect, was incredible and I couldn’t have experienced it without the generosity of MEAA and the symposium’s co-directors, Amy Hume and Jennifer Innes.
One big important yarn that I wish never ended!
Juliette Coleman
As an actor, the amount and variety of training available can often feel overwhelming. Short courses, BFAs, diplomas… the list goes on. Additionally, if you have already completed some form of training, how can you continue to learn and grow and understand more about your instrument?
These were some of the questions swirling around in my head before I heard about the amazing opportunity VASTA and The Equity Foundation offered − three days’ worth of learning surrounded by some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry. Sign me up!
The theme for the symposium was ‘Innovative Voice’, something that is at the centre of all actors’ minds, as the threat of AI looms. A keynote presentation from Daz Chandler explored this ambivalence. Their insight into using vocal AI for a therapeutic or altruistic purpose definitely challenged me as an individual, but also made it clear that while AI is here and continues to pose challenges, the magic of live performance is needed more than ever.
As well, I was incredibly keen to understand how different methodologies and practitioners intersect. When is it time to bring in a laryngologist? How can a SLP and a voice practitioner work together in a training context? What is the role of a vocal physiotherapist? Luckily, we had a panel answering all these questions and more, and I came away feeling empowered.
I want to extend a massive thank you to all the amazing practitioners who presented at the conference; your hard work and tenacity were a joy to experience. I feel so honoured to have been a ‘fly on the wall’ and step behind the scenes of how VASTA functions, and where the Australian voice industry can innovate.
Amy Hume is a voice and dialect coach for theatre and screen, specialist in voice at Victorian College of the Arts and VASTA board member. She is a Designated Linklater Teacher and current PhD Candidate at The University of Melbourne, studying the history of Australian accents in performance. Amy is a fortnightly guest on ABC Radio Melbourne.
Jennifer Innes is a voice and dialect coach and actor, currently lecturing at Flinders Drama Centre and freelancing in Adelaide. She is a former AVA board member and VASTA junior board member. Jen believes in empowerment through voice work, and is interested in promoting equity, diversity and wellbeing through her work.
