Member Workshops
& Seminars

Strengthen Your Voice with Stephen Horst

On Wednesday, August 8, 2012 Actors' Equity Association in New York City presented Strengthen Your Voice with voice teacher, singer, actor, and songwriter Stephen Horst. The two hour vocal workshop focused on building, strengthening, and conditioning the voice. The event was sponsored by the Eastern Region Membership Education Committee and hosted by Councillor and Committee Vice Chair Ruth E. Kramer.

Stephen Horst

"A revelation!" "Now I understand how easy singing high notes should be!" and "It's all about coordination and conditioning--like going to the gym!" were three exit comments Members shared about the workshop.

Stephen Horst began the evening by asking members what they wanted out of the workshop. Based on the needs of the group he addressed issues such as vocal challenges, problems and frustrations e.g. "mixing the voice," "how do I fix my vocal break?" "the passaggio," "vocal health," "singing Pop/Rock but being classically trained," and others.

In a free flowing Q & A Stephen explained the mechanics of the voice and how it is functionally similar to having both a wind and string instrument housed within you. Moreover, he impressively illustrated the process involved in coordinating the mechanics of the two instruments in one. He also introduced breathing exercises, gave posture & alignment corrections and provided an in-depth explanation of vocal agility.

Stephen concluded the evening by working individually with 5 lottery selected attendees while the rest observed. Exercises included: humming a participant's vocal selection of the Beatle's song "Blackbird" in various keys; introducing simple and safe ways to expand and free the voice; exploring registration (a particular series of tones in the human voice that are produced by vibratory patterns within a specific range resulting in certain characteristic sounds), and finally, focusing resonators (using the voice to produce a deep, reverberating sound) to provide the flexibility to sing in different styles.

As a benefit of membership, Actors' Equity presents free educational Workshops and Seminars for Members and Membership Candidates. Watch the Equity website for future offerings.

Stephen Horst has performed on Broadway in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and CHESS in Concert. He performed in the National Tour of WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND. His Off-Broadway/Regional credits include: JOSEPHINE; LES MISERABLES; MISS SAIGON; THE SEAGULL; HAIR; THE WILD PARTY; SHE LOVES ME; THE GONDOLIERS; SAVING AIMEE; and SPLIT. Member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA.

Stephen Horst's company, Tap Into Your Artistry combines vocal training with career and artistic guidance. TIYA Broadway Clients: EVITA, GHOST, SISTER ACT, WICKED, WEST SIDE STORY, WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN, TARZAN, SOUTH PACIFIC, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, LES MISERABLES, RENT. He welcomes all levels and styles. For more info, please visit: www.TapIntoYourArtistry.com