Voice Lab

Wilfrid Laurier University's Faculty of Music is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated Voice Lab for Spring 2025. This unique workshop, tailored for undergraduate and graduate-level singers, offers an invaluable opportunity to delve deeper into vocal studies beyond the standard fall and winter terms. There is also a secondary school workshop on Saturday, May 3.

This year’s Voice Lab brings together classical and music theatre singers, encouraging exploration across genres and facilitating cross-training. Participants will engage in yoga, acting, dance and movement classes, reinforcing the connection between body and voice.

The concentration of studies during this week results in significant, often accelerated vocal progress. The workshop focuses on the creative process of the singer, with ample one-on-one lesson time with voice instructors and collaborative pianists, group lessons, seminars (dance, acting, improvisation, belting and Linklater training), bodywork and more.

Join us for an enriching experience that will elevate your vocal performance.

A full schedule will be sent to participants before the event. A sample schedule is below.

• Cost: $500
• Dates: Sunday, May 4 – Friday, May 9, 2025
• Location: Faculty of Music, Wilfrid Laurier University
• Time: 9 a.m – 5 p.m (times may vary depending on schedule)
• Final performance: Friday May 9 at 3 p.m. in the Mezz
• Maximum participants: 12

For Laurier students, a successful completion of the course will be added to the On-Campus Employment module of your Laurier Experience Record.

Sample Workshops Throughout the Program

Body Mapping for Teachers: Body Mapping Educator Kimberly Barber leads this class through basics of Body Mapping for the singers, giving concrete, experiential examples for laying a foundation of anatomical understanding and body function to support healthy music making.

Yoga for Singers: Certified yoga instructor and pianist Anna Ronai leads this session focused on opening breath and body to support freedom in singing.

Create/Discover Movement in Music and Song: This movement workshop, led by Stratford actor, dancer and choreographer Jason Sermonia, is designed for all those who wish to explore the use of the body in movement through music and voice work.

Playful Acting: Explore acting technique through play! Using improvisation games and acting exercises, Stratford actor and teaching artist Josue Laboucane explores the essence of acting in a playful and positive atmosphere.

Linklater Voice: This ground-breaking method was developed by Kristin Linklater to provide actors with the tools to explore freedom and authenticity within human vocal expression. It is taught in top theatre schools and conservatories around the world and is considered one of the most effective and trusted voice methods for actors to date. “The voice runs on emotion and free breath” –Kristin Linklater

Teaching Artists

• Kimberly Barber, Professor, Voice, Body Mapping Specialist
• Amanda Brunk, Instructor, Contemporary Voice, Crossover Specialist, Designated Linklater Teacher
• Jennie Such, Instructor, Voice, Contemporary Voice, Crossover Specialist
• Anna Ronai, yoga instructor and vocal coach
• Jason White, Vocal Coach
• Josue Laboucane, Stratford Festival acting company member, actor, mask technique specialist, teaching artist
• Jason Sermonia, Stratford Festival musical company member, dancer, choreographer, teaching artist

Sample Schedule

Note: A finalized schedule will be sent before the event.

Opening Day

• 9 – 10 a.m.: Get to know you, introduction chat (with breakfast snacks)
• 10 a.m. – noon: Dance Class with Jason Sermonia
• noon – 1 p.m.: Lunch
• 1 – 2:30 p.m.: Acting Class with Josue Laboucane part 1
• 2:30 – 3 p.m.: Break
• 3 – 4:30 p.m.: Acting Class with Josue Laboucane part 2
• 4:30 – 5 p.m.: Debrief chat/End of Day wrap up

Sample Midweek Day

• 9 – 10 a.m.: Yoga with Anna Ronai
• 10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Revolving Lessons with Kim, Amanda and Jennie (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
• 10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Revolving Coachings with Jason White and Anna Ronai (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
• 12:15 – 1 p.m.: Lunch Break
• 1 – 4 p.m.: Group Classes
• 4 – 5 p.m.: Debrief Chat/End of day wrap up 

Final Day (Friday, May 9)

• Performance at 3 p.m.

Secondary School Voice Lab Workshop

The workshop also includes a day of integrating high-school students in our process, allowing them to experience group technique, Body Mapping and open lessons taught by Laurier voice instructors.

• Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
• Time: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Cost: $100 per participant

Please pack a lunch, snacks, and water.