The Role of the Production Voice Coach in Contemporary Australian Theatre

Abstract

The sparse literature that exists globally on the role of the voice coach in theatre productions makes no reference whatsoever to the quantity, nature, challenges, or perception of voice coaching in Australian theatre. Drawing on archival data, interviews, and focus groups, this mixed method study provides an introductory overview of the field, from the perspective of industry professionals and artists in training. The study finds that voice coaches were credited in around 33% of major theatre productions in Australia between 2012 and 2017. Voice is a major component of actor training in all three major Australia drama schools. In production work, coaches’ skills divide broadly into two categories: the technical (vocal health, extreme voice use, acoustics, dialect, verse) and the creative (expressive range, text interpretation). Interviewees offered differing views on the balance of skills it is desirable for a voice coach to deploy in the rehearsal room. Challenges discussed for Australian voice coaching include young actors’ technique and attitude, use of amplification, and the scarcity of resources dedicated to voice. Relationships between directors, actors, and voice coaches can be a source of creative friction and of creative partnership. The study ends by discussing best practice and opportunities for future research.