AUGUST 3-8 2026
Telegraph Hill Centre and the Barefoot Studio, SE4
The classical singer as stage creature : developing stage-craft through opera scenes
Descartes described the human body as a ‘soft machine’. As singers, we know this to be true on one level, but the machine analogy very quickly becomes inadequate. How can we find working methods that genuinely connect the machine to our sense of self, and allow both vocal competence and dramatic artistry to flourish? This year’s intensive summer course for serious singers will focus on creating opera scenes to deliver individual learning and progress.
About the Course
Guided by our expert team of professional singers, movement specialists and coaches, our six- day Intensive Course offers enjoyable group workshops in responsive breath work, physical theatre techniques, drama exercises and somatic movement practice – as well as solo opportunities in varied masterclasses.
Each day begins with Barefoot’s signature Body Voice and Movement group workshop, and includes a solo masterclass with a voice tutor or coach, and either a movement or drama workshop.
Singers are invited to bring at least two pieces of their own choice to work on throughout the course, and will participate in opera scenes to be prepared during the week and performed on the final day.
You can expect :
- Exercises to free your sense of your body in space and action
- Generous individual time in masterclasses
- Detailed acting classes and text work
- Co-creation of opera scenes with your group- with expert direction
- Individual feedback and consultation
How will it benefit you?
- Your whole body will feel more comfortable
- Your breathing will feel more sustainable
- Your tone quality will improve
- Your on-stage characterisation will have more flow and authenticity
Themes of the week
- ‘Theatre work for singers’ – matching your work to directors’ expectations
- ‘Relaxation and effort’ – what is the balance?
- ‘Creative play’ – liberating imagination and voice
- Aligning body and voice with dramatic intention
About Barefoot Opera
Barefoot Opera aims to help you find your classical voice by offering experiential exercises that support traditional bel canto work.
“Responsive breath”, reaction and action, is the keystone of Barefoot’s work, refining and evolving into singing and the operatic tradition.
Re-aligning ourselves to well-balanced, fully functional body, breath, movement and sound, we reconnect with basic human responses: laughing, sighing, calling – the elemental tone qualities that signal our human interaction with our environment. We explore how to link those responses with the sophistication of classical sound.
How to apply
Our course is for advanced, serious students of voice, whether they are following a professional journey or not. Participants will be selected by cv and a simple live recording/phone clip, and your successful placement will be confirmed by May 1st 2026 (see below). Applications are open from November 1st 2025.
Cost: £650
6 day course, with a simple healthy lunch, refreshments
Early bird: bookings by April 1 £625
Pay in full by May 1 to secure a place. If you wish to organise payment in installments please contact us to arrange this (info@barefootopera.com)
What our past students say;
“It was exciting and hugely enjoyable to work with so many good singers and experienced tutors”
“I’ve enjoyed it enormously and learned a lot. …tryly a joy to work with such an amazing group of people, tutors and singers…”
“Thank you!! This has been an overwhelmingly positive experience I will never forget”
“Thank you for hosting/organising everything. I leanted a lot, met a lot of good and telented people, had a lot of fun.”
“loved beginning the day with group movment and then introducing vocal responses to the movement. Enjoyed the days where we weaved from coaching into group sessions-liked working with each coach and getting different points of view”
“I like the premise of BF body awareness in acting particularly”
“I liked the days we worked towrds performance as we achieved so much, esp. ensemble work,key to Barefoot Opera ethos”
