Event Type: Workshops

An informal and inclusive social singing workshop

Workshop :
Saturday 5 July 2025, 10:30am – 12:30pm

Duration : 2 Hours

Tickets :
General Admission $52

Join us for a fun, informal and inclusive session with amazing Tasmanian choir director Jane Christie-Johnston.   

Within minutes, you will become part of an a cappella choir in four-part harmony as you sing a mix of gospel, folk and more. 

This session is for people wanting to ‘have a crack’ at a cappella singing in a choir for the first time, or try a new style of singing … or you might just want a fantastic and relaxing social singing experience with no strings attached.  Everything is taught by ear (no music reading or choir singing experience needed) and beginners are welcome. 

If you have attended Jane’s workshops at the festival in previous years, you will know that this is a fulfilling and relaxing way to join like-minded folk and enjoy singing just for the pure joy of it!   

“Jane Christie-Johnston’s workshops are addictive. I keep coming back for more. Each workshop is different but the thing they all have in common is that they are uplifting and fun! Recommended to those seeking a positive mood altering experience! “
– Julie Dennis, previous workshop participant 

Holistic Vocal Health Workshop

Workshop :
Tuesday 1 July 2025, 5:30pm – 6:30pm

Duration : 1 Hour

Tickets :
General Admission $20

As singers, we are always caring for and nurturing our voices to keep them healthy and in prime condition to share our passion and talents with the world. This session will dive into the world of vocal health with voice expert Joshua Clifford and offer practical tips and resources for voices of all types and ages – perfect for singers & conductors!  

From steaming and straw singing, to caring for our voices as they age, these insights and tools are informed by research and are invaluable for conductors and singers alike! 

“It’s a passion of mine to increase awareness of vocal health, dispel myths, and provide a holistic approach to the voice – I’m so looking forward to presenting and sharing this session!” 
– Joshua Clifford, January 2025 

Experience the magic of Songwriting with one of Australia’s leading choral composers, Paul Jarman

Workshop :
2 x Days : Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 June 2025

Cost : $225

**SOLD OUT! All places in this workshop have now been filled. Please email info@festivalofvoices.com with your phone number if you wish to be added to the waitlist in case more places become available. You may also be interested in FoV’s other workshops**

Delve into the wonderful world of songwriting with your mentor, nationally respected composer and musical storyteller Paul Jarman. In this intimate and creative workshop, you will be encouraged to create and share stories and songs with new friends.   

This workshop will include an open dialogue about how we write songs. Those who have not attended this workshop in previous years are encouraged to join Paul for an optional introductory session, where he will begin to look at the elements in the songwriters’ toolbox, including the nuts and bolts of composing, melodic nuances, finding inspiration and mindset, and integrity in storytelling.  

In a collaborative and supportive environment, Paul and participants will work individually and together to craft music, drawing from personal experiences and stories. Whether or not you read music or have much experience, if you’re interested in learning more about writing your own songs, you’re encouraged to attend. Previous attendees have described the experience as uniquely special for what they’ve taken away from the two days and friends they made along the way. Participants are also welcome to bring along instruments to this workshop.   

The workshop schedule also includes a preliminary meet-and-greet session in the Singers’ Lounge with Paul and your fellow songwriters. 

Workshop numbers are strictly capped at 20 participants, so be sure to register early to avoid disappointment! 

WORKSHOP :
Saturday 24 May 2025, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Doors Open 20 minutes prior

Duration : 3 x Hours

Cost : $50 (+BF)

Whether your improv journey has recently begun, or you are a seasoned improviser, this workshop will power up your impro to the next level.

What do the words dynamite and dynamics have in common? The root DYNA – which means power.

Often, when people refer to POWER IMPRO they mean fast, hard, loud, and unrelentingly funny. This is definitely a powerful way to play…sometimes. But sometimes the most powerful way to play is slow, soft, silent, or poignant. Master improvisers know how to play a full range of energies and when to apply them to their characters, scenes, and the stories they tell.

In this workshop, you will learn how to build and harness your own impro superpowers to play within a dynamic range – physically, verbally, and emotionally. Whether your improv journey has recently begun, or you are a seasoned improviser, this workshop will power up your impro to the next level.

WORKSHOP :
Tuesday 13 May 2025, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Doors Open 15 minutes prior

Duration : 3 x Hours

Cost : $50 (+BF)

Learn how to make up a musical with international guest Dr David Charles.

Are you intrigued by musical improv and want to build confidence, sharpen your skills, and get some experience in a playful and inviting environment? This three-hour workshop explores techniques to help you bravely start your improvised songs as a confident and well-executed song launch often makes all the difference between sinking and soaring in the moments that follow. No prior improv singing experience needed, but a willingness to sing publicly will help!

Train with Dr David Charles. He is a master of improvised musical theatre. A graduate of Players Workshop of Second City. David is the creator of improvised musicals like FourPlay: The Improvised Musical and Your Opera in a Trunk. He is also the author of Improv Dictionary (Routledge, 2024) and a sought-after instructor known for making musical improv fun, accessible, and electrifying. Join his workshop and unlock your ability to create songs, scenes, and entire musicals—on the spot!

Workshops :
Wednesday 22 January 2025, 10:00am – 12:00noon
Thursday 23 January 2025, 10:00am – 12:00noon

Duration : 2 hours (per session)
Doors Open 15 minutes prior 

All Ages / Family -Friendly Workshop

Tickets :
Participant Tickets: $65 per session. Limited to 10 spots per session, participants will work directly with Penny McDonald and Jacob Golding, receiving personalized guidance in applying Alexander Technique principles.
Audit Tickets: $25 per session. Auditors will observe the process, gaining valuable insights into Alexander Technique and its application in performance and well-being.

Experience the transformative power of Alexander Technique in this exciting Masterclass with Penny McDonald and Jacob Golding. Designed for performers and anyone eager to learn, the event offers participation and audit options. With limited spots available, don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore Alexander Technique in Hobart.

Alexander Technique: LIVE! brings the transformative practice of Alexander Technique to the iconic Peacock Theatre in Hobart. Led by Penny McDonald, alongside Jacob Golding, this Masterclass provides an incredible opportunity to experience and witness first-hand how Alexander Technique enhances movement, presence, and well-being, particularly in the performing arts.

This event follows the widely used Participant/Audit format, a structure that offers deep learning opportunities for everyone involved. Participants work directly with Penny and Jacob, receiving personalised guidance as they explore Alexander Technique in action, while auditors observe the process, gaining valuable insights from a broader perspective.

This format has been successfully utilized by leading acting coaches around the world, including Howard Fine, a world-class acting coach renowned for integrating Alexander Technique into his Masterclasses. Howard’s approach demonstrates how Alexander Technique can empower performers to unlock their full creative potential, a philosophy echoed in this Masterclass.

With only 10 participant spots available, this is a unique opportunity to engage directly with the work live on stage or enjoy the equally valuable experience of auditing.

Wednesday 22 & Thursday 23 January 2025
Full Performance & Workshop Schedule available via The SESSIONS Project website

The SESSIONS Project is more than an arts event – it’s a celebration of local Tasmanian talent, creativity, and community. After a 12-month hiatus, The SESSIONS Project is relaunching at the Peacock Theatre in January 2025 with a 2-day series of specialised events. Discover unforgettable performances that inspire connection and celebrate Tasmania’s thriving arts scene.

This milestone event marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for The SESSIONS Project. From unforgettable live performances to inspiring collaborations, we thrive on creating spaces where our creativity can shine and audiences feel connected to the heartbeat of Tasmania.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to The SESSIONS Project, this is your chance to experience the magic of Tasmanian talent like never before. Explore the full lineup on the website and join us in celebrating the incredible depth of artistry our island has to offer.

This weekend is designed to offer during the first day a FREE Workshop with the Director of Drama of The National Drama School. This Workshop will explore some of the activities included in training at the National Drama School.

The second day is for Auditions for the 2024 Advanced Diploma of Acting.

Both the Workshop and Auditions are FREE, but Registrations are ESSENTIAL

Participants must be aged 17+

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DAY ONE : Workshop :
Saturday 14 September 2024, 10:30am – 3:30pm

DAY TWO : Audition :
Sunday 15 September 2024, 10:30am – 3:30pm

Workshop Dates :
Sunday 6 October 2024, 10:00am – 3:00pm AND
Sunday 13 October 2024, 10:00am – 4:00pm 

NOTE: If you’d like to only do one Sunday you can come along a single day class. There is $40 discount to book into both days.

Price :
$215 for a Single Day
or $390 for both Days
Includes all materials and personalised tuition.

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Sydney based fibre artist, Catriona Pollard, will be Salamanca Arts Centre’s Artist in Residence during October and will be holding a Workshop and Exhibition during her Arts Residency.

In this Workshop you will be learning and exploring four of Catriona’s favourite basketry techniques with materials you can easily access after the class so you can easily keep on weaving :
• random weaving with cane + inclusions;
• random weaving with long leafy plants;
• twining with jute with a pattern;
• looping with paper string;
• BONUS string / cordage demonstration.

By the end of this course you will be confident in multiple basketry techniques. Tapping into your creativity, like all of Catriona’s Workshops, it is so much more than just learning techniques, it’s an opportunity to tap into powerful creativity that is ready to surface. Learning at your own pace, in this hands on, practical workshop is all about exploration and experimentation not perfection. While learning basketry techniques, you will be reconnecting with your imagination and creativity.

It’s a small class so you get hands-on tuition from expert weaver, Catriona Pollard.

Suitable for beginners, or weavers who are looking to learn these techniques. If you’ve never done weaving before – perfect! You’ll love it and leave with finished basketry sculptures and the confidence to do more.

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About Catriona Pollard

Catriona Pollard is a contemporary artist who uses traditional fibre techniques to transform foraged plant fibres and recycled metals into evocative sculptural works which investigate human’s personal connection with the natural world.

Her practice has been recognised as a skilful exploration of ideas around nature and human’s relationship, the invisible forces and the movement of energy within it. Central to her work is the investigation of transformation and humanity’s connection, dependence, and the possibility of harmony with the ecological world.

Catriona has been selected for multiple solo exhibitions and exhibits extensively selected, group and touring exhibitions including the Australian Design Centre and Sturt National Craft Centre. She has been a finalist in many art awards including Australian Textile Art Award, International Art Textile Biennale, National Capital Art Prize, Environmental Art & Design Award, North Sydney Art Prize, Australian Fibre Arts Award, Ravenswood Women’s Art Prize and many more.

Her artwork is profiled across major art and design media and is featured nationally in galleries, high end design spaces and private collections. Watch her talk about her art at ABC TV and Gardening Australia and read in the feature in Good Weekend, SMH/The Age.  She is profiled in the Book: Woven Together: Weavers and Their Stories. See her website for more talks and media.

As a dedicated professional educator, she holds sold out sculptural basketry weaving workshops in Australia and internationally and teaches for design and craft centres. She holds demonstrations for organisations including Museums, and gives artist talks at galleries and community groups. She also established the online SchoolofBasketryArt.com with students from around the world.

Daily Opening Times :
Thursday 3 – Sunday 13 October 2024
Thursday – Sunday 11:00am – 4:00pm
Monday – Wednesday CLOSED

Contemporary fibre artist, Catriona Pollard’s tenth solo exhibition Where Stars Walk Upon The Mountain Top explores our spiritual connection to nature using woven sculpture to access the visceral and organic landscapes of spirit within nature.

The sculptures of foraged vines and recycled metal wire references the ancient basketry technique of looping that has been used across human cultures for tens of thousands of years. The looping creates patterns and a harmonious rhythm that the artist witnesses in nature.

The exhibition explores how the invisible, non-material realm can uncover the psyche of our place in the landscape, with the objective of reaching beyond the human narrative of the landscape.

By sharing dialogue with the materials and allowing them to inform the narrative of the artwork, it means that stories are formed and shared from the landscape in transformational ways – in a language that provides new meanings and relationships with spirit, nature, humans, and the landscape – and the interconnectedness of all.

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In conjunction with the exhibition and Arts Residency, Catriona will be running a Two Day Basket Weaving Workshop teaching four basketry techniques.

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About Catriona Pollard

Catriona Pollard is a contemporary artist who uses traditional fibre techniques to transform foraged plant fibres and recycled metals into evocative sculptural works which investigate human’s personal connection with the natural world.

Her practice has been recognised as a skilful exploration of ideas around nature and human’s relationship, the invisible forces and the movement of energy within it. Central to her work is the investigation of transformation and humanity’s connection, dependence, and the possibility of harmony with the ecological world.

Catriona has been selected for multiple solo exhibitions and exhibits extensively selected, group and touring exhibitions including the Australian Design Centre and Sturt National Craft Centre. She has been a finalist in many art awards including Australian Textile Art Award, International Art Textile Biennale, National Capital Art Prize, Environmental Art & Design Award, North Sydney Art Prize, Australian Fibre Arts Award, Ravenswood Women’s Art Prize and many more.

Her artwork is profiled across major art and design media and is featured nationally in galleries, high end design spaces and private collections. Watch her talk about her art at ABC TV and Gardening Australia and read in the feature in Good Weekend, SMH/The Age.  She is profiled in the Book: Woven Together: Weavers and Their Stories. See her website for more talks and media.

As a dedicated professional educator, she holds sold out sculptural basketry weaving workshops in Australia and internationally and teaches for design and craft centres. She holds demonstrations for organisations including Museums, and gives artist talks at galleries and community groups. She also established the online SchoolofBasketryArt.com with students from around the world.