Feedback

We asked our lovely ‘Red Hatters’ what they thought of the workshops and collected them here to demonstrate just how much people get out of Red Hat Opera workshops. It’s important for us to get feedback so that we can continue to grow and progress as a community.

Communication:

“Enjoyed it! I liked the fact that there was room for all different skills and ways into the performance so not just vocal or physical. It was possible to get caught up in the crowd energy, but also to be aware of the “piece”. Also for me an exercise in letting it go the way it ‘should’ go! It was inspiring for everyone. Nice that we built on the other sessions with Guy and my vocal work. It all fitted together!”

“I loved the listening and collaborative process with all the group. Loved the physical togetherness and synchronicity that ensued. By the end we were pretty much a co-ordinated group and love how we worked from an individual to a mass body. Star Trek fans was like the Borg consuming component parts to becoming hivemind.”

“Coaching of the solo work was very interesting, liked what you picked up on, what each song/singer needed, and how you brought them forward.”

Group:

“I loved it! For someone who has not done opera EVER it was super fun and accessible. Left me with lots to think about and work from in my own word as a theatre maker. thank you!”

“I’ve been to an opera workshop before. Today’s was much better. I really enjoyed it and found it useful and fun.”

“It was a very energised session once more. Lots of insights and inspiration from Guy and the group. The improvisation element is challenging, stimulating and always great fun. Can’t wait for the next!”

“Thank you so much for facilitating this workshop: it attracted such a mix of people exploring their own path under your guidance in this session. The mighty clash of establishment/anti-establishment and archetypal contention using the Occupy movement was a great site-conscious choice. Thank you!”

“Such a fantastic warm-up! I’m terrified of improv, so having a safe space to explore things is absolutely crucial. I really liked taking characters from photos a prominent event.”

Diversity/community:

“I really enjoyed the session and got a lot out of it. I’m personally interested in the relationship between my body and its tensions and idiosyncrasies and how it affects/inhibits the voice of the movement, which promote vocal relaxation. I haven’t felt this vocally relaxed in quite a while and I seriously appreciate it. I enjoyed the diversity of performers and practitioners and their contributions. Workshop leaders were interesting, concise and passionate.”

“Inspiring. Nice community of like-minders. Big thank you!”

“Great session! Thanks for all the individual help and how you all came together to assist in ideas. Got a lot out of improv session too. Thanks for helping me get more emotionally raw with lyrics.”

Creation:

“The process of building up from basic physical movements to complex story-telling was fun.”

“Really nice ways to get everyone comfortable together! Enjoyed character development elements of session.”

“I liked the ’narrative’ content – the ability to work with a narrative in a largely abstract way.”

“Thank you Guy another gem of a session was amazing with a few prompts from you how quickly and clearly the song writing and song came together. It was inspiring and fun session. Amazing how easily the work comes together when keeping the focus.”

“Great workshop. Answered some struggles I have had with song writing in the past. Really looking forward to next time. “

“I like how the creative process unfolded the energy involved. It is very intriguing.”

“Beautiful process. Enjoyed the vocal warm-ups and opportunity to begin working collaboratively on the music so appreciated the sensitivity and pushing to challenge old ways and find a fresh voice.”

Performance:

“Learnt that I shouldn’t hold back just because I’m more experienced. The emphasis is on genuineness rather than achievement or technique.”

“Enjoyed all the different sections. The making of shapes + performing with one another + the emotional responses elicited. The duets was a stimulating challenge and enjoyed sharing + performing it. Loved the vocal work out with Elise. Opening up the voice + colouring sounds.”

Thank you ‘Red Hatters’

We couldn’t continue to grow as efficiently as we do without feedback from members of our group. They allow us to continue to run fun, diverse, well-structured and energetic workshops.