Production Support
The barriers are not erected which can
say to aspiring talents and industry,
‘Thus far and no farther’.
– Ludwig van Beethoven
Extra talents that Sarah brings to production:
Expert attention to vocal health and safety (shouting, screaming etc)
Does your script require the heightened use of voice? If your actors are required to shout, scream, cry, sing, or even use peculiar voice choices they can often experience vocal strain and fatigue. Sarah makes sure that they can do this safely, and without losing their voice.
Troubleshoots all voice and performance-related issues (including vocal fry)
Sarah is trained in creating vocal profiles and analysis for the talent and can quickly discern any technical issues that need attention. Do your performers sometimes mumble? Are they frequently “off-voice”?
Whereas many vocal coaches and speech pathologists’ used to believe that vocal fry was a difficult issue to treat, Sarah uses advances in science and technology to remedy this issue immediately. This makes an enormous difference to the sound department. It is also less taxing on the ears of the audience, thus creating a better sense of connection with the performer.
Addresses and releases stress, tension and all symptoms of performance anxiety
Sarah has an advanced toolkit of M.E.T. techniques that promptly reduce all physical, mental and emotional symptoms of stage fright. Even experienced performers have reported the sudden onset of debilitating symptoms when facing new or difficult challenges. When the talent requires something much stronger than just relaxation breathing exercises, Sarah has over a decade’s experience of using these particular tapping techniques to immediately restore a person’s balance and focus.
Maximises the physical, emotional and mental health of the performer
Sarah can assist in text work and performance with her extended knowledge of M.E.T techniques to assist in vocal and acting choices. These techniques are non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical and directly help a performer deal with difficult material that may be ‘all-too close’ to their own experience of trauma.
Assists talent with issues of presence and chemistry
Sometimes, due to the writing of long character arcs, some performers struggle to produce requisite ‘chemistry’. Sarah specialises in an array of exercises that assist with presence and communication and can facilitate great new connections between performers so that they can feel safe while at their most relaxed, and vulnerable.
Manages their energy levels during long days and long shoots
Let Sarah show the actors (and crew-if desired) powerful tapping techniques to best manage their energy levels. She is an expert in how to boost your energy levels (without stimulants), and how to even out your energy when you need to sleep (without sedatives).
These techniques are also a fantastic aid to actors who are working in comedy and yet keep “breaking” on set. When exhaustion fuels those bouts of uncontrollable laughter (or tears), let Sarah quickly show you how to bring that into balance without affecting the ‘buzz’ in the room.
Assists in the rapid recovery of onset upsets, injuries and illnesses
The long hours in production can often lead to prolonged exhaustion, short tempers, injuries and a decrease in immunity. As many actors are aware that they aren’t afforded the luxury of sick days, this can also compound their condition. Sarah has expert training in customising tapping techniques to assist all matters of upset and illness.
Sarah has a reputation for being a quick-fire problem solver, who is highly attuned to the needs of the director and the demands of the performer.
Whether you need a voice and dialect coach on set, for pre-production or ADR, Sarah has an extended toolkit of exercises that directly troubleshoot all voice and performance-related issues. She also specialises in rescuing the talent from the bad habit of vocal fry, which is a low and creaky sound in the voice that is very hard on the ear of the audience.
Actors are often required to do things that they hadn’t anticipated and without the time to prepare themselves adequately. This can lead to a great deal of extra stress for the performer, and the tendency for them to push themselves beyond safety precautions. Not unlike stunt work, it is imperative that an actor has equal support when using their voice in a heightened way. This can include shouting, screaming, crying, singing, and even character choices that involve peculiar vocal usage.
Work with Sarah for particular attention to vocal health and safety. Using established vocal exercises, meridian energy therapy techniques and neurological hacks, she will prime the actors’ voice for effortless and dexterous usage, regardless of the time of day and the weather. She also provides expert care for their physical and mental health, as she is well equipped to help those suffering from exhaustion, illness and personal trauma. This leads to more efficient production scheduling and an elevated level of ease and relaxation on the set.
Sarah (centre) in Journey to the Centre of the Earth