Writers are often daunted by the idea of reading their work aloud, whether in a classroom situation or public presentation. This workshop will teach writers to prepare and present confident, clear public readings using the same tools employed by professional actors:

• Warming up the vocal instrument

• Rehearsing the material

• Calming the nerves

• Delivering the work

Whether reading for an audience of one or one hundred, every writer can benefit from the self-editing techniques learned when reading their work aloud. Neither acting nor public speaking experience is necessary to benefit from the craft of acting.

During the course of this workshop you will:

• Bring a piece of your work you wish to read (one page, double-spaced, two copies).

• Be led in voice and body warm-ups using breathing and vocal exercises.

• Read aloud excerpts of published works by other writers to study pacing, phrasing, word choice and themes.

• Be coached individually by Mel as you read your work, with the class observing.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? LET MEL TELL YOU ABOUT THE CLASS HERSELF

What participants have said:

--"FANTASTIC CLASS. Mel is my hero! I learned. I faltered. I listened. I tried. I faced my fear and she changed my life. Truly inspiring. A great coach. Unforgettable!"

--"I would highly recommend this workshop! I've already put it to use to increase my confidence at delivering readings."

--"This workshop helped me understand my own writing better— how to interpret it."

MEL RYANE has been teaching “From Page to Podium: Reading Your Work Aloud” for eleven years at conferences across North America. During the Covid shutdown, she taught “Verse to Video” and helped writers tackle the specifics of presenting their work on camera. Mel draws from her acting career in the U.S. and her native Canada. She’s also worked as a dialogue coach on film and TV projects, including the hit sitcom “Seinfeld.” As a volunteer Mel Ryane created The Shakespeare Club, a program dedicated to teaching third-, fourth- and fifth-graders the works of William Shakespeare. Her memoir Teaching Will: What Shakespeare and 10 Kids Gave Me That Hollywood Couldn't, was released by Familius. In the Directing Workshop for Women at the American Film Institute she directed her short film, “Stepping on the Cracks.” Her screenplay “On the Head of a Pin” was a semi-finalist in the Nicholl Fellowships and she’s been published in the LA Times. Her agent is currently readying two of Mel’s novels for the publishing marketplace. Mel lives in Los Angeles with her husband, William, and their terrier, Linus.