BIO

Hello, my name is Caitlyn Primous, and I am a freshman BM Music Theatre major from Marietta, Georgia. I was selected to be a part of the Honors Program here at Florida State University and am also a member of Presidential Scholars class of '25. The arts have always been a big part of my life and now I would like to contribute to the field by conducting research and devoting my time to my studies. My dream in life is to write music and create shows that will one day be able to change the world. But first, I want to learn all that I can about the thing that I love. I am excited to be sharing my research, and I am grateful for the opportunity and resources I was given to achieve my goals.

The Voice Behind the Mask

Abstract

To actors, one of the most important aspects of their job lies within their voice. Being able to have the upmost control and stability of their sound is how good actors can become great actors. This has posed the question upon many of, “how can we find our most natural voice?” We have decided to expand on this question and search to find the answer by observing actors in various stages of their training here at FSU.
METHODS: Eighteen students of various backgrounds were used in our examinations. The first step came in introducing a survey to our participants to learn more about the things that have affected their lives, and in turn their voices, up to this stage in their training. After the survey, we were able to begin closer investigations on each actor. All participants were given a monologue to perform. First at the beginning of a five-month period, and then at the end of it. In the time between, they were introduced to various exercises created by voice professionals that are stated to loosen the voice and allow a performer to connect to their roots.

Keywords: Theatre, Voice, Arts, Performance