Shannon Holmes
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Shannon Holmes Statements

Updated: Feb 3, 2026 11:03 am

Research Statement

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As an interdisciplinary artist and scholar engaged in Practice-led research, my artistic practice and my scholarly agenda are in a continuous state of flux between disciplines and modes of practice– with voice remaining as the constant and unifying medium. I view my work holistically yet explicitly aspire to blur the lines between my academic and artistic work while always aiming to integrate theory and praxis fully. Autoethnographic research methods and performance practices ground my work as I centre ‘self’ in my practice and scholarship.

My projects span multiple disciplines and genres. These include scripted, devised, solo and ensemble theatre, classical, contemporary and improvisational music, and acoustic and mediated practices, and my work extends into both academic and professional arts communities. I disseminate my work regionally, nationally and internationally as a presenter, facilitator, teacher, performer, director, writer and editor.

My research aims to develop performance practices that address the gap in performer training by examining the dividing line between speech and singing. I apply methods that re-imagine traditional forms and allow performers to challenge their perceived technical limits. By employing an interdisciplinary approach, my methods challenge the performers’ capacity to somatically and emotionally connect with the material at hand.

Embodied vocal technique and cross-disciplinary inquiry remain vital facets of my research as I develop new practices in voice training for performers and new forms of theatre that move beyond traditional music-theatre. In my research, I conduct a full theoretical exploration of the connections between the lived body and voice while exploring methods that bridge the division between the singing and speaking voice in performance. In developing a new vocabulary and new physical and emotional economies for negotiating the intersections between the two, the resulting amalgam also allows the performer to create a new form of theatre in which both disciplines function together.

Teaching Statement

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Exploring practical strategies for performers to negotiate the challenges of maintaining a balance between technique and freedom of expression is at the heart of my pedagogy. The investigation of how a state of conscious spontaneity may be reached in performance through experiential and intellectually rigorous methods is central to my work in the classroom. I use interdisciplinary methods that span theatre, dance, music, media, somatic practices, and phenomenological insights to create holistic approaches to teach students to include body, voice and mind in their development as artists. My focus is to guide students towards an embodied knowledge of the material while supporting them to maintain academic integrity. My pedagogy centres on revealing the holistic performer by examining the connections between the lived body and voice through the centralization of self.

My methods bridge the gap between academic and experiential work. Auto-documenting one’s practice is essential to all of my studio-based classes. The creation of digital and analog archives combined with explorations into methods that effectively cultivate the performer’s capacity to use their own body as archive is a tactic I advocate. Students develop the tools they require to become effective artist-scholars through these practices. Just as establishing reliable physical and vocal skills in the studio is critical in my methods of performer training, providing them with the means to develop clear, consistent documentation practices is equally important. These proficiencies will remain with my students well past their academic careers and throughout their professional lives.

I am firmly committed to facilitating brave and safe spaces for students by maintaining flexibility in my pedagogy and recognizing the needs of each individual student. By centring inclusivity in the classroom I strive to create a learning environment where all voices are heard, and everyone feels valued, respected, and supported regardless of their background, experience, culture, race, gender, ability, or sexual orientation.

I acknowledge that systemic racism and exclusionary practices have long dominated the acting studio and am committed to ongoing education, self-reflection, and continuous work on taking action to decolonize my classroom and rehearsal spaces.

I advocate for a consent-forward classroom that centres on voluntary and explicit consent. I recognize touch as an essential pedagogical tool in the somatic methods I teach and in the wide range of theatre practices I engage in, and I aim to support a culture of consent within the classroom and rehearsal studio while helping students find agency in creating clear boundaries in their own creative practice and collaborations.

In sum, I bring a broad range of interdisciplinary pedagogical strategies to the classroom and promote using embodied creative processes to investigate history, theory and practice. Integrating these methods provides my students with a holistic performer training system rooted firmly in rigorous scholarship and inspired innovative practices. I centre inclusivity in my pedagogy and aim to create brave spaces where students are free to learn and create without inhibition.

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What Clients Say

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Effective Voice Coaching That Brings Real Change

2 weeks ago

Dr. Holmes has a strong and extensive background in voice and somatics, supported by both her academic training and artistic practice. She was able to accurately identify what I needed to improve in my voice based on my individual challenges, and her guidance was always precise and relevant. She was friendly and patient throughout the coaching process, and I felt relaxed working with her. The methods I learned during the sessions were integrated naturally, without pressure. Within a few weeks, a vocal issue that had previously troubled me was resolved through her coaching. I highly recommend Dr. Holmes’ voice approach and her coaching sessions.

Avatar for I W.
I W.

VALUABLE GUIDANCE FOR MY JOURNEY!

1 month ago

I wanted to revive my speaking ability and take good care of my voice. Shannon’s guidance was spot on! She helped me take strides in reaching my goals and was a delight to work with. I feel more connected with my breath and have some new habits that will help me retain what I’ve learned.

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Leila D.

A MUST FOR ENTREPRENEURS!

1 month ago

Shannon has helped me connect body, mindset, and breath to build habits that are giving me the clarity and confidence to speak up in my business. She is easy to work with, fun, and super knowledgeable. I’ve gained such a respect for the power of our voice!

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Angela D.

THE BEST FOR PUBLIC SPEAKERS / PODCASTERS!

1 month ago

Shannon is the absolute BEST when it comes to ensuring that our VOICE is our best asset as entrepreneurs & creators. She has helped me find more presence & confidence in all my endeavors, from podcasting to social media content creation to public speaking!!!

Avatar for Kelsey R.
Kelsey R.

Gets You Out of Your Shell

1 year ago

As a dancer who is hoping to one day work in theatre, but has no previous vocal training, I am so glad I started my vocal journey with Shannon. In a small group setting, I was able to learn so much about my voice and how it connects to things I already know about my body as a dancer. She is so encouraging and free of judgement. The knowledge and practice that I have gained from Shannon has been invaluable!

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Rebecca B.

Vocal Empowerment

2 years ago

I ADORE working with Shannon! Her whole-body, playful, process-driven pedagogy gets me out of my head and into my body, leaning into the character & story I’m portraying. Her coaching is fueled by a really special level of support, attentiveness, and curiosity. In her lessons, I feel empowered to make bold artistic choices, and ask expansive questions about my voice. I can’t stress enough that her guidance has left a very special mark on me to this day. I continue to utilize her teachings in my vocal practice on a day-to-day basis, especially when I’m feeling stuck. I trust her immensely and would recommend her in a heartbeat.

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Rebecca B.

A life changing educator.

2 years ago

Shannons pedagogy and practice as an educator was the missing link I had been looking for when it came to my voice. It was clear to me from the first time we worked together one on one that honing my confidence meant as much to her as it did to me. She made my comfort a priority, and in doing so, helped me discover a voice I didn’t know I had.

Her training, knowledge and experience make her an absolute professional and a confident educator. Meeting Shannon was a cornerstone moment in my education, and gave me a new sense of conviction in my capabilities. She helped me understand myself better, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Every time I sing (and because of her, I do it often) I think of her and the positive impact she has had on my life.

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Katie A.

The Queen of Voice

2 years ago

Shannon is an impactful, thoughtful and compassionate professional in her work. Not only does she see you as an artist – she sees you as a whole person. During the years I worked with her on my voice practice, I felt more empowered, more safe, and more free than I ever have.

Without her I217;m not sure I would have learned how to channel hardship into passion. Her voice still rings in my head at times when I am processing emotion.

She’s also hilarious. An absolute joy to be around.

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Cleopatra B.

Master of the Craft

2 years ago

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Shannon in multiple courses in my BFA, and she’s an absolute master of her craft! Her expertise on the voice completely revitalized my perspective on singing and helped me negotiate and heal damage to my vocal cords. As a working artist, I still use techniques she taught me all the time, and feel confident in my preparations for auditions. She is extremely patient and kind with all her students and helps them work through the very challenging vulnerability of the voice work. I saw her change a lot of peoples perspectives of their voice, and help them leave with confidence and genuine skills. Her skills are based in classical training and years of experience as a performer and she shares this expertise so that you can approach the voice and performance from so many angles and have pleasure and success in your work. Could not recommend enough.

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Miranda K.

The absolute best

2 years ago

Shannon is everything you want and didn’t know you needed in a voice coach. She’s kind, empathetic, and gentle while supported by years of rigorous training and technique. She teaches in a safe and shame-free environment that, at times, feels almost more like therapy than voice lessons. If you ever have the chance of working with Shannon, whether one-on-one or in a group setting, take it. Take it every time.

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Simon P.

A consummate professional

2 years ago

Shannon has been a teacher and trusted vocal advisor for years. Her dearth of academic and biological knowledge on the voice is only matched by her patience and empathy. She has always found ways to help me improve with her supportive and encouraging tone. Her vast intellect also allows her to personalize her teachings to what best fits each individual. Not only do I recommend her, but I myself continue to seek her counsel.

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Greg F.

Insightful and Supportive Educator & Performing Artist!

2 years ago

Dr Shannon Holmes is a joy to work with and a brilliant and insightful artist, scholar, and educator. Her expertise in singing, voice techniques, and theatre training modalities springs from her thought provoking work as a performer, extensive training in vocal arts, and her dedicated experience in higher education mentoring young artists. I have enjoyed collaborating with Dr Holmes and I often rely on her feedback in my own work and process. I highly recommend her as a collaborator, teacher, and mentor. If you have the opportunity to work with her, do it! — Misha Penton, PhD, singer-composer, filmmaker, and creativity mentor.

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Misha P.

Inspirational

2 years ago

I have known Dr. Holmes for nearly 5 years. I have worked with her on collaborative and solo projects. I have found Shannon to be an inspiration. She is imaginative, adaptive, and a problem-solver. A brilliant technician both for voice work and devising performance. Shannon has a lovely sense of humour and is a pleasure to work with.

~Brad Mcdougall Actor, Playwright, Singer.

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Brad M.

Amazing to work with!

2 years ago

Professor Holmes is an expert in her field and a fantastic person to work with. She is as considerate as she is articulate and you will be glad to have made her acquaintance.

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Carter L.

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