Biography
Academic
A Senior Lecturer in the University of Washington's School of Drama since 1990, teaching Speaking Voice, Speech and Dialects in The Professional Actor Training Program.
University of Washington School of Business since 2001, teaching Presentation Training and Communication Skills to MBA’s.
Presentation and Public Speaking Consultant
For twenty five years, I have worked with business people, as well as individuals from a diversity of professions, on maximizing verbal skills for Presentations and Public Speaking.
Professional Theatre
BFA in Acting from Carnegie Mellon University.
I began my career as an actor in New York and Seattle. For the past 25 years, I've worked as a professional Dialect Coach and Vocal Coach for The Seattle Repertory Theatre, A Contemporary Theatre, Intiman Theatre, The Fifth Avenue, Seattle Children's Theatre and The Oregon Shakespeare Festival. I'm a member of Screen Actors Guild (SAG), The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) and Actors Equity Association (AEA).
Specialized Voice Training
I am a Designated Linklater Voice teacher, one of a hundred or so worldwide, trained by Kristin Linklater, Master teacher in the speaking voice, whose training revolutionized American Theatre. Kristin is author of Freeing the Natural Voice and Freeing Shakespeare's Voice. For more information on her method, visit her website: http://www.kristinlinklater.com.
I am also a longtime member of The Voice and Speech Trainer's Association (VASTA) and have presented at VASTA conferences. My article, A New Dialect Curriculum, was published in The Voice and Speech Review.
Voiceover Announcer
In addition, I have used my vocal skills as an announcer and narrator for corporations such as Boeing and Microsoft and for numerous businesses as a radio and television commercial voice.
Recording Artist
Another aspect of vocal work is my love for ensemble singing. Having “gathered” songs from singers and teachers from around the world, I recorded an instructional CD entitled SING TOGETHER.
Click on this link to order your copy of Sing Together.
My Experience and Training Can Help You Overcome Your Speaking Obstacles
Call today to get started.
Vibrant Speaking
Judith Shahn
Seattle, Washington
Phone: 206-650-6270
jshahn@comcast.net