Testimonials
Olisa Enrico-Johnson
“Groundbreaking, limitless, uplifting, The guided journeys are expansive, sensory, fantastic Makes the impossible –possible” Olisa Enrico-Johnson
Marlene Johnson, University of Alabama
“What the archetypal exercises unearth is a validation that the human voice is capable of vocal colors/timbre beyond what the average individual ever fathoms or allows to experience/express”. Voice/Speech and Acting teacher Marlene Johnson, University of Alabama
Pam Arkin, Longwood University
Re: Teaching “She has shared her knowledge of voice and speech training with untold numbers of aspiring actors and theatre practioners.” Pam Arkin, Longwood University
Tiza Garland, Movement Specialist at the University of Florida
“The archetype work is a wonderful way to open the creative imagination and allow students to explore possibilities. It also builds confidence in making solid and distinct character choices when approaching a role. Archetype exploration is a great way for beginning and experienced students to add variety to their approach to character development. Since exploring archetypes involves the whole body, voice and imagination, there are many times that workshop participants experience parts of themselves that they didn’t know existed.” Tiza Garland, Movement Specialist at the University of Florida
Daydrie Hague, U. of Alabama
“I have found the archetypal work an invaluable tool for exploring characterization with my students. It seamlessly incorporates impulse, imagination, breath, movement and sound within a narrative structure that allows us to improvise and connect to these archetypal essences that live within each of us. It takes us back to the ancient roots of ‘playing’ in the richest possible sense.” Daydrie Hague, U. of Alabama
Patricia Raun, Director, School of Performing Arts and Cinema, VA Tech
Re: As a Teacher by a Professional Teaching Colleague: “She is a dedicated teacher who challenges, nurtures, and inspires students and colleagues. Across the nation, Janet is recognized and admired for her skill and success as a teacher. Her colleagues flock to her workshops at conferences. “ Patricia Raun, Director, School of Performing Arts and Cinema, VA Tech “Her work as a teacher and mentor has positioned her as a significant driving force in shaping the direction and development of vocal training both nationally and internationally.…. Her contributions to our discipline are extraordinary.’ Patricia Raun
Daydrie Hague, Auburn University
Re: In the Profession: “She has provided visionary leadership and administrative support to both the Voice and Speech Trainers Association and the Southeastern Theatre Conference, championing the study and practice of voice as an integral component of the living art of theatre.” Daydrie Hague, Auburn University
Re : In the Profession: “The groundbreaking nature of her work in the profession and her leadership in our field is profound.” ….“Her leadership of the profession is exemplary.” Her long history of service within our professional organization (the Voice and Speech Trainers Association-VASTA) her seminal work in vocal pedagogy and leadership of the first graduate program in our field, and her excellent record of creative activity combine to make her one of the four or five strongest university-based voice practioners in the nation.”
Kate Ufema, U. of Minnesota
Re: In the Profession: “I am inspired by her accomplishments. And I am beyond grateful for her service. Without her focused energy, the voice and speech profession would not be what it is today, a recognized, legitimate, and desirable discipline. Through her work, Janet has become an internationally respected member of the voice profession and an admired teacher, coach, and performer. She initiates, stimulates, collaborates, disseminates, and serves. And she will continue to do so.” Kate Ufema, U. of Minnesota
Randy Lutterman, Director, SpringboardNYC, American Theatre Wing
Re: Teaching Evaluation by a Theatre Professional “I have always been consistently impressed with her championing of students and her knowledge of the professional arts community and its unique demands.” Randy Lutterman, Director, SpringboardNYC, American Theatre Wing
Lisa Wilson,U. of Tulsa
Re: Professional Workshops: “Her presentations at the VASTA conferences have been clear, thoughtful, mature explorations of the teaching pedagogy for voice. Her sessions are always well attended because her work is highly respected.” Lisa Wilson,U. of Tulsa
Dijana Milosovic, Co-founder and Artistic Director of DAH Teatar, Belgrade, Serbia
“She has Deep respect for individuals with whom she works; The highest level of integrity and conscience; Abiding belief in the possibility of a transformational power of theatre in relation to society; Diligence and highest attention to details. Dijana Milosovic, Co-founder and Artistic Director of DAH Teatar, Belgrade, Serbia
Dijana Milosovic, DAH Teatar, Belgrade, Serbia
“She always transmits what is the most important in our work to her students: the ability to determine priorities in every segment of the work, punctuality and precision in realization of tasks and also flexibility in the realization of tasks that are not included in the work description.” Dijana Milosovic, DAH Teatar, Belgrade, Serbia
Erica Tobolski
“Janet effortlessly reaches each [workshop] participant in a manner that is at once engaging and inspiring.” Erica Tobolski
Patricia Tedford
“Observations upon teaching the Archetype work: “Students who appeared trapped inside of their perception of themselves, their identity limiting their range of choice, were able to break out of these self imposed cages and explore freely- finding energies, ways of being, and experiencing story beyond their current understanding of their worlds.” “This work turns non-speakers- students who are either unable or too fearful to articulate their experience or share their perceptions, into speakers who do both: thereby making their discoveries more conscious to themselves, and at the same time giving them the satisfaction associated with having a voice: finally feeling after what seems like a lifetime of waiting for their turn-that they have something significant to contribute. The outcome: the watchers are turned into doers.” Patricia Tedford
Vicki Shaghoian, Professor, Yale School of Drama
“This kind of improvisational work gives the actor permission to play—there are no wrongs or rights attached to the work. Technique is not part of the exercise.“… “ I was excited to return to the studio/classroom to encourage the actors to tap into, discover, and revel in their individual imaginations, finding room to play with skill and abandonment simultaneously. “ Vicki Shaghoian, Professor, Yale School of Drama
Megan Persinger, Instructor, North Carolina School of the Arts University
“Her consistent professionalism, her ability to treat all students with equal respect, her dedication to students in and outside of the classroom, her dedication to developing rigorous and relevant coursework, her high level of expectations – all of these frame who she is as a teacher.” Chris Shannon, former graduate student.(our fight instructor) asked me to introduce the students to the Archetypes work as a means of finding new layers to their characters and scenes. It was wonderfully inspiring for them and for me. I’m always inspired by (but never surprised by) the freedom, sense of play, and hunger that my students bring to each project. They dove headfirst into the “mini-journeys” that we worked through. They found many images and new perspectives to work with, and new experiences to enrich their characters, scenes, and selves. The Huntress was an especially joyous experience. By the time we got to the Huntress’ journey, it was dark out, but it felt unjust to experience her journey indoors when we had a grassy space just outside our door. We went outside and howled at the moon, smelled the night air, and probably woke up the neighborhood. We each had a small moment of grieving as we trooped back inside afterwards. I thought of you, and how much you’ve inspired me and supported me through the years. I hope this makes you smile, because it certainly made me smile. It was one of the most joyous experiences I’ve had here (which is saying a lot, considering how much I love it here!). Thank you for everything you’ve done for me over the years; your wisdom, love, and support have made a huge difference in my life. Megan Persinger, Instructor, North Carolina School of the Arts University
Jacquelyn Prater
“Janet shows students that it is ok to be different, to find your own voice, and to cultivate it in a manner that enhances your personal process. She teaches her students to access not only their physical voice, but to find their inner voice and gives them the courage to follow it.” “Even now, I know that she cannot fully comprehend how much she has shaped not only my professional work, but my entire life.” Jacquelyn Prater
Cate Brewer
“I had many voice teachers before and since my 3 years with Ms. Rodgers, and I can honestly say that she is the best all around Voice Teacher I have ever had the good fortune of working with.” Stefan Sittig “Janet is one of the few artists and teachers who are in a constant state of discovery. She always has her eyes open to the world and new experiences, and she is able to bring this to her art and to her teaching.” Cate Brewer
Josh Chenard
“She delights in process; the work, the explorations, the discoveries, the frustrations, and the victories we face day to day as actors and artists. What makes Janet such a unique and amazing teacher is her ability to inspire that same delight and joy in her students. Her passion becomes our passion, and her love for the work, becomes our love.” Josh Chenard
Jacquelynn Camden, MFA, VCU
“Throughout a scholar’s life, if they are lucky, there are a few select teachers who really inspire them as artists and help them grow as individuals. I have been fortunate enough to have Janet Rodgers as one of my guides on this educational journey and am here to speak for her professionalism, her wealth of knowledge and her ability to nurture and help her students grow. She is by far one of the most wonderful instructors I have ever encountered and I feel blessed as an artist and as a person to have had her in these pivotal years of my life.” Jacquelynn Camden, MFA, VCU
Jacquelynn Camden, MFA, VCU
“Janet has a remarkably graceful way of allowing artists to explore the room while squelching any fear that may inhibit creativity, while also making sure that the artist knows that there is an unspoken standard set for the amount of work expected of them.” Jacquelynn Camden, MFA, VCU
Trevor Dawkins, BFA, VCU
“Janet B. Rodgers….is one of the most influential teachers I have ever studied with. Janet’s passion for life, her insistence in finding beauty and truth in all things transcends into her work that she passes along to her students. Her knowledge of voice and speech is unprecedented, and her ability to connect to students from all corners of the globe is a testament to her tireless effort to bring this element of theatre to the forefront of education.” Trevor Dawkins, BFA, VCU
Thomas Cunningham, VCU
“In the classroom, she creates a supportive and judgment-free environment in which to explore voice….Her knowledge in her field is unrivaled, her skill in imparting that knowledge is an inspiration, and working alongside her is a privilege. “
Thomas Cunningham, MFA VCU
“Janet brings limitless excitement and passion to her work…I have never once seen her complacent – I have never seen her content to stop searching for new ways of understanding the voice, or content to stop developing new ways of educating students in its applications.”
Monica Dionysiou
“What sets Janet Rodgers apart is her enthusiasm for learning. It is clear that she loves to teach, however, it is more evident to her students as well as anyone who meets her, that she lives to learn.” Monica Dionysiou
Paul Valley, Professional Actor and Teacher
“She has an almost encyclopedic understanding of the craft, an extraordinary heart, and a bottomless love for her students.” Paul Valley, Professional Actor and Teacher
Quintin Hartt
“Ms. Rodgers’ professionalism, integrity, and energy have fueled my creative spirit in all areas of my education.” Quintin Hartt
Olisa Enrico-Johnson, MFA VCU
“I fell in love with Shakespeare in her class because she made it accessible across cultural and class boundaries.” Olisa Enrico-Johnson, MFA VCU
Olisa Enrico-Johnson. MFA VCU
“In working with Janet for the past three years, I have witnessed and coveted her ability to accept and encourage people, even through disciplinary action, with a grace and kindness that encourages fearlessness and change…..She has a magic way of allowing the student actor to be who they are and, without overt challenge, fostering growth both on stage and off…..Olisa Enrico-Johnson. MFA VCU
John DeBoer, Associate Professoar of Acting/Directing, University of Montana
“She is a pioneer in her field…” John DeBoer, Associate Professoar of Acting/Directing, University of Montana
Joe Carlson, Actor and teacher with Synetic Theatre, Washington, D.C.
“With passion, discipline, and enthusiasm for her craft, Janet makes every class an adventure and an imaginative exploration through the world of voice and speech. Janet expects great things from her students, and will not accept I can’t or won’t. All she asks is that you work with courage, take risks, and not be afraid to fail…which is easy to ask in a class room environment that is supportive and challenging.” ….The lessons I have learned from her extend far beyond the realm of voice.” Joe Carlson, Actor and teacher with Synetic Theatre, Washington, D.C.
Lionel Walsh, Director, School of Dramatic Art, University of Windsor
….Janet was seminal in my development as an actor and a teacher of theatre at the post-secondary level.” “Janet’s enthusiasm was instrumental in her ability to bring students to the table and engendering their own enthusiasm for the work…..What I learned in Janet’s classes gave me tools to develop character, discover vocal tempo/rhythm, and to overcome vocal problems in rehearsal and performance.” Lionel Walsh, Director, School of Dramatic Art, University of Windsor