Laurece West
Laurece is a voice and performance coach for Professional Singing and Career Invigorating Speaking™. She solves voice, speaking and communication challenges. Laurece enables her students to gain new speaking skills, free their voice and humor, and speak with confidence.
As a comedy and InterPlay improv actor, Laurece performed with Off the Deep End Ensemble and The Pit Comedy Improv Company. She co-directed Impromptu Players, serving Ronald McDonald Houses, UNC Psych Wards, and Senior Centers. Laurece was “Lo and Cho” with Cholena Erikson. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Laurece has been leading the Friday Nite Jam, an InterPlay improv community performance space on zoom. Find it at InterPlaync.org and come join in!
Laurece is singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. She regularly records and performs, creating an interactive audience experience.
ARTS-CURRICULUM INTEGRATION: (CAREER READINESS) (LANGUAGE ARTS) (MUSIC) (THEATRE) (STORYTELLING) (IMPROV) (PUBLIC SPEAKING)
Programs
Workshop/Residency Speak with Ease and Confidence™
GRADES: 6-8, 9-12
Students learn to release speaking challenges by participating in fun exercises to free their word flow, thoughts, and feelings. They’ll practice professional speaking skills, release stress, speak authentically with self-esteem, and develop powerful body language.
Max Participants: 24 (Max two back-to-back classes per day)
Duration: 60-90 minutes
Special Requirements: Large open space suitable for movement and distance between pairs of speakers. It could be a large classroom with tables and chairs moved to the side.
Fee: $187.50 per hour plus $12 for materials per workshop (Pricing is based on services provided to K-12 students. Contact the CAPS director to obtain pricing for college-level students & adults)
Workshop Ace Your Interviews!™
GRADES: 9- 12
Students interviewing for jobs or colleges gain powerful skills to engage interviewers and remain memorable. They’ll learn authentic storytelling, success mindset, confidence for negotiating, and clarity on their unique strengths to stand out and shine in interviews.
Max Participants: 24 (Max two back-to-back classes per day)
Duration: 60-90 minutes
Special Requirements: Large open space suitable for movement and distance between pairs of speakers. It could be a large classroom with tables and chairs moved to the side.
Fee: $187.50 per hour plus $12 for materials per workshop (Pricing is based on services provided to K-12 students. Contact the CAPS director to obtain pricing for college-level students & adults)
Performance Jazz Singing - The Swing and The Style
GRADES: 6-8, 9-12
Students learn about artist legends, their songs and history. The fun part for students to participate in exercises to use their voices, words, rap, sing, and scat creating Jazz improvisation. 5-piece band or Laurece with recordings.
Max Participants: 400
Duration: 45-60 minute sessions. (Minimum 4 sessions recommended for residency)
Special Requirements: Auditorium with sound equipment (for larger groups)
Fees:
Single Performance – $1,250
Two Performances – $2,187.50
(Pricing depends on the size of the requested ensemble. Contact the CAPS office to discuss your desired presentation)
Workshop/Residency Acting: Comedy and InterPlay Improv
GRADES: 4 – 12
Learning improv allows us to have great fun while creating performances on the spot. Comedy improv has a long history on streets, theaters, and TV shows. Students will warm up with games and follow a set of agreements about how the scene works. Each person makes up a character and acts as that person. InterPlay improv was created in 1989 and allows performers to create scenes from their own wisdom and life experiences. We will find our creativity individually and together! Surprising and magical things happen, as what is made up in the moment is so powerful that the audience thinks it was rehearsed. Moving stories are told, both heartfelt and naturally funny.
Max Participants: 30
Duration:
Workshop: 60-90 Mins. (Max 4 sessions per day)
Residency: 60-90 Mins. (3-5 Days recommended. Max 4 sessions per day)
Special Requirements: Stage or large space to move and practice; could be a large classroom with desks at the perimeter
Fees:
Workshop: $250 per session + $12 for materials per workshop
Residency: $235 per session
Residency Powerful Presentations
GRADES: 4 – 12
Students will work on developing the skills to give a great presentation in front of the class. Each will choose a subject of their choice for giving a 50-minute talk. We’ll work on their speaking voice, eliminating filler words, easing nervousness, dynamic body language delivering a clear message, and connecting with and engaging their audience. Students will share something they feel passionate about, receiving cheering support and experience the joy of entertaining their audience.
Max Participants: 30
Duration: Minimum 4 sessions needed for residency; 45-60 minute sessions
Special Requirements: Stage or large space to move and practice; could be a large classroom with desks at the perimeter
Fee: $235 per hour per class. (Pricing is based on services provided to K-12 students. Contact the CAPS director to obtain pricing for college-level students & adults)
All programs can be offered virtually
Students are able to learn and integrate these skills effectively online. Ms. West teaches and demonstrates a skill, then has students practice, then gives more information, students apply it, and so on. They work together as a whole and in small groups in Zoom “breakout rooms,” that Laurece can enter to help students individually. Active participation in these workshops makes it more fun, students pay attention and it allows them to integrate the skills thoroughly.
