Viewpoints and Songs

Welcome to Viewpoints and Songs

If you’ve ever stood mid-song and thought, What am I supposed to do with my body?—this class is your answer. Viewpoints and Songs is a four-week exploration of the movement framework developed by Tina Landau and Anne Bogart, taught through the lens of sung performance.

A note from Jen:
This is one of the most liberating tools I’ve encountered in my artistic life. Once I became a Viewpoints practitioner, that question—What do I do?—disappeared forever. I always have something specific to focus on, something to execute, something to discover. The Viewpoints help you create from what already exists, instead of feeling pressure to invent from nothing. In other words, it’s the embodiment of my personal mantra: Within structure lies freedom.

Viewpoints is rooted in ensemble creation. It’s about deep listening, attuning to the energy of others, and responding in real time to what’s happening around you. If you’re tired of working alone in front of your self-tape setup, this is the antidote. This is the power of shared space, shared impulse, shared artistry.

In Weeks 1 and 2, we’ll focus on ensemble-based exploration of the nine physical viewpoints—Tempo, Duration, Repetition, Kinesthetic Response, Spatial Relationship, Shape, Gesture, Topography, and Architecture. You’ll build fluency in the vocabulary through shared space, group awareness, and reactive play.

In Weeks 3 and 4, we’ll layer in sung material. Yes, you’ll bring in a solo piece—but the work will still be grounded in ensemble interaction. You’ll engage with your material in real time, in real space, responding to actual stimuli, rather than imagining it in isolation. This is not about performing at others. It’s about creating with them.

This is not a lecture class. It’s a full-bodied practice space.

Real talk: If you’re looking for a technique that frees you into your body rather than trapping you in your head, this is the work.

Class size is limited to 10 artists.