the cabaret workshop
Our most popular community workshop!
The Cabaret Workshop is a series of workshops and performances for community members of all ages, designed and run by award winning cabaret duo, Melissa Langton & Mark Jones.
These workshops have been run in many forms since 1998, starting at Capers Cabaret and currently still running annually at Chapel off Chapel. They are incredibly popular and are designed to give participants the opportunity to experience cabaret performing in a nurturing and relaxed atmosphere, and in the full workshops, culminate in a performance at a professional venue.
Melissa and Mark have now designed 2 community workshops designed for the wider community. You can choose from The Basic Cabaret Workshop which runs over 2 days or our full Cabaret Workshop which includes an audition and 4 full day sessions over a 4 week period culminating in a fully staged performance.
Option 1: The Weekend Cabaret Workshop
This workshop is held over 2 days (10am – 5pm Saturday and Sunday). Designed for 15 years +
Goals:
Participants will bring 2 or 3 potential cabaret songs of their choosing and sheet music. The songs will be contrasting – no more than one slow song/ ballad and at least one story song.
Over the weekend they will work on their songs and write script.
They will also look at developing their stage craft specific to the genre of cabaret.
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Option 2: The Full Cabaret Workshop
This workshop includes an audition and 4 full days of workshop. Designed for 15 years + with a maximum of 10 participants.
Audition: 2 weeks prior to first workshop session
Week 1: Saturday and Sunday (10am – 5pm)
Week 2: Sunday (10am – 5pm)
Week 3: Sunday (10am – 5pm)
This workshop is more intensive than the basic cabaret workshop.
Each participant will have written and rehearsed a 10 min performance that will be presented as part of a cabaret showcase concert on the final Sunday.
The showcase will be fully staged with Cabaret lighting and sound.
Goals:
Participants will bring 2 or 3 potential cabaret songs of their choosing and sheet music. The songs will be contrasting – no more than one slow song/ ballad and at least one story song.
During the first weekend they will work on their songs and write script.
They will also look at developing their stage craft specific to the genre of cabaret.
In Week 2 work will continue to develop their show. They will also work on staging their cabaret, have the opportunity to use a sound system and learn the art of interacting with a cabaret audience.
In Week 3 the participants will rehearse their shows on stage with full lighting and sound and then perform their 10 minute mini-show in one of two cabaret showcase performances for friends and family.
3 - 4 hour vocal performance masterclass
(length dependant on number of participants)
The Vocal Performance Masterclass is designed for singers who are looking for greater vocal flexibility and a more dynamic performance style.
The masterclass can help you nail your favourite genre - whether you’re looking for the relaxed groove of jazz, the emotional punch of pop, the earthy twang of country, the power vocals of rock or the theatricality of musical theatre.
Through guided exercises and individual coaching this masterclass will offer tips for developing your interpretive skills and increasing the impact of your performance, while always maintaining a healthy, grounded vocal technique.
What you can Expect
Expert guidance from experienced vocal professionals
Detailed advice to help you build a performance in
your particular genre.
Strategies in vocal technique to maintain vocal health.
Who Should Attend
This workshop is open to performers 15 years and over. Whether you’re just starting your journey or are an experienced performer looking to refine your skills, you’ll find valuable insights and practical tools to help you succeed.
3 - 4 hour music theatre audition masterclass
(length dependant on number of participants)
In this workshop, participants will learn how to select and prepare strong audition material, polish a 16–32 bar cut, and bring authenticity and storytelling into every performance.
What makes this workshop unique is the personalized coaching and feedback. Each participant will have the chance to perform, receive constructive notes, and immediately apply adjustments in a supportive, encouraging environment. You’ll not only leave with stronger audition pieces but also with techniques you can use for every audition moving forward.
What you can Expect
Expert guidance from experienced musical theatre professionals
Tips for choosing the right audition material
Strategies for handling nerves and building confidence
Who Should Attend
This workshop is open to performers 15 years and over. Whether you’re just starting your audition journey or are an experienced performer looking to refine your skills, you’ll find valuable insights and practical tools to help you succeed.
