Dr. Derek Mudd Dr. Derek MuddThe Temple College Humanities Series is presenting a lecture and workshop on vocal technique for speakers Tuesday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. in the Jackson-Graeter Backstage Theatre.

The evening will begin with a lecture by Dr. Derek Mudd, program administrator at the Texas Commission on the Arts. Mudd will offer advice and exercises to help people develop safe vocal practices for daily use.

The lecture is free and open to the public, and will be followed by a reception on the stage. During the reception, audience members will be invited to sign up for a more interactive workshop that will begin at 8 p.m. The workshop also is free.

The lecture and workshop are designed to help lawyers, politicians, clergy, teachers and others who depend on their voices for their livelihood. The Backstage Theatre is located on the west (5th Street) side of the Mary Alice Marshall Performing Arts Center on the Temple College campus.

Mudd holds an MFA in acting and a Ph.D. in communication studies from Louisiana State University. His dissertation, “Staging the Voice: Towards a Critical Vocal Performance Pedagogy,” surveys 19th and 20th century vocal training techniques in order to apply those techniques to voice professionals and others. He has presented at national and regional conferences, is a member of the Actors’ Equity Association, and has been a member of the Screen Actors Guild—American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

The Temple College Humanities Series, which was started in 2008, is designed to educate and entertain the Temple community while enhancing the humanities emphasis at Temple College. For more information on this event or other events sponsored by the Temple College Fine Arts Division, call 254-298-8555.

Mudd also will offer an abbreviated lecture and workshop for Temple College students and employees Oct. 23 at 12:30 p.m. in the Backstage Theatre.