Star Voices 
A one-day symposium on film star voices 

Tuesday 30th March 2010 in the Martin Harris Centre, University of 
Manchester 
10am – 5pm.

Co-ordinated by Dr Victoria Lowe (University of Manchester) and Dr Martin 
Shingler (University of Sunderland).

Confirmed speakers include:
Prof. Ginette Vincendeau (Kings College London)
Prof. Richard Dyer (Kings College London )
Toby Jones (Truman Capote in Infamous [2006])

In film studies, stars are often defined primarily in terms of their image, an 
approach that crucially neglects the contribution of an actor's voice to their 
star identity and their appeal for audiences. This symposium seeks to build and 
advance research on film stars by inviting a range of film scholars, including 
some leading exponents of star studies, to address and examine the issue of 
the voice within the promotion, performance and critical reception of film stars 
(both historical and contemporary). Issues under discussion will be:
•	the vocal work (i.e. method) and performances of a star; 
•	the formation and development of their voices (i.e. training and 
coaching); 
•	the reception of their voices and vocal work across a range of 
media; 
•	the technological interventions (and affects) of recording, miking, 
amplifying (e.g. Dolby surround sound) and dubbing voices; 
•	the relative importance of the voice in comparison to other defining 
features of a star's persona or `image' (e.g., costume, iconography, 
physical/bodily performance) 

The intention is to stimulate original research by both new and leading film 
scholars that contributes in significant ways to many of the existing debates 
on stardom. For instance, we hope that our contributors will engage with 
issues of vocal performance, taking into account the often collaborative 
nature of this work, including the contributions of teachers, coaches, dialogue 
directors and movie directors in the process of developing a star's vocal 
performance and style. 
The day will include papers delivered by our keynote speakers but will also 
provide scheduled time in order to stimulate debate on issues raised by the 
papers and discuss avenues for further research. Manchester University Press 
has expressed an interest in a publication arising from this event. 

The symposium is FREE but places need to be booked through the Conference 
Administrator,  Hannah Mansell. 
By Email at [log in to unmask] 
By Post at:
Hannah Mansell
Conference Administrator
Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL

Tel: +44 (0) 161 275 3319
Fax: +44 (0) 161 275 4994