This study examines the acoustic and perceptual effects of La MaMa Vocal Training, a demanding voice technique used by actors at La MaMa Experimental Theater Company in New York City. The actors undergo rigorous training in preparation for vocally demanding performances that require the use of a pitch frequency range from 46 Hz. to 2003 Hz. and highly variable intensity levels with loud sections ranging from 93 to 108 dB SPL at a distance of 30 cm. The wide range of pitch and intensity levels demonstrates extended voice use, a trademark of performances at La MaMa ETC.

A training efficacy study was conducted through an analysis of multiple baseline acoustic data collected pre-training, post-training and post-performance. Eight actors from the La MaMa Experimental Theater Company were tested before and after three months of La MaMa Vocal Training. They were tested again following a six week performance series. Three pre-training, three post-training and two post-performance data sets were collected using the CSL 4500 and analyzed using Real Time Pitch and MDVP programs. Tasks included maximum sustained phonation, maximum phonation range, sustained vowel phonation at a comfortable length, a spontaneous speech sample and reading of the Rainbow passage. Acoustic variables included maximum phonational range, maximum sustained phonation, fundamental frequency, maximum intensity levels and sound pressure levels. Perturbation measures included jitter, shimmer, percent relative average perturbation, voice turbulence index, noise-to-harmonic ratio and variability of fundamental frequency. The data were analyzed by comparing pre-training, post-training and post-performance means and standard deviations and non-parametric statistical analysis.

The post-training results revealed significant improvements in phonational range, maximum phonation time and a decrease in perturbation measures for the majority of subjects. Perturbation measures that increased remained within the parameters of normative data. Professional voice trainers listened to samples of this technique and judged that it would result in symptoms of vocal abuse. Contrary to this prediction, although the subjects engaged in many hours of extended voice use, post-performance measures indicated no symptoms of vocal abuse. The La MaMa Vocal Training is a unique method that helps to prepare the actor for extreme voice use in performance.