A Day of Play at Ser Vivo

A day to move, sing, and play!
November 9th, 2025

Experience a day of deep play, creative discovery, and collective music-making.

 

At The Embodied Voice, we’ll explore how body and voice intertwine through somatic practice, improvisation, and co-creation. Expect laughter, liberation, and connection as we open space for authentic expression — no songs to learn, just pure spontaneous music made together. Hosted in the serene hills of Ser Vivo, Arrábida, with time to rest, share food, and walk in nature between sessions.

  • "Katie holds a magical space in her retreats that is improvisational, playful, educational, and safe. She creates connection by leading you through exercises that stretch your voice, your body and your heart. I have sung my whole life but had never done improvisational voice exercises before this retreat. I left using these exercises on my own and met a whole new group of friends from around the world who also love voice, embodiment and play."

    Dunya

  • “Kate's facilitation is seriously joyful and expansive, bringing out permission to play out of every participant, wherever it is they are at in their paths and relationship with their voices-bodies.”

  • “An exploratory couple of hours with Kate Smith is like nothing else I’ve experienced during the 40 or more years I’ve spent working with my voice.”

    Janne

Schedule:

10:00–13:00 – Morning Session
Laying the groundwork:
- Opening a space of play and discovery
- Somatic and vocal exploration to free the voice and release judgments
- Movement and vocal release
- Foundations of making music together: exploring rhythm, harmony, and melody

Lunch + Nature Break (13:00–15:00)
Savour a meal from Ser Vivo’s kitchen or bring your own lunch, and enjoy a restorative walk in nature.

15:00–18:00 – Afternoon Session
Diving into co-creation:
- Learning new forms and games for collective singing
- Circle singing
- Small group practice, play, and sharing

What is Co-Improv?

Collective vocal improvisation is the art of creating music together using only our voices and bodies — without a conductor or leader. Groups may use established forms or games to guide their music-making, or create freely from scratch. The results can range from rich soundscapes to rhythm- and harmony-based pieces that feel like complete songs.

What is Circle Singing?

Circle singing is a form of vocal improvisation pioneered by Bobby McFerrin, where a leader creates parts in real time and gives them to singers in the circle. Each layer builds into a living, breathing piece of music.

Details & Booking

Book Now
 

Investment

If possible, please sign up for the full day!
(However, if you can only make it for the morning or afternoon, you may purchase a separate ticket, but numbers will be limited.) 

Whole day tickets:
60EUR Regular ticket (45EUR low-income)

Half day tickets (limited):
38EUR Regular ticket (25EUR low-income)

Lunch

At checkout you will be able to select if you would like to order lunch for 12EUR.

Lovingly prepared by Ser Vivo chefs, lunch will consist of a vegan/vegetarian plate with a protein, salad, and grain/potato, followed by a dessert. 

We need a minimum of 8 people to sign up for lunch in advance, so please make your decision when you check out and don't wait until the day we arrive! ;) 🙏🏼


Location

Estrada do Vale dos Barris, 2950-055 Palmela


Dates & Timings:

Sunday November 9th


10am - 6pm

Get in touch with your vibrant, vital self - breathe deeply, move freely - vibrate, hum, and bellow - be moved by the magic of collective music making.

Join Us

Why Improvise?

  • To discover your authentic voice

  • To practice being present in the moment

  • To release perfectionism and all the “shoulds”

  • To experience the joy of discovery

  • To recognize that every voice is valuable and contributes to the whole

  • To learn musical essentials — harmony, rhythm, texture — in an intuitive way

  • To reconnect with your inherent creativity

  • To embrace the unknown and grow more comfortable within it

  • To join a supportive community where everyone is making it up together!

 

Do I Have to Be a Singer?

Not at all!


This event is open to all levels. Both experienced singers and complete beginners will find ways to challenge themselves, learn, and enjoy. Because the music is created collectively, you can choose how deeply you dive in — at your own pace and comfort level.

Book now
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EV Choir Lisbon Sep-Nov 2025