Helen Tiller, a trailblazing figure in the world of music theatre, opera, and television, and an Estill Mentor & Course Insturctor has passed away in Adelaide, Australia. Her remarkable career spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark on the performing arts and Estill Voice Training® community.
Below is a message to Estill Trainers from Estill Voice International President, Dr. Kimberly Steinhauer:
Dear Estill Voice Trainers,
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our esteemed EMCI and Estill Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Helen Tiller. Helen graced the stages of music theatre, opera, and television, commanding each role with finesse and versatility. She made history as the first female television newsreader in Australia, paving the way for all women in media. But I will remember her as a brilliant leader for Estill Voice Training® in Australia and throughout the world.
From the first day I met her in New York City, I was impressed that after her very long flights to the States, she appeared energetic, intelligent, and always dressed impeccably for success. I clearly remember and envied her beautiful scarf she draped around her neck that would anchor as she paved the way to share the Figures and Qualities with care and passion to every student. And, it was my pleasure to collaborate with her and the talented team of clinicians, scientists, and trainers who participated in the EVT Training Videos we proudly view at every course. Look for her hand signals & listen closely for her voice sneaking into some of the frames!
For those of you who did not have the pleasure of meeting Helen in person, we have included a biography that she used often when teaching and training students. It is a small snapshot of her many accomplishments. We look forward to sharing more and honoring her legacy at our upcoming retreat and symposium. Please feel free to share your memories with our Estill community. We have also been touched by many of the tributes on social media.
With heartfelt condolences,
Kim
Helen Tiller has extensive performance experience in music theatre (9 professional leading roles), opera and television. She was the first female television news reader in Australia. She conducted workshops for Professional Music Theatre companies – Phantom, Showboat, The Lion King – and was an experienced Estill Trainer in Australia. She had her own consultancy, where she worked with voice clients across the spectrum of Speech, Voice, Singing and Remediation. She was keynote speaker to the first ever Pan Asian Voice Symposium in Singapore in September, 2007. She has worked with State Theatre, Brink Productions, Flying Penguin Productions, Vitalstatistix and Windmill Theatre Companies and has taught at Sydney University’s National Voice Centre, Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Italia Conti School of Music and Drama in London and Astro Broadcasting Corporation in Kuala Lumpur. She has trained 4 of the current Television Newsreaders in SA and has worked at ABC News and Current Affairs, Imparja TV and at Channel 10. She worked as accent coach on the films Wolf Creek and Hey Hey, It’s Esther Blueberger.
