About Me

My background is in theatre, music, circus, singing and large-scale performance.

With a degree in Drama and extensive vocal training I’m a theatre maker, choral leader, singer, published songwriter and qualified coach. 

I have led countless workshops and residencies across the UK and internationally for professional, corporate, and community clients of all ages for many years, and coached senior leaders and individuals online and in person since 2019.

I’ve directed and co-produced numerous arts projects and was Artistic Director of Helmsley Arts Centre 2012 - 2016.

Em Whitfield Brooks a middle-aged woman with long, wavy brown hair and light eye color, smiling softly outdoors with a blurred natural background.

I bring a multitude of styles and approaches to my performance coaching.

I have been coaching since 2019. I am also Associate Director of The Map Consortium, working across sectors with professionals, executives and organisations, often focusing on leadership, voice, presence, communication and women’s leadership.

I help people explore and refine the thinking and skills they need for the life they want to live.

I’ve facilitated learning and led projects supporting arts leadership for organisations including Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Opera North, the University of York and music conferences across the UK. I have taught at Northern School of Contemporary Dance, York St John University and directed performance projects for Leeds Playhouse, York Theatre Royal, Freedom Festival and choirs and performance groups across the UK and beyond.

My approach is mindful and values self-care.

Whether coaching or voice training, my approach is rooted in mindfulness, underpinned by three decades of meditation practice, guided by my teacher, the late Zen Buddhist master John Garrie Rōshi.

I help people discover, develop and deliver new ways into voice and communication to help people operate authentically - in leadership, creativity and everyday life.

Em Whitfield Brooks, a woman with shoulder-length brown hair gesturing with her right hand while speaking, wearing a colourful striped top and black jacket, with a neutral brown background and singing workshop members in the background.

Work With Me

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  • “I would recommend Em to anyone looking for thoughtful, compassionate coaching.”

  • “Em brings insight, care and brilliant facilitation and coaching not just to the 16 or so people in her tutor group, but also to the other 80 or so people involved as participants or co-tutors. What I love about working with Em as well as all of the above attributes, is her commitment, preparedness and depth of thinking behind all she does.”

  • “Em’s high leadership and team management skills helped us achieve stunning results and high quality performances.”

  • “Working with Em has been a genuinely transformative experience.”

If you’d like some support to decide what you need - get in touch for a free 20 minute no-obligation call.