City Beat singing workshop

Singer Chuck Marso performs with a necklace of plastic skulls. Karen Morrow uses the props to inspire students.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Singer Anne Hager performs with a toy troll. Teacher Karen Morrow has tricks to ease stiffness and shyness and stage fright. She shares them all over the country in master classes and at two local workshops a week for anyone brave enough to try.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Props are kept on chairs while participants wait to use them.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Stevie Stern sings to a tea pot.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Karen Morrow, center, shows, Dyanne Gilliam, right, how to use a prop to enhance a performance during one of Morrow’s weekly singing workshops at Westwood Presbyterian Church.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Instructor Karen Morrow works with a toy troll.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)