The study of the Alexander Technique is required at the finest drama conservatories around the world, including the Yale School of Drama, The Juilliard School, ACT, the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
The Alexander technique is a gentle approach that aims to re-educate the mind and the body through a series of movements so the body uses muscles more efficiently. Actors trained in the Alexander Technique consistently feel more confident and free — physically, vocally, and creatively — to do their best work. The physical and imaginative freedom that can be discovered through the Alexander work can be a vital part of the actor’s craft.
All communication starts with the body. It is the point of origin for the voice, emotional life, and physical activity. It also creates and communicates meaning to the audience – our physical actions and responses are interpreted by the onlooker –and performers need to be in charge of this process.
In this workshop, actors develop an awareness of their psychophysical habits that cause tension and interfere with performance. By using principles of the Alexander Technique you will deepen the connections between your body, breath, and voice. Movement inspires this dynamic relationship by integrating all the parts of the actor’s instrument.
COURSE CONTENT:
- Connecting to the body through awareness with the Alexander Technique (getting out of your head)
- Freeing impulse and response patterns
- Finding the breath and rhythm of the character
- Recognizing the force of habit
- Improving breath coordination and vocal quality
- Improving our movement by learning to organize body relationships
- Understanding Means and Ends
- Making clear choices of intention
- Infusing direction in our thinking and movement
- Applying the Alexander Technique to monologues, sonnets, songs, and scenes
- Learning to develop characters physically (if I believe your body, I’ll believe your character