Physical Expression on Stage and Screen Using the Alexander Technique to Create Unforgettable Performances

by Connington, Bill

• ISBN13: 9781408182642
• ISBN10: 1408182645
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2014-08-14
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Methuen Drama

Summary

A tight throat; held breath; stiff muscles; stage fright: impediments to performance come in many guises, but they all spring from the same source—tension.

In Physical Expression on Stage and Screen Bill Connington, a renowned teacher of the Alexander Technique, shows you how to recognize and release the tension that keeps you from performing at your best. If you're ever not certain of what to do with your hands or how to make a meaningful gesture, or if your movement feels fine in daily life but then you suddenly become self-conscious when onstage or in front of a camera, this book is here to help.

More than one hundred clear, accessible exercises—including many filmed tutorials available online—will enable you to

• Move more naturally and easily
• Breathe more freely
• Speak more clearly
• Free your creative impulses
• Play a character with an unfamiliar physicality

Author Biography

Bill Connington, the former chairman of the board of the American Center for the Alexander Technique, has been a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique since 1984. He is a former faculty member at the Juilliard School, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, and the Actors Studio Drama School at New School University.

Table of Contents

A Note on the Exercises
Introduction
PART ONE Preparing Yourself
Chapter 1 The Alexander Technique and Theater Training
Chapter 2 Sensory Awareness
Chapter 3 Poise, Flow, and Choice
Chapter 4 The Use of Your Self
Chapter 5 Changing Your Mind-Body
Chapter 6 Breathing
PART TWO Organic Expression
Chapter 7 Using Your Imagination
Chapter 8 Conscious Imitation of Others
Chapter 9 Using Voice and Movement to Stimulate the Mind-Body
PART THREE Putting It All Together
Chapter 10 Auditions, Rehearsals, and Performances
Chapter 11 Your Psycho-Physical Health and Choice
Textual References
Acknowledgments
Index
Exercise Videos
Contact