Physical Expression and the Performing Artist

"A very valuable teaching tool for professors of acting, theater, singing voice, movement for actors, conducting, and dance kinesiology. Accessible and fresh, there is no other movement-based book for performers that looks so carefully at balance and body-mapping." --Sarah Barker, University of South Carolina "Jerry Schwiebert's approach has revolutionized my conducting technique, and I've seen his methods greatly benefit instrumentalists and singers as well." --Douglas Kinney Frost, Syracuse Opera Performers of all kinds know that "tuning up the body" is required to maximize performance. Physical habits, mannerisms, and posture can block the capacity for expression, often without the performer even noticing. Because of this, movement education--long standard in theater curriculum--is increasingly being adopted in other fields, particularly music education. Physical Expression and the Performing Artistis an organized approach to movement for all performing artists, based on the teaching of Jerald Schwiebert, master movement teacher and creator of popular workshops for actors, dancers, and musicians. Capturing the energy of Schwiebert's workshops, the book draws from the wisdom of traditions such as Hatha yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates, as well as from Stanislavski, Alexander, Feldenkrais, and Laban, to provide a fresh and accessible approach to movement. The book's nearly 300 illustrations highlight anatomical features and help readers pinpoint specific muscles, joints, and actions. The book will prove indispensable in movement courses and as a resource guide for professionals seeking to take their performances to the next level.