Alexander technique for actors : a practical course / Penny O'Connor ; illustrated by Jenny Quick.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

O'Connor, Penny, author.

Contributor:

Quick, Jenny, illustrator.

Series:

Performance Bks.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Acting--Technique.

Acting.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (170 pages) : illustrations

Place of Publication:

London : Nick Hern Books, [2021]

Summary:

Kelly McEvenue teaches the Alexander Technique, a method of physical relaxation that reduces tension throughout the body. This guide to the technique is specially adapted for actors to promote efficient use of the body. The book includes a series of step-by-step warm-ups and exercises.

Contents:

Cover

Half-title

Dedication

Title

Copyright

Contents

Acknowledgements

Foreword

An Introduction to The Alexander Technique for Actors

Introduction

F. M. Alexander's Story

Part 1: The Alexander Technique in the Theatre

How the Alexander Technique Became My Vocation

The Alexander Teacher's Role in the Production of a Play

The Principles of the Alexander Technique

1. Recognition of Habit

2. Inhibition - Pausing for an Instant to Arrest a Habit

3. The 'Primary Control'

4. Giving Direction - Learning to Use Your Thinking to Make a Change

5. 'Feelings' May Give Unreliable Feedback

6. End-gaining

7. Non-doing - 'Less is More'

The Anatomy Lesson

The Actor Prepares - Warming Up

Preparing the Actor for Rehearsal or Performance

Warm-up Exercises

1. Stretching on the Mat - Lying on the Back in the Semi-supine Position

2. Engaging the Adominal Wall and the Back Muscles

3. A Shoulder Stretch

4. Getting Up Off the Floor

5. Finding Balance or 'Centre'

6. Arm Stretching

7. Undulating Through Centre

8. Find the Hip Joint

9. The Rolling-over Exercise

10. Balancing into Walking

11. An Open-leg Stretch

Part 2: Putting the Alexander Technique to Work

Partner Work - Moving in Relationship

Partner Work and Spatial Awareness Exercises

1. Spatial Awareness Exercises

2. Endowment - Observing the Other

3. Stage 2 of Spatial Awareness

4. Contact Partner Work

5. Centrifugal Force and Opposition Exercises

6. A Mirroring Exercise

7. Status Work - Playing the High and the Low Brows

8. Tableau Exercise - Learning to Survive a 'Freeze'

The Table Work and the Alexander Technique

Lesson One

Lesson Two

Part 3: Alexander Technique and Voice Work

1. Alexander's Discovery

2. Voice Work and the Alexander Technique.

3. Musical Theatre

4. Opera Singing and the Alexander Technique

5. The Whispered 'Ah' Exercise

Part 4: The Alexander Technique and Acting Challenges

Relevance of the Alexander Technique to Acting

1. The Actor and Fitness

2. Character Work and the Alexander Technique

3. Playing Another Gender - from the 'Trouser Role' to the Drag Act

4. Imitation - Mirroring

5. The Kissing Class

6. Nudity

7. Alexander with Costumes, Wigs and Period Accoutrements

8. Mask Work

9. The Zoo Project - An Animal Study

10. The Lion King

11. An Elizabethan Bear

12. The Injured Actor

13. Understudies

14. The Ageing Actor

15. Falling and Fainting On Stage

16. Drunkenness

17. Martial Arts and the Alexander Technique

The Stage - How the Actor Adapts to Playing the Space

1. The Proscenium-arch Stage

2. The Raked Stage

3. The Thrust Stage

4. Theatre In the Round

5. Outdoor Theatre

Epilogue

Addresses.

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN:

9781788503853

1788503856

9781474279123

1474279120

9781848427587

1848427581

9781474279116

1474279112

OCLC:

1157095364